2021-2026 Audi/VW Parts Update: Pipe 05E-133-366-BK

Understanding Manufacturer Parts Circulars

Manufacturers like Audi and Volkswagen regularly issue communications to their dealerships to manage parts inventory and ensure the availability of the most current components. Special Notice SM 57-2025, issued on November 10, 2025, is one such "PARTS CIRCULAR" specifically directed at Parts Managers and Inventory personnel. This notice outlines a process for returning an older version of a component identified as a "Pipe" and specifies the new part number to be used for future orders. For owners of vehicles like the 2022 Audi A3 parts circular information ensures that any necessary replacement parts will be the most up-to-date version.

Affected Part and Replacement

This Special Notice SM 57-2025 concerns the Pipe component with the material number 05E-133-366-BK. Dealerships are instructed to return their inventory of this specific part. The purpose is to improve the quality of parts reaching customers and to ensure proper credit for the returned items.

Going forward, all new material orders for this component must use the updated part number: 05E-133-366-EA (Pipe). This ensures that vehicles, including models such as the 2022 Audi A3, receive the latest version of the part during service or repair.

Dealership Return Procedure

To facilitate the return of the superseded part number 05E-133-366-BK, Audi and Volkswagen have outlined a specific claims procedure for dealerships. This process is designed to ensure prompt credit and efficient inventory management.

The steps for returning the parts are as follows:

1. File a Claim: Dealerships must file a separate "Claim with Return." During this process, they need to select "Dir Sup. Req. Return" under the item type. Dealer comments should include the Special Notice Number SM 57-2025 and the Parts Circular number referenced in the document.
2. Review Delivery List: The day after filing the claim, dealerships are required to review "Parts On Command" for the Delivery List document. Any problems or delays encountered during this step should be communicated to their facing Parts Distribution Center (PDC).
3. Apply Return Label: The 40000XXXXX delivery document number must be entered onto a "YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN" label.
4. Adhere Label: This "YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN" label must be securely adhered to the package(s) containing the parts being returned.
5. Include Documentation: A copy of the Delivery Document must be included with the returned part(s) inside the package.

Important Warnings for Dealerships

Dealerships must adhere strictly to the specified return timeline for the Pipe part 05E-133-366-BK. The notice explicitly states: "Items returned after the above-mentioned date WILL NOT be accepted on any type of return/buyback." The deadline for returning inventory of the old material numbers to the facing PDC is no later than December 1, 2025. This critical deadline ensures that only current parts are in circulation and that dealerships receive proper credit for their returns.

What This Means for Owners

While this Special Notice SM 57-2025 is primarily for dealership internal operations, it indirectly benefits owners of affected Audi and Volkswagen vehicles, including the 2022 Audi A3 parts circular information. It ensures that when a replacement for the "Pipe" component is needed, the dealership will install the most current and potentially improved version, 05E-133-366-EA. Owners do not need to take any action; this is a proactive measure by the manufacturer to maintain parts quality and inventory accuracy.

Source: NHTSA Manufacturer Communication SM 57-2025.