Close-up of a workshop cart with car parts and tools. Two brake discs are stacked next to an oil filter, a drive shaft and a digital measuring tool. In the background, parts of a garage with a car are out of focus.

Guide: How to find the right spare part for your car

The right part for your car at Biltema – Why the OEM number is the key

Buying spare parts online should be easy, but the automotive world is complex. Unfortunately, it is sometimes not enough to simply search by the car’s registration number. Within the same model year, manufacturers may change components, which means that two seemingly identical cars may require completely different parts.

To help you feel 100% confident in your purchase and avoid unnecessary returns, we always recommend checking the OEM number.

How to find the right spare part for your car

Step 1: The registration number

Start by entering your registration number on the website. This filters out parts that generally fit your car model.

Warning: Sometimes the system shows two or three different variants of the same part (for example, different brake sizes). If that happens, continue to Step 2.

Step 2: The VIN number

Look in your registration certificate for the "Identification Number" (VIN). It consists of 17 characters. The product description often states: "Fits up to chassis number ... 123456".

  • Compare the last six digits of your VIN with the number in the text to see which "generation" of the part you have.

Step 3: The OEM number

This is the most important step. The OEM number is the car manufacturer’s own part number. If the number on your old part matches the number in our product text, then you know it fits.

What is an OEM/OE number?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. It is a unique part number that the car manufacturer has assigned to the specific part installed in your car at the factory.

Why is the OEM number so important?

  • Guaranteed fit: Does the OEM number on your old part match the number in our product description? If so, the part fits, regardless of what other lists say.
  • Save time and money: By checking the number before ordering, you avoid having the car taken apart only to discover that the part does not fit.
  • Technical updates: Car manufacturers often make changes (for example, to brake systems or sensors) in the middle of a production run. Only the OEM number takes these exact details into account.

How do I find my OEM number?

  1. On the original part: The number is usually stamped, cast, or printed on a label directly on the part that needs to be replaced.
  2. Contact an authorized workshop: If the number is unreadable, you can call an authorized workshop for your car brand. By providing your registration number, they can find the exact original number for the part you are looking for.

Tip: Can’t find the OEM number in our product text? Contact our customer service and we’ll help you verify that the part fits your car.

Example: The search for the right brake pads

Let’s say you own a 2012 Volvo V70. You need new front brake pads.

  1. Search by registration number: You get two different results. One for a "16-inch brake system" and one for a "17-inch brake system". You do not know which one your car has.
  2. Check the VIN number: The product text states:

Option A: Fits up to chassis number -185000.

Option B: Fits from chassis number 185001-.

Your VIN ends with 192442. So now you know that you need Option B.

    3. Double-check with the OEM number: To be completely sure, you remove the wheel and see that the number 30793941 is stamped on the back of the old brake pad. You also see that the same number appears under "Original part number/OEM" in our product description for Option B.

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