Find Your Air Spring: Match by OEM or VIN

Find Your Air Spring: Match by OEM or VIN

When replacing your car's air springs and shock absorbers, the most frustrating question is: "Is this the right one for my car?" Choosing the wrong one not only wastes money but can also lead to installation failure, driving malfunctions, or even damage to other components. Don't worry! This guide will reveal the two most reliable and accurate matching methods: OEM part number and vehicle identification number (VIN), making it easy to find a perfect replacement with a "factory-like fit."

Why is a generic search unreliable?

Same Model, Different Configurations: Even cars of the same make, model, and year can have completely different air springs depending on the production batch, optional packages (such as sport suspension, comfort suspension, towing packages), or sales region.

Differences that are difficult to detect visually: Air springs that appear similar can have key differences in mounting brackets, height, airbag volume, valve interface, or electrical characteristics (such as built-in sensors).

"Similar" can mean "very different": Forcing incompatible parts can lead to air leaks, incorrect ride height, electronic system errors, unbalanced handling, and even premature failure.

Two Golden Rules for An Accurate Match:

1.Identify the original OEM part number (The Gold Standard)

What is it? This is the unique "identification number" assigned by the automaker to the original air spring. It's usually printed directly on the old part (requires disassembly and inspection).

How to find it?

Disassembling the old part: This is the most accurate method. Remove the old air spring (or have a technician do it for you) and look for a string of letters and numbers on the rubber air spring housing, metal end cap, or label (e.g., Mercedes: A 220 320 01 82, BMW: 37 10 6 786 368, Audi: 4F0 510 115 AH).

Service records/manuals: If your vehicle has complete service and repair records, they may contain the numbers of replaced parts.

Dealer/repair shop inquiry: Provide your VIN. An authorized dealer or authorized repair shop can look up the original factory-installed part number.

2.Use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (The Master Key)

What is it? Your vehicle's VIN is a unique 17-digit number that contains all of its core configuration information (engine, transmission, year of manufacture, manufacturer, suspension type, etc.). It's typically located on the lower left corner of the windshield (driver's side), on the B-pillar plaque, or on the vehicle registration document.

Why is it so powerful? The VIN unlocks your vehicle's "birth certificate," telling parts suppliers exactly which air suspension system your vehicle was equipped with when it left the factory.

Contact our Customer Service: If the online tool is unsure, provide your VIN to our customer service staff, who will help you find the exact system.

Benefits: Highly accurate matching results are achieved without disassembling the old part, especially when the part number is worn and illegible.