Part numbers: how precisely do they have to match?

[pds999]

I have chosen to get a used climate control unit (from a breaker) to replace the broken unit in my Audi A4 Avant. The part number for mine is 8E0 820 043 C but the only one I have found so far on the net is on eBay and is 8E0 820 043 B. Does the fact that it is a B not a C at the end mean it won't work? i.e. does the part number need to match exactly? My unit and the used unit look identical and are for the same car and model although mine is a 2002 and the used one comes from a 2001 (A4 Avant).

Thanks for any thoughts...

[lucas88]

I'd say that almost certainly it will fit and I'd imagine that the wiring will be exactly the same. Even, for instance, if you were to buy one with the seat heating controls I'd expect it to be ecactly the same aswell. Saying that, you can never be sure without looking.

[nickynibbles]

Sometimes it can be a big deal but more often than not the last letter just denotes a revised unit for a new year. This is most often seen in the stereos, there's a new letter every year pretty much! As long as all the numbers are the same as they are in this case you should be fine with this used unit.

[Crasher]

Your car has heated seats; the control panel you have found is for cars without heated seats. 8E0 820 043 C changed to L and then to AD.