Gearbox code

A gearbox code identifies the exact transmission variant. As with engines, one model can take several different gearboxes depending on engine, drivetrain and trim level, so the code — not the model year — is what confirms fitment.

Matching a gearbox to an engine

Buying a gearbox and engine from the same donor vehicle removes pairing risk entirely, because the two are known to have worked together. Sourcing them from different donors is possible but adds a compatibility question.

What affects the price

The unit itself, its mileage, whether it is plain used or reconditioned, and how scarce the code is. Automatics and dual-clutch units sit above manuals.

Why this matters when you are buying

Terms like this one get used loosely in listings, and the difference between two of them is often the difference between a part that fits and one that does not. If a seller is vague about which they mean, ask — a straight answer takes a message and saves a return.

For anything mechanical or electrical, back the description up with a part number. It removes the ambiguity entirely.

Related terms

• Half cut — A vehicle cut across the middle so that one complete end — front or rear — can be shipped intact with its components still assembled.
• Engine code — The manufacturer code identifying an exact engine variant — the only reliable way to confirm that a replacement engine will fit.
• Container consolidation — Combining many separate parts or orders into a single shipping container so the freight cost is spread across the whole load.
• End-of-life vehicle (ELV) — A vehicle that has reached the end of its useful life and is destined for dismantling, recycling or breaking for parts.
• Spares or repair — A condition label meaning the item is sold as faulty, incomplete or untested, and is expected to need work before use.
• Reconditioned — A part that has been stripped, cleaned, repaired and restored back towards its original specification, usually with a working guarantee.

Where to go next

The full glossary defines every term used across the UK salvage and export trade. For the practical side, our guides and articles cover buying, selling and shipping in detail — or just ask us, which is usually quicker.