utility of parts manual?

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twistinglane

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I see an ad for an original 2-volume parts manual for $75. Seems reasonable, but does the parts manual have much utility to us today when can get parts numbers and diagrams from realoem?
 
Yes, you can still order many parts from the dealer or the online BMW parts sources. You just enter the part number into your google search bar and many times - Voila!

HTH
James
 
Fun to check out the original part numbers, colors and such. The early ones are small orange books, later they became binders.
 
Many parts diagrams and their part #'s (literally in the hundreds) were omitted when BMW went with the digital format. Even though the vast majority of these parts are NLA, the original orange parts books and the new formatted binder version serve as invaluable references sources for original fitted parts.
 
The problem is "it is not all right there". Unless one has seen the original parts books or microfiche, then one has no idea what's missing.
 
I have repro orange books from Carl Nelson, have never looked at them since I got online access. There are many more online fiches today than when there was only realoem.com. So yeah, I get a part number for my E9, E32, K100RS, E30, whatever, then paste it into google search and see what comes up. Most times it's back to the usual three vendors, but it's interesting to see who will come up sometimes.

AND ONE MORE MATTER OF SUBSTANTIAL IMPORT... the fiche and the orange books are parts lists. They MAY show the correct relative positions of parts in a common assembly but they are NOT assembly diagrams...though many of us, me included, may/could/would/do regard them as such.
 
I use the Orange Books regularly. RealOEM is a great resource as well, but what happens when they don't pay their web host? My books will always be on my bookshelf.
 
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