TL;DR
- Find the part number first, by VIN, on RealOEM or bmwfans.info.
- Search by that number across shops: general EU parts shops, BMW specialists, genuine-parts dealers.
- Used parts are fine for things that don’t wear (brackets, airboxes, trim). Verify the number stamped on the part.
- Buy wear and engine-critical parts from established brands, not the cheapest option.
Prices and shipping terms change constantly, so this guide doesn’t quote any: compare on the day you order.
Part number research (always start here)
RealOEM
Enter the last 7 characters of your VIN (or pick the model, body and market) and browse the exploded diagrams. Each item shows the BMW part number, quantity and the production dates it applies to. Those dates matter on the E36, where many parts changed during production.
For swap projects: look up the same group for your car and for the donor model (for example a 316i and a 325i). The differences between the two lists are the parts the swap needs. See the M43 to M50 parts list.
bmwfans.info
Another free catalogue built on the same BMW data, with a different layout. It’s useful as a second check, and some people find it easier for supersessions (when a part number has been replaced by a newer one).
Searching a number
Search the part number without spaces (11 digits) as well as with them: shops and marketplaces list it both ways. Aftermarket brands cross-reference the BMW number on their own sites.
Where to buy
| Type | Examples | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| General EU online parts shops | Autodoc (with local sites, including .sk) | Common maintenance and wear parts, several brands per part | Quality varies by brand. Choose the brand, not the price |
| BMW specialists | Schmiedmann (Denmark; new and used BMW parts) | BMW-specific and harder-to-find parts, used OEM parts | Check the condition and fitment on used parts |
| Genuine-parts dealers online | German BMW dealers with online shops | Genuine BMW parts: trim, electrical parts, anything only BMW makes | Higher price than the same maker’s part in its own box |
| US specialists | FCP Euro (lifetime replacement guarantee), Turner Motorsport | Quality-curated parts; swap and performance parts | Shipping from outside the EU: add import duty and VAT, and expect longer delivery |
| Used market | Kleinanzeigen (Germany), Bazoš (Slovakia, Czechia), local scrapyards (autovrakovisko) | Swap parts, brackets, trim, harnesses | Verify the part number and condition before paying |
Original equipment makers: many BMW parts are made by suppliers who also sell them in their own boxes (for suspension, electrical and engine parts). That’s often the best value for genuine quality. Check that the supplier’s part is listed for your BMW number.
Buying strategy
- Build a parts list with BMW numbers, descriptions and quantities before ordering.
- Compare the same number across two or three shops.
- Combine orders by system (all cooling parts in one order) to save shipping and avoid forgetting a gasket.
- Don’t economise on engine-critical parts: water pump, thermostat, timing parts, gaskets, bearings. Use established brands.
- Buy used where wear doesn’t matter: engine mount arms, airboxes, brackets, trim, wiring harnesses.
- Inspect used electronics carefully: a used control module must match your car’s version, and some modules (EWS, DME) must be matched to the car. See the EWS guide.
→ Related: M43 to M50 Swap Parts List | M50 Common Failure Points
