[hasTy24]

Hello,

I recently purchased my first BMW, a 2012 328i E92, and I am having a difficult time identifying parts online as well as determining which parts are cross-compatible. Is there a preferred service manual outside of the BMW company’s? And in this manual, would I find it helpful with part identification and cross-compatibility of parts?

What I’m looking to do is replace any damaged or missing parts, as well as shop for parts that positively impact performance

Thank you

[Joe_in_WLA]

Not to seem nit picky but it seems you're asking for two different reference items. Or one that comprehends two distinct requirements.

If you want to identify parts, I believe realoem.com is the clear winner. Plug in the last seven characters of your VIN and you'll have pages of BMW parts diagrams to sift through along with superseding detail.

https://www.realoem.com/

Not sure if there are better options, but Bentley is usually a good guide

https://www.amazon.com/BMW-E90-E91-S...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

And, of course, there's a Google and YouTube. I haven't come across many jobs that I'd attempt that someone hasn't already done and uploaded. It's quite the resource.

[lookalikehuuh]

What exactly do you mean by "cross compatibility" of parts?

I think the vast majority of us here agree that you should be replacing failed parts with OEM parts only and no aftermarket parts as these car are extremely picky with parts quality. There are websites that are literally dedicated to european car parts that will give you very good ideas of what parts are compatible with your car. FCP Euro is a good example of that.


A website like https://www.realoem.com/ will also give you a good idea of what the OE part numbers are for your parts, some have diagrams, some do not it just depends.

Your car is a 328i, outside of a 330i intake/tune and/or catless headers I am not sure there are going to any parts that are really going to improve performance at all for your engine. Things like intakes make little to no difference and may actually lose power in some scenarios. Not to mention that a lot of aftermarket oiled filters can release some of the oils from the filter element and require you to clean the MAF sensors on a regular basis.

[marvinstockman]

It is important to buy from a reliable supplier. I use FCPEuro. Also, if you have questions, call them and ask, as all the knowledge is not always on the website

[ctuna]

For BMW info this set of links
Thank George