How to Find Your Turbocharger Part Number

How to identify the correct turbocharger for your vehicle

Finding the correct turbocharger part number is the only reliable way to make sure you’re ordering the right unit. There can be multiple turbo variants fitted to the same engine depending on year, power output or setup, so going off model alone can easily lead to the wrong part. If you're looking for a replacement, browse our range of remanufactured turbochargers available for UK-wide delivery.

In reality, the part number is not always easy to get to. Turbochargers are usually mounted low on the engine or tucked behind other components, and the ID plate or stamped number can be difficult to see without removing parts around it. On older units, heat, oil and dirt buildup can also make the markings hard to read.

Because of this, identifying a turbocharger properly often comes down to a bit of experience. You’re not just looking for a number, you’re checking location, layout and matching what’s fitted to the engine. Taking the time to confirm it properly will save you fitting issues, returns and wasted time.

What if you can’t find your turbocharger part number?

We can confirm the correct turbocharger for you using:

Your vehicle registration (UK vehicles),
or VIN number also known as chassis number (for imports)

This allows us to match the exact unit fitted to your vehicle and avoid any fitment issues before ordering.

Send us your details through our contact page and we’ll confirm the correct turbocharger before you order.

VIN number location A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) also known as chassis number is made up of 17 letters and digits and is unique to your vehicle.
In most cases, it can be found at the base of the windscreen on the passenger side. Depending on the vehicle, it may also be stamped or displayed in other locations:

– under the bonnet (stamped into metal or on a plate)
– driver’s door jamb (usually on a sticker)
– bodywork or chassis (riveted plate or stamped)

Your vehicle handbook will confirm all VIN locations, but if that’s not available, check around the windscreen, under the bonnet and near the front doors.

Where is the turbocharger part number located (turbo ID plate location)?

The part number is usually found on a small metal identification plate fixed to the turbocharger, or stamped directly onto the housing.

Common locations include:

compressor housing (cold side),
centre housing (core of the turbo),
occasionally near the actuator or linkage.

On some vehicles, it may be visible from above or underneath the car, but access is often limited. Turbochargers are typically mounted low on the engine or positioned behind other components, so it’s not uncommon to need a torch, mirror, or to remove surrounding parts to see the markings clearly. If your turbo is being replaced, it’s also worth checking for issues like a blocked DPF, as this is a common cause of turbo failure.

If you do manage to locate the number, take a photo rather than trying to read it in place. It’s far easier to zoom in and confirm the details properly, especially if the markings are worn or covered in dirt.

What information is on the turbocharger plate?

Most turbocharger identification plates will include a few key details used to identify the unit:

Turbocharger part number - This is the main number used to identify the unit and the one you should rely on first.
OEM number - The reference used by the vehicle manufacturer. This can also be used to match the correct turbo.
Serial number - Unique to that specific turbocharger. This is not used for ordering or identification.

In most cases, either the turbocharger part number or the OEM reference will be enough to match the correct unit.

If the turbo is still on the car

If the turbocharger is still fitted, accessing the part number can be difficult.

In some cases, it may be visible with a torch from above or underneath the vehicle. On others, it’s completely hidden behind engine components. This depends largely on the engine layout and how the turbo is positioned.

We often see people try to identify the turbo based on the vehicle alone and this is where mistakes happen. The same engine can be fitted with different turbochargers depending on year, power output or specification.

If you can’t see the part number clearly, don’t guess

If the turbo is already removed

If the turbocharger has been removed, identification is much more straightforward.

Look for:

A metal identification plate.
Or stamped part numbers on the housing.

These are usually easy to locate once the unit is out and accessible.

As before, taking a clear photo is the best approach. It avoids confusion, especially if the plate is worn, dirty or partially faded.

What does a turbocharger part number look like?

Turbocharger part numbers vary depending on the manufacturer, but they usually follow a consistent format made up of numbers and, in some cases, letters.

For example:

A Garrett turbo may show a number like 700447-0008
A BorgWarner unit might appear as 5303-970-0064
A Mitsubishi Heavy Industries turbo is often 49135-07310

You may also see a shorter model code or additional reference numbers alongside the main part number, depending on the brand and application.

The important thing is to always use the full part number. Even a small difference at the end of the number can mean a different specification, so relying on partial numbers can easily lead to ordering the wrong unit.

Common turbocharger manufacturers

Different manufacturers use slightly different numbering formats, but once you’ve seen a few, they become easy to recognise. The key is to match the full number exactly, regardless of brand.

Garrett

Typically 6 digits followed by a dash and 4 digits. Sometimes zeros from the last 4 digits are excluded.

Example: 845275-0001

IHI Corporation

Often identified by a model code such as AL0058, RHF5 or VF series, sometimes alongside a shorter reference number.

Honeywell

Common format is 6 digits- dash - 4 digits.

Example: 818183-0032

BMTS Technology

Usually matched with OEM part number (8 digits without dashes) over BMTS part number.

Example: 55508703

Borg Warner (KKK)

Common format is 4 digits dash 3 digits dash 4 digits. You may also see model codes like TD04 or TF035. Most of the time dashes are excluded.

Example: 5303-970-0546

Mitsubishi

10 digit number, starts with 4. Usually formatted as 5 digits, dash, 5 digits.

Example: 49378-01643

Holset

Common on vans and commercial vehicles. Usually identified by model codes such as HE221W or HX35 rather than a long numeric part number.

Continental

Usually start with CONTI followed by 7 digits.

Example: CONTI7633795

What if you can’t read or find the turbocharger part number?

In some cases, the turbocharger part number isn’t usable or can’t be found at all. Heat, oil contamination and corrosion can wear the identification plate over time. On older or high-mileage units, the markings may be faded, damaged or completely missing. In other cases, the plate may have come off entirely, making identification harder.

So, can you identify a turbocharger without a part number?

In many cases, yes - but it needs to be confirmed properly.

The most reliable way is to use your vehicle registration or VIN number, which allows the exact unit to be matched to your vehicle. Clear photos of the turbocharger can also help, especially when comparing the housing, actuator and overall layout.

While the part number is always the safest way to confirm fitment, it’s not the only method. We identify turbos like this every day, and in the majority of cases we can match the correct unit without needing the part number.

There’s no single format that covers every turbocharger, and part numbers aren’t always easy to read - especially on older or high-mileage units.

Confirming the correct number before ordering avoids incorrect fitment and unnecessary delays.

If you’re unsure, don’t guess - confirming the correct turbocharger part number before ordering will save time, avoid fitting issues and prevent unnecessary returns.

How to find your turbocharger part number?