Volkswagen Build Guide And Model Years

Did you know that Volkswagen provides a build guide for their vehicles, 1999-present? This guide is an invaluable resource in aiding you make sure you find the correct body repair manual.

For example, if you were to search for a 2018 Golf, the search results would give you the following options:

DESCRIPTION FOR SEOFigure 1 - Volkswagen Golf Model Years.
  • Golf [BX6] (➤ 2017)
  • Golf [BQ1] (➤ 2017)
  • Golf [AU2] (➤ 2017)

The first thing to be aware of is that even though 2017 is listed in the search results, these are for models 2018 and newer models. This is what the "➤ 2017" means. When you open the body repair manual (Figure 1), it will also show a different year as well. However, it is the correct body repair manual as it is showing greater than 2017 models.

The second thing, which model should you choose? This is where the build guide will provide the expanded information. To locate the guide, you will need to log into their subscription-based website.

  1. Click on Service Information (tabs across the top of page).
  2. This will take you to the Search page.
  3. Look for "For a list of all VW vehicles, refer to the ➤ build guide" (middle of the page)
  4. Click on the blue build guide hyperlink, this will download the build guide PDF.
  5. Scroll through the document until you find the correct year and model. In our example, the search results would be:
    • BX6 - Golf SportWagen/Alltrack
    • BQ1 - Golf R
    • AU2 - GTI

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