[jeantarrou]

Hey all,

Still in the learning phase of BMW ownership and I have a question regarding the reliability of realOEM's compatibility listings. In my experience with other brands of automobiles and mortorcycles part numbers aren't always the same between models even if they are in fact the same part, but how about with realOEM?

Can I safely assume that if a particular part shows compatibility for my e91 only that's really the only vehicle this part is compatible for? Just to be specific, I'm looking for a replacement tailgate light and was hoping the sedan's taillights would be compatible, realOEM says they aren't...

[hassmaschine]

If the part numbers are different, then they are different, unfortunately. BMW doesn't tend to change part numbers for the same part. The database RealOEM uses is the EKT, the factory MySQL database that pretty much lists every single part and model BMW has ever produced.

[jeantarrou]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

If the part numbers are different, then they are different, unfortunately. BMW doesn't tend to change part numbers for the same part. The database RealOEM uses is the EKT, the factory MySQL database that pretty much lists every single part and model BMW has ever produced.

Ok, good information, not the info I was really hoping for though....

[hassmaschine]

Yeah I mean if you look for certain parts they were literally used for 20+ years without changing much, same part number. if the part number changes due to a redesign etc. then the old one is discontinued and superseded by a new number but the cross references remain the same..

[jeantarrou]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

Yeah I mean if you look for certain parts they were literally used for 20+ years without changing much, same part number. if the part number changes due to a redesign etc. then the old one is discontinued and superseded by a new number but the cross references remain the same..

Yes, I'm impressed with how thorough realOEM appears to be with all the superseded parts.

[PichaDis11]

To what you are specifically asking for. That is either a fit or will not fit. you may have to do trial and error for that.

I remember doing the CA retrofit earlier on and researched door handles. Precisely realoem showed same part # that will fit the E90, E91 and E92, and E7x X6 Chassis Didn't state that it fits E93. However, the member I got them from on here had an E93 and showed that the handle fits his E91 just the same.

[jeantarrou]

Originally Posted by PichaDis11

To what you are specifically asking for. That is either a fit or will not fit. you may have to do trial and error for that.

I remember doing the CA retrofit earlier on and researched door handles. Precisely realoem showed same part # that will fit the E90, E91 and E92, and E7x X6 Chassis Didn't state that it fits E93. However, the member I got them from on here had an E93 and showed that the handle fits his E91 just the same.

Ok, well what you're saying definitely makes me hesitate closing the door on another e9x taillight fitting... Ugh.

EDIT: Just thinking out load here, although realOEM didn't show the e93 part as compatible, do you know if that 93 part was the same part #? The e91 taillight and the e90 taillight are different part numbers and I guess the crux of my question is whether or not parts, with differing part numbers, can fit applications they're not "supposed" to, like my two taillights in question?

[PichaDis11]

Originally Posted by jeantarrou

Ok, well what you're saying definitely makes me hesitate closing the door on another e9x taillight fitting... Ugh.

EDIT: Just thinking out load here, although realOEM didn't show the e93 part as compatible, do you know if that 93 part was the same part #? The e91 taillight and the e90 taillight are different part numbers and I guess the crux of my question is whether or not parts, with differing part numbers, can fit applications they're not "supposed" to, like my two taillights in question?

Yes it can happen that it'll fit as it worked with the E93 Handles and my E90. though different part#s. BUT you'd have to verify if it physically fits. If the member hadn't demonstrated the handles would work on my car, I would not have run the risk of purchasing.

[jeantarrou]

Originally Posted by PichaDis11

Yes it can happen that it'll fit as it worked with the E93 Handles and my E90. though different part#s. BUT you'd have to verify if it physically fits. If the member hadn't demonstrated the handles would work on my car, I would not have run the risk of purchasing.

Ok, understood, I appreciate the knowledge.

[ECSTuning]

realoem is a BMW ETK dump, it's the closest publicly available thing to the dealer parts database. Compatibility is pretty cut and dry, but pay attention to vin/build date splits. They can sometimes get confusing if you're a build on the split car, I'm always here to help in those situations, I have dealer portal access which can clear up some of those fun splits.

As for the tail lights; coupe, sedan, touring, vert all different shapes.

[jeantarrou]

Originally Posted by ECSTuning

As for the tail lights; coupe, sedan, touring, vert all different shapes.

Any idea about the guts of the tail lights? I need to replace a circuit board, it isn't sold individually, just in a complete tail light which is obviously a little cost prohibitive...

[ECSTuning]

Originally Posted by jeantarrou

Any idea about the guts of the tail lights? I need to replace a circuit board, it isn't sold individually, just in a complete tail light which is obviously a little cost prohibitive...

Bad news, BMW does not offer the induvial parts for your lights. Best bet is either going to find damaged (but not in the way yours are) used parts, or well... buy new.

-James