realoem.com

November 25, 2025

What is RealOEM

RealOEM.com is a free-online parts catalogue service that lets users look up OEM part numbers (and approximate pricing) for BMW cars and motorcycles. (realoem.com)
Specifically, you can enter a vehicle’s VIN (or last 7 digits) or select model/series manually; then browse diagrams of components, see part numbers, production dates, and listed price in the U.S. dollar. (realoem.com)
It covers a wide range of models – from older “classic” BMWs to current models – and the diagrams help identify exactly what part from which series fits which vehicle. (realoem.com)


How to use RealOEM

Here’s a breakdown of how you typically use the site, with practical steps:

1. Identify your vehicle

  • Enter the last seven digits of your VIN in the “Serial Number” field. That helps the site auto-populate your series, body style, engine, market. (garagistic.zendesk.com)

  • Or if you don’t know your VIN, manually select the series, body, model, year, etc. (zroadster.net)

2. Browse parts diagrams

  • Once the vehicle is selected, you can click “Browse Parts” to see diagram groups (for steering, engine, trim, etc). (garagistic.zendesk.com)

  • Each diagram is broken into numbered parts; clicking a part number gives description, quantity, production-date applicability, part number, etc. (zroadster.net)

3. Search by part number / cross-reference

  • You can also search by entering a part number (complete or partial) in the “Part NR Application Search” field. (realoem.com)

  • That helps you see which other models the part was used on. For example, you might find a part from a donor vehicle fits your model. (garagistic.zendesk.com)

4. Interpret the data

  • In each diagram table you’ll see: description, part number, qty, “From” and “Up to” (production dates) so you know if the part change (for a facelift/Lifecycle-Impulse) affects your car. (garagistic.zendesk.com)

  • Price is shown in USD, but note: it may not reflect local currency, tax, or current availability. (zroadster.net)


Why it’s useful

  • For DIYers, mechanics, or anyone sourcing parts: you get the exact OEM part number. That means fewer mistakes when ordering.

  • Helps confirm compatibility: you can see which production date range the part applies to, which models it was used on, etc.

  • Useful when sourcing used parts / salvage / aftermarket: if you know the number you can check fitment more reliably.

  • The fact the site is free and web-based means you don’t need paid dealer software to browse BMW’s catalog. Several users have confirmed:

    “RealOEM is merely a portal to BMW's database.” (Bimmer Forums)
    “I have used it… to research and order ALL my parts.” (Bimmer Forums)


Limitations & things to watch

  • Price accuracy: While a price is shown, many users say it’s not guaranteed up to date. For example:

    “The prices are outdated retail …” (Bimmerpost)

  • Data completeness: Some auxiliary information (like fitting times, specific hardware details) may be missing or less detailed compared to full dealer software. (zroadster.net)

  • Market / region differences: Some parts may differ by market (US, EU, Asia) or by regulation. The site shows “Market” in some cases but you still need to confirm for your region. (garagistic.zendesk.com)

  • Not an ordering site: RealOEM does not sell parts. It’s a reference / catalog tool. You still have to go to a dealer or parts supplier to buy. (Bimmerpost)

  • Fitment for modified vehicles: If your vehicle has been heavily modified (engine swap, drivetrain change), compatibility shown might not reflect your actual setup. The guide notes: “This will only work on stock unmodified vehicles.” (garagistic.zendesk.com)


Practical tips & best practices

  • Always enter your exact VIN (or the last 7 digits) if possible. That way you reduce risk of browsing diagrams for a similar but non-identical specification.

  • Pay attention to the “From” and “Up to” fields for a part. A facelift or “LCI” (Life Cycle Impulse) may mean your car uses a different part number.

  • Use the part number you find on RealOEM and then check with your local dealer or parts supplier for current availability, pricing in your currency, shipping cost.

  • If you see a part number and want to know if it’s used on other vehicles (for donor car options), use the “Search by part number” feature. That can save money.

  • If the price shown seems very different to what your dealer quotes, do not assume RealOEM’s price is accurate — treat it as a ballpark indicator only.

  • Be aware of region-specific variations. For example, parts for Japanese market or EU market may differ from your region. If your car is an import, double check.

  • Use diagrams to visually confirm where the part sits on vehicle; this helps ensure you are looking at the correct component (multiple parts can share similar description).


Summary

RealOEM.com is a valuable tool for anyone working on BMWs. It gives you access to OEM part numbers, diagrams, fitment date ranges, and compatibility information — all for free. It’s especially helpful when you’re sourcing parts yourself or verifying compatibility with used/donor items.

However it’s not perfect: pricing may be outdated, region-specific differences may exist, and you still need to do due diligence with your local supplier. Treat RealOEM as part of your information toolkit, not the final step.


Key Takeaways

  • Free web-based OEM parts catalogue for BMWs (cars & motorcycles).

  • Lets you identify part numbers, view exploded diagrams, check fitment dates & model compatibility.

  • Very helpful for sourcing parts, confirming compatibility, planning repairs.

  • Does not sell the parts — you still buy through a parts supplier/dealer.

  • Price data is approximate, region differences exist, and modified vehicles may not fit the standard patterns.

  • Best practice: use the exact VIN, double-check your region’s parts, cross-reference part numbers before purchase.


FAQ

Is RealOEM free to use?
Yes — you can browse the parts catalog without charge.

Can I buy parts directly via RealOEM?
No — RealOEM provides the information (part numbers, diagrams) but it does not fulfil orders. You’ll need to go through a parts supplier or dealer.

Is the pricing shown on RealOEM accurate?
Not always. The pricing is approximate and given in USD. It may not reflect your local currency, taxes, availability or market rate. (zroadster.net)

Does RealOEM show fitment for my region (e.g., Asia, EU, US)?
It shows “Market” options, but you should still verify locally. Some parts differ depending on regional regulations or market.

Will RealOEM work for modified or non-stock vehicles?
If your vehicle has standard factory components and production dates, yes. If you have done major modifications (engine swap, non-OEM parts), compatibility shown may no longer apply. (garagistic.zendesk.com)

How up-to-date is the data?
The catalog seems to reflect OEM parts and production data quite well but the other details (pricing, availability) may lag. Some users use it for many years for research. (Bimmer Forums)