Bentley is referring to 'm.y. 1996' for example in a lot of instructions.
I have a 1996 A4 2.8 quattro auto, but found bits and pieces of other than 1996 years in there.

How can I determine the 'manufacturing year'?

IIRC, on the door sticker it had May 1996. Is the sticker date the official 'm.y.'
Is the VIN telling it?
VAGcom?

I need to code the HVAC module, and depending on the m.y., there are different codes to be used.

The installed module:
Part No: 8L0 820 043 D
Coding: 04162
Code is for m.y. 1997, Audi A4, Nippondenso compressor (no speed sensor), 6 cyl, gas engine USA/CDN

I will verify compressor type.
But if my 'real' m.y. is 1996, the code should be:
00162

 

I checked the driver side door sticker (silver/metallic).
Date code says 03 96

Should all the modules then be coded for that manuf year?

VIN: WAUEA88D0TA209419

Engine code (5th): A = 1997 SOHC; (1996: D (SOHC), 1997: A)
So Engine code points to 1997!

Model year: (10th): T = 1996
Model year fits.

???

 

So, I checked and installed is a Nippon Denso compressor (no compressor speed sensor G111, so third digit in the code is 1 (for Denso) vs. 0 (for Zexel).
1996 m.y. year has 00 first 2.
Fourth digit is 6 for 6 cylinder gas
5th/lastis 2 for USA/CDN.

Code is supposed to be 00162

Original module was:
Part No: 8L0 820 043 D (5/98)
Coding: 04162
(that would be a m.y. 1997 A4, Denso compressor, 6 cyl engine, USA)

Does not let me change code to 00162.

Tried the 043 B (6/07). Does not allow to change to 00162 either.

Found a note in Bentely: A/C Display Control Heads beginning with Part No 8L0 820 043 should only be installed in m.y. 1997 vehicles. Note: ALL modules start with that number.

Also: Denso compressor must have display Index H to allow 00162 coding.

xxxx043 after D: all vehic up to m.y. 98 w/o radio navigation to VIN 1999999 of m.y. 99

 

hi,
i found in my A4 in the boot well (trunk ) beside the spare tyre a manufacturers sticker that identifies paint code and other option codes, maybe that may help if yours has that info sticker?