Explanations of the HSN, TSN, and KBA numbers

In order for vehicle systems and their units to function for a long time, the components do not have to only be of high quality, but also fit perfectly into your vehicle. When selecting the components, most online shops require the HSN/TSN code or a KBA number. Not all vehicle owners know where to find these. We explain these codes and tell you where you can find them.

The three most important reasons why a selection of items is not always correct depending on the vehicle model and brand

• Vehicles of the same model may have small differences in the markets of different countries. These are identified by the KBA number.
• i Vehicles of the same model but of a different year may also differ.
• Different vehicles are marked with the same name. The purchased components may have a completely different design, or difficulties may arise during installation.

KBA number: where can I find it and what is there

The Number is issued by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure and is unique for each vehicle. Not only can you select the right components for each vehicle, but you can also determine the vehicle's insurance group.

The KBA number also consists of the HSN and TSN codes, which in turn can be found in the vehicle's registration certificate.

In those documents issued before September 30, 2005, the HSN is printed in field two of the Registration Certificate and the TSN code in field three. In the certificates issued after September 30, 2005, the HSN is located in the first part of the registration certificate in section 2.1. and the TSN in Section 2.2.

The HSN code: Who is the manufacturer of your car?

The HSN code consists of four digits and indicates the vehicle manufacturer. Sometimes products from the same group of companies are marked with several HSN codes, or, on the contrary, they can show one code on different brands. This is because the same group of companies can own multiple brands. Therefore vehicles are only identified by this code in combination with the TSN code.

Examples for the HSN codes:

• 0708, 0009, 0710, 0999, 1313, 7605. These numbers are used here for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
• This code indicates different Citroën models.
• 0037, 0588, 0590, 0591, 7967, 8307. Codes for Audi vehicles.
• 0035, 0039, 2127, 3041, 7115, 7526. These combinations are used for Opel vehicles.
• 0005, 0575, 7909. These are the most common codes for BMW.
• 0600, 0603. These indicate different models from Volkswagen.

TSN code: more information about your car

The TSN code, in turn, consists of three digits or characters and it contains data about the model of the car, as well as the fuel system, as well as the type of engine, body and other various important characteristics. However, it does not contain any information about the manufacturer of the vehicle and is therefore always used in combination with the HSN code, as this is the only way to fully identify the vehicle.

Examples of HSN/TSN numbers :

• 0588/348. These numbers characterize the turbocharged 20v quattro station wagon Audi 200 Avant with 182 hp and (134 kW) 2119 cm³ petrol engine.
• 0588/358. This code stands for the Audi 200 Avant quattro, with a 165 hp (121 kW) 2200 cc petrol engine.
• 0588/371. These numbers designate the Audi 90 Coupé with a 133 hp (83 kW) 1970 cm³ petrol engine.
• 0588/379. These characters stand for two models with a similar design: the Audi 80 and the Audi 90 sedans with 54 hp (40 kW) and 1570 cm³ diesel engines.
• 8307/ACB in turn designates the Audi TT 1.8 TFSI Coupé with 179 hp (132 kW) and 1798 cm³ petrol engine.
• 0009/370. And this combination is used in vehicles from another brand, namely the Mercedes-Benz 200 D 8 sedans with a 54 hp (40 kW) 1971 cm³ diesel engine.

Conclusion : In order to avoid mistakes in the selection of components and not to waste time in replacement, always prefer online shops that use those HSN/TSN codes, such as CarTipsandmore. So you can be sure at all times that you are selecting exactly the components that fit your vehicle. On top of that, you can also ensure long and particularly effective operation of all systems.