How to Read Truck OE Part Numbers: Mercedes-Benz, MAN, Scania, Volvo, DAF

An OE number is the identifier a vehicle manufacturer gives to a part. It is the most reliable way to order a replacement, because names vary from one catalogue to another while the number does not. The difficulty is that every manufacturer formats its numbers differently.

The formats at a glance

Make	Typical format	Example	Notes
Mercedes-Benz	Letter + 10 digits	A 457 130 45 15	Usually written with the leading A. Often searched without it.
MAN	11 digits in three blocks	81.96503.0332	Blocks are separated by dots or a dash.
Scania	6 or 7 digits	1935600	Purely numeric.
Volvo	7 or 8 digits	11061508	Purely numeric.
DAF	7 digits	1518909	Purely numeric.
Renault Trucks	10 digits	5010458510	Often starts with 50 or 74.
Iveco	8 to 10 digits	98424674	Purely numeric.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz numbers start with a letter, most often A, followed by ten digits. They are printed in groups, for example A 457 130 45 15. The first three digits point to the vehicle or engine series the part was first designed for, and the next three to the construction group, such as brakes or cab. The same part is frequently fitted to other series, so do not read the first block as a fitment list.

When you search, try the number with and without the A. Many catalogues store it both ways.

MAN

MAN uses eleven digits in the pattern XX.XXXXX.XXXX. The first two digits are useful: 51 generally marks engine parts, 81 vehicle and chassis parts, and 06 standard parts such as bolts and seals. You will see the same number written as 81.96503.0332, 81.96503-0332 and 81965030332.

Scania, Volvo and DAF

These three makers use plain numeric strings without a built-in structure. The risk here is confusion between makes: a seven-digit number alone does not say whether it is Scania or DAF. Always state the make together with the number in a request.

Renault Trucks

Renault Trucks numbers are ten digits. Since Renault Trucks became part of the Volvo Group, many parts carry a Volvo number as well, and a Renault number starting with 74 is often the Volvo number with 74 placed in front.

Three habits that prevent wrong orders

1. Copy the number from the part or the dealer invoice, not from memory.
2. Send the make with the number. 1935600 is not enough. Scania 1935600 is.
3. Add the chassis number (VIN) for anything safety-related. It lets the supplier check the exact build.

On Bulapp, every part page lists the OE numbers it cross-references. Paste a number into the search box in any format and the catalogue will match it.