OVERVIEW
Genuine VW/Audi Body Opening Plug
8A0-831-449 is the genuine plug used at assigned body and rear-lid openings. Its shaped seating profile fits the specified factory opening and retains the plug in its original location. The component is used at multiple body positions, so the full part number and opening assignment determine the correct application.
One individual plug is supplied per purchased unit, as shown in the original archive photograph. Select the quantity required for the particular repair. Other body plugs, separate drain valves, trim panels and surrounding hardware are separate components.
Technical details
- OEM number: 8A0-831-449 / 8A0831449.
- Catalog application: Body opening / chassis plug; assigned rear-lid and body locations.
- Nominal opening designation: 14 mm.
- Quantity: One plug per purchased unit.
- Confirmed replaced reference: 311-611-849 where the factory catalog assigns 8A0-831-449 as its replacement.
The 14 mm designation identifies the nominal application opening, not the outer flange diameter or a complete set of physical dimensions. Body assemblies can contain several plug sizes and profiles close together. Match the original opening and full part number rather than using the vehicle model alone.
Common reasons to replace
Replace a plug when it is missing, split, distorted, damaged during removal or unable to remain seated in its intended opening. Replacement may also be required after a body or rear-lid repair if the original plug has deteriorated or was lost during disassembly.
Inspect the opening and its surrounding surface before installation. A damaged edge, corrosion or an incorrectly repaired opening can prevent a plug from seating correctly. Water intrusion or noise may also require inspection of nearby seals and drainage provisions; replacing this plug alone does not correct a separate seal or drain-valve fault.
Fitment
The table identifies confirmed applications at the original nominal 14 mm locations. It does not mean that every opening on a listed vehicle uses this plug. Compare the assigned body position and original plug profile.
| Vehicle | Model years | Engine | Configuration | Application restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A4 | 1996–2001 | 1.8L turbo four-cylinder where offered; 2.8L V6 | B5 Sedan; front-wheel drive or quattro; Body opening application; no transmission-specific restriction listed | Only original nominal 14 mm body openings assigned 8A0831449 or confirmed replaced 311611849. Match the opening, profile and installed position. Not a universal replacement for other plugs or drain valves. One plug supplied. |
| Audi A4 Avant | 1998–2001 | 1.8L turbo four-cylinder or 2.8L V6 | B5 Avant; quattro; Body opening application; no transmission-specific restriction listed | Only original nominal 14 mm body openings assigned 8A0831449 or confirmed replaced 311611849. Match the opening, profile and installed position. Not a universal replacement for other plugs or drain valves. One plug supplied. |
| Audi S4 | 2000–2002 | 2.7L twin-turbo V6 | B5 Sedan; quattro; 2002 Type 8D vehicles only; Body opening application; no transmission-specific restriction listed | Only original nominal 14 mm body openings assigned 8A0831449 or confirmed replaced 311611849. Match the opening, profile and installed position. Not a universal replacement for other plugs or drain valves. One plug supplied. |
| Audi S4 Avant | 2001–2002 | 2.7L twin-turbo V6 | B5 Avant; quattro; 2002 Type 8D vehicles only; Body opening application; no transmission-specific restriction listed | Only original nominal 14 mm body openings assigned 8A0831449 or confirmed replaced 311611849. Match the opening, profile and installed position. Not a universal replacement for other plugs or drain valves. One plug supplied. |
| Audi A6 | 1998–2001 | 2.8L V6 | C5 Sedan; front-wheel drive or quattro; Body opening application; no transmission-specific restriction listed | Only original nominal 14 mm body openings assigned 8A0831449 or confirmed replaced 311611849. Match the opening, profile and installed position. Not a universal replacement for other plugs or drain valves. One plug supplied. |
| Audi A6 | 2000–2004 | 2.7L twin-turbo V6 or 4.2L V8 | C5 Sedan; quattro; Body opening application; no transmission-specific restriction listed | Only original nominal 14 mm body openings assigned 8A0831449 or confirmed replaced 311611849. Match the opening, profile and installed position. Not a universal replacement for other plugs or drain valves. One plug supplied. |
| Audi A6 | 2002–2004 | 3.0L V6 | C5 Sedan; front-wheel drive or quattro; Body opening application; no transmission-specific restriction listed | Only original nominal 14 mm body openings assigned 8A0831449 or confirmed replaced 311611849. Match the opening, profile and installed position. Not a universal replacement for other plugs or drain valves. One plug supplied. |
| Audi A6 Avant | 1999–2001 | 2.8L V6 | C5 Avant; quattro; Body opening application; no transmission-specific restriction listed | Only original nominal 14 mm body openings assigned 8A0831449 or confirmed replaced 311611849. Match the opening, profile and installed position. Not a universal replacement for other plugs or drain valves. One plug supplied. |
| Audi A6 Avant | 2002–2004 | 3.0L V6 | C5 Avant; quattro; Body opening application; no transmission-specific restriction listed | Only original nominal 14 mm body openings assigned 8A0831449 or confirmed replaced 311611849. Match the opening, profile and installed position. Not a universal replacement for other plugs or drain valves. One plug supplied. |
| Audi RS6 | 2003 | 4.2L twin-turbo V8 | C5 Sedan; quattro; Body opening application; no transmission-specific restriction listed | Only original nominal 14 mm body openings assigned 8A0831449 or confirmed replaced 311611849. Match the opening, profile and installed position. Not a universal replacement for other plugs or drain valves. One plug supplied. |
| Audi A6 | 1995–1997 | 2.8L V6 | C4 Sedan; original rear lid plug assignment; Body opening application; no transmission-specific restriction listed | Only original nominal 14 mm body openings assigned 8A0831449 or confirmed replaced 311611849. Match the opening, profile and installed position. Not a universal replacement for other plugs or drain valves. One plug supplied. |
| Audi A8 | 2002 | 4.2L V8 | D2 Sedan / A8 L; quattro; assigned body/pillar openings; Body opening application; no transmission-specific restriction listed | Only original nominal 14 mm body openings assigned 8A0831449 or confirmed replaced 311611849. Match the opening, profile and installed position. Not a universal replacement for other plugs or drain valves. One plug supplied. |
Installation and service guidance
Follow the factory body or rear-lid service procedure for the specific installation position. Remove the damaged plug without enlarging or distorting the opening, and protect adjacent paint and trim.
Inspect the opening for damage and restore any required surface protection before installing the correct plug. Seat it evenly so its retaining profile engages fully. Do not force it into a different opening size or substitute it for a component with a separate drainage function.
After installation, check secure seating and restore any disturbed trim. Verify that the surrounding factory drainage paths and seals remain correctly arranged. Use the separately specified plugs or drain components at other locations.