ETKA Online (VAG parts catalog) and 7zap: which is better for original parts lookup
For many years the ETKA VAG catalog has been the reference solution for original parts lookup for Volkswagen Group vehicles. It is not surprising that people so often search for queries like “etka online”, “etka audi”, “etka vw” or “audi etka”. Today, however, more and more professionals and car enthusiasts are switching to the online catalog 7zap, which not only reproduces ETKA functionality but clearly goes beyond it.
This guide explains what ETKA is, how dealers use it and why the modern online catalog 7zap.com has become more convenient in everyday work: it keeps full VIN filtering from the original ETKA, supplements it with advanced filters by engine, gearbox and other parameters, and is available from any device with a browser.
- What is the ETKA VAG catalog
- Which brands are covered by ETKA
- How ETKA works
- VIN handling in ETKA
- Limitations of classic ETKA for everyday users
- 7zap as a modern ETKA online alternative
- Why 7zap is ahead of ETKA in practice
- How to use VAG catalogs on 7zap
- VAG catalogs on 7zap: Audi, VW, Porsche, SEAT, Skoda
- Who benefits most from switching to 7zap
- Screenshot ideas for this page
- Conclusion: ETKA or 7zap?
VIN accuracy
ETKA‑level VIN decoding filters out incompatible parts for your exact configuration.
Smart filters
Drill down by engine, gearbox, market and more — even without a VIN on hand.
Works everywhere
Full access from phone, tablet or desktop — no Windows install required.
What is the ETKA VAG catalog
ETKA (Elektronischer Teilekatalog) is the official electronic parts catalog for Volkswagen Group. It has been used since the late 1980s by dealer networks and large parts wholesalers all over the world.
ETKA contains complete OEM information for VAG spare parts:
- original part numbers and accessories;
- consumables, fasteners, oils, fluids and sealants;
- applications by models and modifications;
- replacement history and current part numbers;
- linking to markets and equipment via VIN and PR codes.
Classic ETKA is a Windows desktop application. It requires installation, a license and regular database updates, and its interface is primarily designed for professionals.
Which brands are covered by ETKA
Within the Volkswagen Group the ETKA catalog covers the main passenger and light commercial brands:
- Volkswagen (passenger cars);
- Audi – often referred to as “ETKA Audi” or “Audi ETKA”;
- Škoda (Skoda);
- SEAT / Cupra;
- Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (Transporter, Crafter, etc.).
A closely related catalog is Porsche PET for Porsche vehicles. It is structurally very similar to ETKA and is used in the same way by Porsche dealers.
How ETKA works
The ETKA interface follows the typical logic of a professional electronic parts catalog (EPC):
- Select a brand: Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, SEAT and so on.
- Select a model using an internal code (for example 5E, 3C, 8V).
- Select a section of the vehicle: engine, suspension, body, electrics, interior, etc.
- Open an exploded diagram of the assembly.
- Click on a position in the diagram and read the original part number from the table below.
The diagram and table complement each other: you see how the assembly looks visually, and you see all the part numbers, descriptions, quantities, notes and supersessions in the list.
VIN handling in ETKA
One of the key advantages of ETKA is parts selection by VIN code. ETKA connects to the factory database, reads the exact vehicle specification (engine, gearbox, drive, options) and shows only those parts that were really installed on this car.
VIN‑based ETKA lookup gives you:
- minimal risk of ordering a wrong part;
- correct regional specification and market options;
- automatic filtering of incompatible variants.
For many years VIN filtering has been the main reason people looked specifically for “ETKA online” instead of generic parts catalogs. The important thing is that the online catalog 7zap preserves this VIN logic completely and goes further by adding advanced filtering by technical parameters.
Limitations of classic ETKA for everyday users
For dealers ETKA is a familiar and powerful tool. But from the point of view of a typical Audi, VW, Skoda or SEAT owner, classic ETKA has several drawbacks:
- Complex setup. It requires installation, licensing and updates and is usually tied to a dealer environment.
- Model selection by obscure codes. Instead of “Golf VII” or “Octavia III” the user sees internal codes such as 5E, AU, 3G and so on. Without experience it is easy to get lost.
- Desktop‑oriented interface. ETKA is designed for large monitors. Working with it comfortably on a phone or tablet is almost impossible.
- Filters aimed at professionals. Yes, there are PR codes and VIN, but the search logic is tuned to dealer workflows. A simple scenario like “pick the car by name and generation, then filter parts by engine or gearbox” is not really available to a regular user.
As a result many people would like to have ETKA online – with the same factory diagrams and VIN accuracy, but accessible from any browser. This is exactly the niche where 7zap.com comes in.
7zap as a modern ETKA online alternative
7zap.com is an online platform for OEM and aftermarket parts lookup. For VAG brands 7zap provides an OEM catalog based on ETKA data, but redesigned specifically for the web and for everyday users.
For Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda, SEAT and Porsche the 7zap catalog uses the same type of exploded diagrams as ETKA. However, navigation, interface and filtering are built so that both professionals and enthusiasts can easily work with it without prior training.
Today the 7zap catalog is ahead of classic ETKA in real‑world usage – both among professionals and among car enthusiasts. ETKA’s VIN filtering is fully preserved, but it is enhanced with flexible parameter-based filters and a modern responsive interface that works on any device.
Why 7zap is ahead of ETKA in practice
1. Navigation by real generations and markets
In the original ETKA you select a car by internal code. In 7zap navigation is built around real model names and generations:
- “Golf VII (2012–2019)”, “Octavia III (2013–2020)”, “A6 C8 (2018–…)” and so on;
- split by market: Europe, USA, China, Latin America, etc.;
- a picture of the car often appears in the model card.
Even if you are not a VAG expert you immediately see which car you are choosing – there is no need to decode internal platform codes as you have to do in ETKA.
2. Clean and modern interface
7zap is designed as a web application from day one:
- clear navigation by brand, model and vehicle section;
- diagrams and parts tables shown together on one page;
- readable fonts and familiar UI elements;
- section names and descriptions in plain English.
Because of that, a mechanic and a private owner can sit in front of the same screen and both understand what is happening – something that is not always the case with the dealer‑style ETKA UI.
3. Access from any device
Compared to classic ETKA, the biggest advantage of 7zap is browser access:
- works on Windows, macOS and Linux;
- full functionality on tablets and smartphones (Android, iOS);
- no installation – just open the 7zap website.
For a mechanic under the lift this is crucial: you can open the VAG parts catalog on your phone, not walk back and forth to a PC where ETKA is installed.
4. ETKA VIN filtering preserved and extended with parameters
7zap preserves the ETKA VIN lookup concept:
- by entering a VIN you get the exact configuration of the vehicle;
- the catalog automatically switches to the correct engine, gearbox and drive;
- incompatible parts are hidden from the list.
On top of that 7zap adds extra filters:
- by engine type and displacement;
- by gearbox type (manual, DSG, Tiptronic, etc.);
- by market/region (Europe, USA, China and others);
- and other parameters that influence applicability.
So even if you don’t have the VIN at hand, you can still accurately select the right parts using vehicle parameters. This level of flexibility is not available in the classic ETKA user interface – it was never meant to be an open web service.
5. Trusted by both professionals and enthusiasts
Because of the combination of convenience, availability and accuracy, 7zap is increasingly becoming the everyday “ETKA online” solution:
- used in independent and small workshops and parts shops;
- used by mobile mechanics and diagnosticians on tablets and phones;
- used by private owners who want to know the correct OEM number before ordering parts.
For many users 7zap is now the primary way to get ETKA‑level information without being tied to dealer software.
How to use VAG catalogs on 7zap
The workflow in the VAG catalogs on 7zap is almost identical for Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda, SEAT and Porsche:
- Open the catalog of the required brand (links are below).
- Select the region/market – for example Europe, USA or China.
- Select the model by name and generation (with production years).
- Specify parameters such as engine, gearbox, drive and body style.
- Go to the required section of the car (engine, suspension, body, interior, electrics, etc.).
- Open the diagram of the assembly, click on the needed item and read the OEM part number.
- If you know the VIN, enter it to automatically load your car’s configuration.
VAG catalogs on 7zap: ETKA Audi, ETKA VW and more
Here are direct links to the ETKA‑style online catalogs for the main VAG brands on 7zap. They are the easiest way to get “ETKA online” access for Audi, VW, Skoda, SEAT and Porsche.
Audi – ETKA Audi online for Europe
Audi ETKA online catalog for Europe – OEM Audi parts by VIN, model and generation
All major lines are included: A, S and RS series, Q SUVs, TT coupés and roadsters and more. Model selection is based on real names and generations instead of internal ETKA codes.
Volkswagen – ETKA VW online (Europe)
ETKA VW online catalog – original Volkswagen part numbers by VIN and model
This section is ideal for parts lookup for Golf, Passat, Polo, Tiguan, Transporter and many regional models, including Chinese and Latin American versions.
Porsche – online PET / ETKA for Europe
Porsche PET / ETKA online catalog for Europe – genuine Porsche parts by VIN and model
The catalog covers 911, Boxster, Cayman, Cayenne, Panamera, Macan, Taycan and other models. For Porsche owners it is a convenient web version of the official PET catalog.
SEAT – ETKA‑based SEAT online catalog
SEAT ETKA‑based online catalog – genuine SEAT parts by VIN and parameters
This section includes Ibiza, Leon, Toledo, Tarraco, Arona, Ateca and other SEAT models with market and generation breakdown.
Škoda – Skoda ETKA online catalog
Skoda ETKA online catalog for Europe – OEM Skoda parts by VIN and parameters
Use this catalog for Fabia, Octavia, Superb, Rapid, Yeti, Kodiaq, Karoq, Scala, Kamiq, Enyaq and other Skoda models. Navigation is based on generations and the European market structure.
Who benefits most from switching from ETKA to 7zap
Private VAG owners
- Look up OEM part numbers by VIN before ordering online.
- Check whether a part you already bought really fits your exact configuration.
- Prepare full parts lists for maintenance and repairs (timing kits, suspension, brakes, etc.).
Small workshops and parts shops
- No need to purchase, install and update heavy ETKA software.
- Work directly near the car with a tablet or phone.
- Use a single interface for all VAG brands and many other manufacturers.
Professionals who already have ETKA
- Use 7zap as a mobile companion to desktop ETKA.
- Easily show diagrams and part lists to customers on a smartphone or tablet.
- Quickly switch between different markets and specifications without separate databases.
Screenshot ideas for this ETKA Online page
To make the material more visual and helpful you can add a few screenshots:
-
ETKA interface. A screenshot with model selection by code, an assembly diagram
and a parts table.
Suggested alt text: “ETKA VAG catalog – exploded diagram and OEM parts list”. -
7zap model catalog. A page where the user selects the car generation with
pictures and markets.
Alt text: “7zap VAG online catalog – model and generation selection by markets”. -
7zap VIN decoder. The VIN input field and a result with decoded configuration.
Alt text: “VAG parts lookup by VIN in 7zap online catalog”.
Conclusion: ETKA or 7zap?
ETKA remains the official, most complete catalog for VAG original parts and is still the backbone of dealer networks. If you work inside that ecosystem, you will probably always have ETKA on your desktop.
At the same time, 7zap.com has become a practical ETKA online solution for everyone else:
- it keeps ETKA‑level accuracy and VIN filtering;
- it adds flexible filters by engine, gearbox and other parameters;
- it offers intuitive navigation by real generations and markets;
- it works from any device with a modern browser;
- it is understandable for both professionals and regular car owners.
So if you were searching for “etka online”, “etka audi”, “etka vw” or “audi etka” and you need a convenient way to look up original VAG parts, 7zap is a very strong option. It offers the depth of ETKA with the simplicity and accessibility of a modern web tool.