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BMW Part Numbers & Parts Pricing

Generally, when BMW uses a "9" as the 5th digit of their 11 digit part
number, it means "set".  Set generally means 2 pieces (bushings, wheels,
etc). Some dealers and parts houses (including some of my wholesale
suppliers) have been known to break up the sets and charge for each piece,
hence doubling their profit.  Be aware of this for future reference.
In addition, BMW is constantly superceding part numbers.  When a part number
has a "466", "467" or "468" in the 6th-8th digits, this generally means that
the part is now being sourced here in the US  (bearings, lights, radiators,
oxygen sensors, etc).  When this happens, the price often drops
dramatically. For example, the common E12/E28/E21 heater motor (64111466182)
list price dropped in 1995 from $249 to $137 but many parts houses stuck
with higher cost inventory are still trying to sell these for over $200.
As many have said, its smart to purchase the BMW Suggested Price book to
keep up with the price fluctuations.  However, be aware that BMW updates its
prices monthly internally among their dealers (I had over 600 price changes
for June including many 2002 parts increases). A smart buyer will try to get
a copy of the BMW price tape as soon as it comes out, run a month-to-month
cost comparison, and stock up on items that increased dramatically or went
NLA before the wholesale suppliers (non dealers) and other buyers get the
new cost data and drive the prices up.  Conversely, items that dropped
significantly should be resourced through BMW.      SD          
Steve D'Gerolamo c/o The Parts Co-op   (201-262-0412)