How to choose parts for a Chinese car? VIN, OE number and photos
Check what data and photos to prepare to make selecting the right part for your car easier.
When selecting parts for a Chinese car, prepare the VIN, exact model designation, OE number of the part you’re looking for, and photos. These data should be checked together with catalog information. The mere appearance of the part or the model name is not enough to confirm compatibility.
In this guide we explain what to prepare before purchasing and how to provide the seller with information needed to verify the part.
1. Start with the vehicle data
Prepare the make, model, year of manufacture and drivetrain version. If the car was imported from China, indicate this in your inquiry.
The trade name and year of manufacture do not always describe all features relevant to part selection. Depending on the model, equipment level, target market and production changes may also be important.
Therefore the information “I need a lamp for this model” is a good conversation starter but requires clarification.
2. Provide the VIN
The VIN identifies the specific vehicle. In catalogs that support the car and VIN lookup, it helps narrow the selection to the correct configuration.
Send the number as text, and if the marking is illegible — also a clear photo. Check that you didn’t omit any character when transcribing.
However, the VIN is not a universal guarantee of automatic matching. The amount of available data depends on the catalog and support for the specific model. Sometimes additional markings or photos of the installed part are required.
3. Read the part's OE number
The OE number is the catalog designation used by the vehicle manufacturer. It helps identify the required part and verify its applications.
If you have access to the label or markings on the old part, take a photo and transcribe the entire number. Keep letters, digits and any suffixes intact.
Not every marking on the housing is a part order number. It may also be a material designation, production number or supplier code. That’s why it’s worth sending a photo of the entire label instead of selecting one visible code yourself.
Searching by OE numbers is also used in supplier catalogs, such as Bosch catalog. Search results still require verification of application in the specific vehicle.
4. Take photos that help with identification
The most useful photos show:
• the whole part;
• the label and all markings;
• mounting points;
• connectors, if present;
• the installation location in the vehicle.
Photos supplement the catalog information. A similar shape does not confirm compatibility - differences may concern fastenings, connections, or fittings.
Do not disassemble a part solely to take a photo if it requires specialist procedures. In such a case, ask a workshop for assistance.
5. Define exactly what the order should include
Before purchase, it is worth confirming not only the part number but also the contents of the offer.
For example, when ordering bumper components ask whether the offer includes only the fascia or also grilles, trim pieces, and mounts. For a lamp, check whether the necessary fittings are included in the set.
If you are using an EPC catalog diagram, indicate the item position and attach its corresponding parts number table. The position number on the drawing is not the same as the OE number.
List of information to request
Before sending a message prepare:
• the vehicle make and model;
• the year of manufacture and drivetrain version;
• the VIN;
• the vehicle market of origin, if known;
• the name of the required part and its mounting location;
• the OE number, if available;
• photos of the part and its markings;
• the required quantity.
If you do not know some information, state that directly. Do not guess the part number or version.