Chassis numbers code difference

[rocketron]

I am considering buying a car, which I have put a deposit on, but there is a discrepancy between what is shown on both the service book and the chassis number shown under the windscreen and what appears on the logbook.

It was brought to my attention when I did a HPI check.

The logbook shows a code which starts WAU, which I am told by HPI, is a standard start of a chassis code for Audi. The rest of the code is the same in both instances.

The service record and car start with WUA. I know that the car was independently imported from Germany and it is RHD. Could this be the reason for a different start to the chassis code or could it be a typo by DVLA? Or am I getting shafted.

I have made enquiries with DVLA and am getting the owner to sort it out directly with them but it has put me off a bit. I am not proceeding any further until its resolved.

What do you think?

[timba]

I thought that too when I spoke to Audi but have seen three RS4' swith that code and mine has it too !

[PhilT]

I did a search for WAU and got this:

http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... wau#107333
http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... =wau#52521

[simple1]

WUA denotes RS model.......... WAU is the usual for ordinary Audi........RS2, RS4 and RS6 will all start with WUA.......... Nothing to do with quattro........ as old UR is WAU.....so it is to do with Quattro Gmbh

[Nickm]

Typing error perhaps?

[rocketron]

Knowing that the WUA code is an RS code gives me some comfort. I think it is probable that it’s a typo. I have spoken further to the DVLA the want the owner to supply a rubbing of the chassis number ( as in brass rubbing ) to prove that it’s the WUA code.

They will then do a cross check to see if there are any other cars with the WAU code prefix and then if there not they will change it and issue an other V5

Would you be satisfied with this? Sounds ok to me

Ps where is the chassis number shown other than under the windscreen. The bloke selling the car hasn’t a clue and wants to get the rubbing so he can clear it up for me.

[timba]

My chassis number is in the engine bay just in front of the battery stamped on the metal, should have a plastic clear sticker over it

[dace]

Noticed that both my log book and MOT show WAU, however the car and service book states WUA. As you said it must be a "typo". I"ll have to get my V5 changed.

[gezzerS4]

This has caused me some probs in the past too, when I bought the car from dealer I did an independant HPI, it came back with a error, as they had it as WUA and Log book was WAU, he (dealer) then spent tons of time convincing HPI they were wrong and changed it to WAU.

But as you all say WUA is correct for RS models, I subsequntly got logbook corrected to WUA , so log book now reflects correct code but hpi will always show an error, going to be a nightmare come time to sell

[ScottyBoy]

I had exactly the same problem with mine and its a great relief to hear so many other's have also had this mix up, a problem shared is a problem solved and all that. I have lost many nights sleep over this so thank you RS246 and all its members. Simple1 is exactly right and i am led to believe it is a clerical error although i took my Log book, service book all Audi Stealer receipts photos of the correct chassis no. on the windscreen in the boot and under the bonnet and old MOT's to my local DVLA to ask them to change it, to be told i had to send it all in with a covering letter to the manager which i did 3 weeks ago and the only reply i have had is to say they are looking in to it.

[rocketron]

I have spoken to the vendor again this morning. He has contacted Audi and has been told that Audi will send a letter to confirm the RS model designation starts with the prefix of WUA instead of the normal prefix of WAU and that no other Audis carry either chassis number.

He will then be sending off this and photos of the chassis number, together with a rubbing of the chassis number to DVLA. Hopefully this will clear matters up.

Has anyone any experience of how quickly the DVLA will process this?

[ScottyBoy]

I have spoken to the vendor again this morning. He has contacted Audi and has been told that Audi will send a letter to confirm the RS model designation starts with the prefix of WUA instead of the normal prefix of WAU and that no other Audis carry either chassis number.

He will then be sending off this and photos of the chassis number, together with a rubbing of the chassis number to DVLA. Hopefully this will clear matters up.

Has anyone any experience of how quickly the DVLA will process this?

Have a look at my post before this one i did the same thing and ive been waiting 3 weeks so far, this will be the fourth week.

[JohnW]

RocketRon, if it helps I have over 100 cars details in the register, and those that supplied the full chassis number rather than jusyt the last 6 digits all stated them as being WUA.
I have also been and checked both my car and my docuementation, and they are all WUA.

If you have difficulties I am happy to write an email as the custodian of the register to help substantiate this situation if the letter from Audi does not materialise. Give me a PM if you want me to do this.

Good luck !

Cheers,
John.

[JohnW]

Ron,
I just responded to your PM. This car is not one that was in the register.
Do not let that discrepancy put you off if all the other info checks out correctly, including all old bills, mots, etc.
I suggest you speak to Kim at QST as you say they serviced it.

Finally, fyi, it seems ALL rs4s have the same start of chassis #, regardless of country, or lhd / rhd. Only the last 6 digits differ to identify the specific car. And the option codes of course.

Cheers,
John.

[rocketron]

Thanks for the information John.

I will send you all the details you have asked for to update the register ASAP.

Thanks also for your offer of the letter with regards to the chassis number, I will let you know if I need it, but it looks like its getting sorted now.

Thanks to all who have posted. It has helped to put my mind at rest and to get things sorted out.