BMW

How to Read BMW Part Numbers

Posted on by bogdan
11
Jun

So many numbers. Which one is important for us? 

Let me set the context.

In the BMW Genuine World a part number will consist of a 11 digit number.

This 11 digit part identifier can be broken down in:

    • The first 2 digits – represent the part maingroup

    • The next 2 digits – represent the part subgroup

    • The remaining 7 digits – are a unique identifier for the part.

At this point in time you can also use the 7 digit ID to find a part.

For checking BMW part numbers try RealOEM.com or any BMW online catalog.

Time for some examples

Example 1. Let’s brake down the label above:

The 11 digit part number is : 16197489774

A: 16 is the main group - Fuel Supply
B: 19 is the subgroup 
C: 7489774 is the short part number 
D: 01 is the revision number (not all parts have this)

 

Example 2. Let’s brake down the label above:

The 11 digit part number is : 12218514120

A: 12 is the main group - Engine Electrical
B: 21 is the subgroup - 
C: 8514120 is the short part number 
D: 07 is the revision number (not all parts have this)

 

Example 3. Let’s brake down the label above:

The 11 digit part number is : 65129833766

A: 65 is the main group - Audio & Navigation
B: 12 is the subgroup
C: 9833766 is the short part number 
D: 01 is the revision number (not all parts have this)

 

Example 4. Let’s brake down the label above:

The 11 digit part number is : 62106831698

A: 62 is the main group - Instrument Cluster
B: 10 is the subgroup
C: 6831698 is the short part number 
D: 01 is the revision number (not all parts have this)

 

Example 5. Let’s brake down the label above:

This is a particular example as many DDE units will have only the 7 digit ID: 8510137

C: 8510137 is the short part number 
D: 01 is the revision number (not all parts have this)
After searching on realoem for the 7 digit we will get the full number: 1361 8510137
A: 13 is the main group - Fuel Injection
B: 61 is the subgroup

Example 6. Let’s brake down the label above:

The 11 digit part number is : 62109878295

A: 62 is the main group - Instrument Cluster
B: 10 is the subgroup
C: 9878295 is the short part number 
D: 01 is the revision number (not all parts have this)
The Main Groups are:
01 Technical Literature
02 Scopes of Service and repair work (new category)
11 Engine Mechanical
12 Engine Electrical
13 Fuel Injection
16 Fuel Supply
17 Cooling System
18 Exhaust
21 Clutch
22 Engine and gearbox suspension
23 Standard Transmission
24 Automatic Transmission
25 Gearshift
26 Drive Shaft
27 Transfer case
28 Dual Clutch Transmission
31 Front suspension
32 Steering components
33 Rear suspension
34 Braking components
35 Pedals
36 Wheels
41 Bodywork
51 Vehicle trim
52 Seats
54 Sunroof/Convertible top
61 Body Electrical
62 Instrument Cluster
63 Lighting
64 Climate control
65 Audio, navigation, and electronic systems
66 Distance systems and cruise control
67 Window motors on newer BMW's (does not display in ETK but is a grouping number for parts)
71 Equipment parts
72 Restraint systems
82 Universal Accessories
84 Communication systems
88 BMW specific tools

For checking the part numbers we use:

  • www.realoem.com
  • www.online-parts.co.uk
  • bmwsupply.co.uk/

Sometimes the 2014+ parts will not be on realoem or on many of the free online catalogues.

bogdan