Where is the chassis number stamped on the Audi A3?
3 Answers
Audi A3 chassis number stamping location: Open the hood, there is a plastic panel above the left front wheel. Lift it up to see the chassis number. Introduction to the chassis number: Also known as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), it is a set of seventeen alphanumeric codes that serve as the car's ID. Each vehicle has its own unique chassis number. The letters and numbers in the chassis number represent information such as the vehicle's production region, manufacturer, production year, model, etc. Detailed interpretation of the chassis number: Chassis number positions 1-3 (WMI): WMI World Manufacturer Identifier. The first digit represents the production country and region, while digits 2-3 represent the manufacturer and vehicle type. Chassis number positions 4-9 (VDS): VDS Vehicle Descriptor Section. Digits 4-8 indicate the vehicle's category, series, body type, and engine type, among other details. The ninth digit is the check digit. Chassis number positions 10-17 (VIS): VIS Vehicle Indicator Section. The tenth digit identifies the production year. The eleventh digit is the assembly plant code. Digits 12-17 represent the production sequence number.
I've been driving an Audi A3 for five years, and the VIN stamp is usually located on the driver's side door frame. Open the door, and you'll find a small metal plate on the inner edge engraved with a 17-digit alphanumeric combination—that's the VIN. It took me some effort to locate it the first time because the spot is a bit hidden. Remember to clean off any dust or use your phone's flashlight to illuminate the area for better visibility. There might also be a label on the firewall in the engine compartment, but the primary location for the stamped VIN is the door pillar. The position is generally consistent across different model years like the 2018 and 2020 versions, though older models may have a backup on the chassis. To be safe, it's best to check the owner's manual for reference. If you can't find it, don't panic—ensure you're safely parked before searching, and avoid distractions on the roadside.
With over a decade of experience in car maintenance and repairing numerous Audis, I can confirm that the most reliable location for the A3's VIN stamp is on the inner side of the driver's door frame. Simply open the door and inspect the metal area at the base of the door pillar—the impression is clear and can be revealed by wiping with a cloth. There might also be a small label at the bottom left corner of the windshield when you lift the hood, but the stamped VIN is the authoritative version. Note that post-2015 models have standardized this location with minimal changes. The process is straightforward and takes just two minutes, but remember to avoid doing it while driving for safety. A pro tip: always cross-check the VIN with the registration certificate when purchasing a car to prevent fraud—this is something I'm well-versed in.
