A/C Compressor Part Number Conundrum 1K0820859S vs 1K0820859F

[Mojave96]

Hi Chaps,

Bought a used A/C compressor, but unsure if it will fit as the part itself is a 1K0820859F, rather than an S, as my old one on the car.

The chap from eBay is saying the letter on the end does not matter as long as the number is the same - what does the letter stand for on the end then? Does it actually not matter?

 

[findalex]

When I do a search on Google, I see one is made by Sanden and one by Denso:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-denso-parts/air-conditioning-compressor/1k0820859s~den/
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/vw-audi-a-c-compressor-1k0820859f

Denso also makes lots of parts for Toyota. Sanden seem to specialize in compressors and VW uses them as factory parts, but VW doesn't have a good reputation with A/C.

The advice I've read/heard over the years is to never buy a used A/C compressor. I bought a new Nissens A/C compressor (not Nissan) from FCP Euro for around $200 and it worked like a champ.