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Old 10-07-2014, 11:55 AM
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Exclamation Search for OE/OEM Parts Across 40+ Websites at Once with BMW PNPC (Windows & Mac)

April 7, 2015: BMW PNPC is now available for Mac users! New Windows update, as well. New video.
January 6, 2015: Support for Audi is now here! For more information, please visit www.audipnpc.com.


Official: BMW PNPC (Part Number Price Comparison) v3.1.0
Quick, easy, and efficient price comparison across multiple BMW parts vendors.

New release is now available; see changelog and notes below!

Wanted to make an announcement about a project I've been working on that many might find useful. I launched this comparison tool a few months ago and have been surprised at how much traffic it’s gotten since then. Visibility has mainly been kept to E46Fanatics.com, but wanted to get some feedback from a broader audience.

Have been benefiting from the BMW community for a good number of years and am excited to be able to give something back. This originally started off to suit my own needs, but thought others could benefit from it, and it took off from there. Hopefully this answers many of the questions about finding reliable vendors, quality parts, and reasonable prices, and helps automate the process of parts shopping.

This comparison tool accepts any BMW part number and returns matching products from over forty vendors and forum classifieds. Results are returned in a single browser window, each site in its own tab. The "OE Price Check" feature displays Genuine BMW prices instantly from over twenty-five sites, and results can be exported to Excel for easy spreadsheet creation. Compare any part number from any program, save default selections, customize settings, and much more. BMW PNPC runs on both Windows and Mac machines, works across multiple browsers, and is available for download at www.bmwpnpc.com. There is no install necessary. Simply download and use.




Benefits & Feature Highlights

Shop sites by simply typing in a part number and selecting your preferred vendors. This can also be done instantly on any highlighted part number by holding either "Ctrl" or "Shift" and right-clicking. For those with Excel spreadsheets or parts lists, this feature is particularly useful. If you're reading through a DIY online that provides part numbers, or researching parts on RealOEM, this feature can be beneficial to quickly get an idea of availability, what everything might cost, and the best places to acquire parts. See graphic below and video under "Integrated Search" for a few examples.


Search results are returned in your default browser window (additional browsers may also be specified), each site conveniently in its own tab. Select from over thirty of the most popular and frequently shopped vendors and optionally choose to save those selections as your default for next time.

With this tool, you can even search the Xoutpost classifieds, along with several other forums, for the part number you're looking for. And while not everyone includes the part number in their "for sale" listing, it's a useful feature to have. You can also search RealOEM and Penske Parts if you're interested in viewing a part diagram or the associated hardware.

Amazon and eBay are included, as well, since they're basic mainstays of shopping. When it comes to quality BMW parts, though, I think many would recommend looking elsewhere first, but if you would like to search Amazon or eBay, the ability is there.

For anyone looking to do a maintenance overhaul, you may have found that some pre-assembled kits include mediocre brands to help keep the cost down or don't include all the parts required to do a thorough job. By searching for each part individually, you can often buy better parts for a similar or cheaper price. Researching any number of parts across multiple vendors can be time consuming and this tool helps cut that time drastically.

Additionally, for those who like to make a list of parts and wait until they hit vendors' free shipping thresholds, this tool better enables you to quickly check prices and adjust orders with multiple vendors accordingly. Mix and match the best priced parts with the best shipping rates.

Special Note: The most recent update now includes an "OE Price" feature for Genuine BMW parts. For now, this feature is simply a convenience, partially as a proof of concept and still in "beta," but it may evolve to encompass other manufacturers over time. Again, this does not include other brands, only the OE Genuine BMW part. If you'd like to see all available parts from your selected vendors, and a true representation of all parts and price differences, please use the "Compare Sites" button. Speed is obviously dependent on your internet connection, number of vendors selected, and how quickly each website responds (I've been averaging around thirty seconds to run the entire list).

OE Price Export Feature: For easier handling of multiple part numbers and building pricing spreadsheets, OE prices can also optionally be copied to the clipboard (pre-formatted for Excel) after each search. For those looking to run multiple part numbers, the following Excel template calculates the cheapest total cost from a single vendor, as well as the price savings of buying everything individually. The Excel pricing matrix, as seen in the video below, was designed to be used in conjunction with the instant "OE Price" feature, but feel free to modify it to your liking (click here to download).




Compatibility & Ease-of-Use

Below is a video demonstrating some functionality and compatibility across multiple browsers and programs:



(Select "1080p" and "full screen" for best clarity.)

BMW PNPC runs on both Windows and Mac machines and supports a number of web browsers including Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Opera, as well as other Mozilla variants including Cyberfox, Waterfox, and Pale Moon.


40+ Websites Currently Supported Include:

Amazon · AutohausAZ · AutoPartsWay (Canada) · Bavarian Autosport · Bimmerfest Classifieds · Bimmerforums Classifieds ·

Bimmerparts · Bimmerzone · Blunt Tech · BMA Auto Parts · BMW of Bridgewater · BMW of Fairfax · BMW of Morristown · BMW Parts 4U ·

BMW Parts Pros · BMW Parts Source · Clickable Automotive (Australia) · E46Fanatics Classifieds · E90Fanatics Classifieds ·

E90Post Classifieds · eBay · ECS Tuning · eEuroparts · Endras BMW (Canada) · FCP Euro · Get BMW Parts · Guten Parts · Husker Parts ·

M3Forum Classifieds · M5Board Classifieds · My Bimmer Parts · OEM Bimmerparts · Pelican Parts · Penske Parts · RealOEM · RM European ·

RockAuto · Schmiedmann (Europe) · The BMW/MINI Part Store · Tomkinson BMW Parts · Turner Motorsport · Xoutpost Classifieds



Final Thoughts

My priority is providing a good user experience and efficient price comparison across some of the most popular BMW parts vendors. If there's additional vendors you'd like added or a feature you think could be useful, please let me know. You can also find the answers to some frequently asked questions by visiting the FAQ section of the site, located here. Over the years, I've purchased parts from almost every vendor on the list and find this tool to be incredibly helpful.

Cheaper isn't always better, but more knowledge is. While this is a "part number price comparison" tool, many vendors have different shipping rates, warranty policies, and customer service. Whether you shop with every vendor available, are loyal to a specific two or three, or simply interested in checking availability and finding the best price around, this tool can help streamline your shopping experience and save time and money.

Check out the latest version of BMW PNPC, available for download at www.bmwpnpc.com.


Thank You

If you find this tool useful and would like to show your appreciation by passing along some of the savings, please support the project and contribute to the tip jar! I'm a big privacy advocate and no personal information is collected whatsoever. I do have some analytics set up on the website to see how many times this tool is downloaded and am excited to see how much use it gets. I have a great deal of respect for those willing to share their personal experiences and knowledge and hope this adds to the resource and wealth of knowledge that is Xoutpost.
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DIYs help you save money with repairs; let www.bmwpnpc.com help you save money with the parts.

Last edited by SilberVogel; 11-09-2015 at 09:54 PM. Reason: Version update
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Old 10-07-2014, 11:56 AM
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Code:
Abbreviated Version History Full ChangeLog at www.bmwpnpc.com/changelog
v3.1.0 ChangeLog · Additional Vendors Added: Endras BMW (Canada) My Bimmer Parts · General Usability Improvements: Combined Vendors and International Vendors into single tab Renamed search buttons to more accurately reflect their action Added option to set either the “OE” or “OEM” button as default search Added button to copy prices to clipboard on search tab Added save and load preferred vendors buttons to search tab Added the ability to show/hide tooltips Miscellaneous tweaks and improvements · Support for Mac is finally here! v3.0.0 ChangeLog · Additional Vendors Added: BMW of Bridgewater · General Usability Improvements: Include/exclude online dealerships Reorganized, condensed, and clarified information · New Tabs and Horizontal Layout v2.9.1 ChangeLog · Additional Vendors Added: Clickable Automotive (Australia) v2.9.0 ChangeLog · Additional Vendors Added: BMW Parts 4U BMW Parts Pros Schmiedmann (Europe) · OE Price Detection Improvements (beta): Turner Motorsport now supported General detection improvements · General Usability Improvements: Clicking in OE Price column selects single vendor "Save Settings" button tweaks · New OE Price Export Feature: Export OE prices to Excel after search v2.8.3 ChangeLog · Additional Vendors Added: BMW of Morristown · Additional Forum Classifieds Added: M5Board Classifieds · OE Price Detection Improvements (beta): Fixed issue with ECS Tuning where "kit" prices were being displayed · General Usability Improvements: Search box now includes "How do I find part numbers?" for new users "OE Price" button notification can now be disabled v2.8.1 ChangeLog · Additional Vendors Added: Tomkinson BMW · Additional Forum Classifieds Added: M3Forum Classifieds Xoutpost Classifieds · OE Price Detection Improvements (beta): General detection improvements v2.8.0 ChangeLog · Additional Vendors Added: Bimmerparts Blunt Tech BMW of Fairfax Guten Parts Husker Parts · New Forum Classifieds Section: Bimmerfest Bimmerforums E46Fanatics E90Fanatics E90Post · New OE Price Feature for Genuine BMW Parts (beta): Instant price check for Genuine BMW parts v2.7.1 ChangeLog · Additional Vendors Added v2.7.0 ChangeLog · New Settings Tab: New settings tab allows for program/search customization · New "Right-Click" Search Feature: Added "CTRL" or "SHIFT" + "Right-click" search feature v2.5.0 ChangeLog · Additional Vendors Added · General Usability Improvements: Added default browser detection for Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Opera Added keyboard "Alt" shortcuts v2.4.3 ChangeLog · Additional vendors added v2.4.0 ChangeLog · General Usability Improvements: Compiled to run on both 32 and 64-bit machines v2.3.0 ChangeLog · General Usability Improvements: Part numbers now accepted in any format Added user error handling for blank part numbers, special characters, etc. Added ESC button function to exit program/cancel search "About" section updated v2.0.0 ChangeLog · Updated Program Interface: New graphic interface with checkboxes for individual site selection New logo/icon · Additional Vendors Added · General Usability Improvements: Program window "always on top" v1.0.0 ChangeLog · Initial Program Creation: Basic input box that searched predefined sites for a part number

“I am playing around with the BMW PNPC program and all I can say is wow... I used to spend hours searching for parts and the best price and you have just probably saved the BMW from getting a new owner. Thank you so much.”
- Hoosierx of Bimmerfest.com

“This is the best tool out there for finding prices. I use this application for finding each and every part whenever working on my car and I cannot even begin to tell you how much I've saved."
- CarolinaM3 of M3Forum.com

"PNPC is awesome, before I would do the ol’ copy and paste every part number into a generic spreadsheet and then I would have to go to the 3 or 4 sites that I commonly go to, to check prices. PNPC saves me so much time now and I can see more vendors, too."
- KaktusJaque of E46Fanatics.com

“This is a very nice tool. I especially like the OE Price finder. . . . I wasn't aware that there could be so much variance on dealer price on their direct parts sales.”
- Bluemach1 of M5Board.com

“OMG! This is amazing. I wish I knew about this before I refreshed my suspension on my E39 and E53. I spent hours, hours! Searching.”
- cncmastr of Xoutpost.com

“This is the best thing I never knew I needed. I cannot wait until it is ready for the VW/Audi world too.”
- Joshdub of Xoutpost.com

"We truly appreciate what you have done! I tell everyone I know with a BMW to use www.bmwpnpc.com. I wish I would have known about it years ago, could have saved me a lot of money."
- BDUB328I of M3Forum.com

“Very sweet program, definitely useful to the BMW community! Thanks for your hard work . . . .”
- pablowski of Bimmerforums.com

“This is one of the most useful downloads I have ever seen for a BMW. Thanks!”
- chickdr of Bimmerfest.com

“By god, this is quite amazing. I wish I had this a little while ago when I was jumping from site to site comparing prices. Great work!”
- Jon. of M5Board.com

“This is honestly what I've been waiting for! No more going through sites over sites looking for the best deal out there. Great program you created, bud!”
- JapanRot325ci of E46Fanatics.com

“Thanks for putting this together! It basically takes what I'd do on my own anyway and makes it easier/faster!”
- norsairius of E90Post.com
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DIYs help you save money with repairs; let www.bmwpnpc.com help you save money with the parts.

Last edited by SilberVogel; 11-09-2015 at 09:55 PM. Reason: Version update
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  #3  
Old 10-07-2014, 02:36 PM
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This is the best thing I never knew I needed. I cannot wait until it is ready for the VW/Audi world too.
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Old 10-07-2014, 02:41 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Joshdub View Post
This is the best thing I never knew I needed. I cannot wait until it is ready for the VW/Audi world too.
Thank you! VW and Audi are actually on the top of my list.
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Old 10-07-2014, 03:11 PM
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I've been using.....

Furiousmethod.com - BMW Parts Price Comparison
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Old 10-07-2014, 04:39 PM
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I just call Craig at Open Road, and get the best price on OE stuff, all the time. But nice tool either way. Good job.
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Old 10-09-2014, 01:43 PM
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Now i have a reason to pick up a windows pc.
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Old 10-20-2014, 02:24 PM
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Quick update. There’s a new version of the comparison tool available. I’ve updated it to include an additional vendor and forum classifieds, as well as some other improvements concerning general usability and “OE Price” detection.

Additional Vendors Added:
- BMW of Morristown

Additional Forum Classifieds Added:
- M5Board Classifieds

OE Price Detection Improvements (beta):
- Fixed issue with ECS Tuning where “kit” prices were being displayed

General Usability Improvements:
- Search box now includes “How do I find part numbers?” for new users
- “OE Price” button notification can now be disabled

Have run close to a hundred part numbers through this version and the “OE Price” feature has been working correctly for supported sites carrying Genuine BMW parts. For those that use this feature frequently, I’ve also made it possible to disable the “beta notification” each time this is run (option is under the “Settings” tab).

Also, while I haven't personally placed an order with BMW of Morristown yet, I've seen a good amount of positive feedback. From recent price comparisons (see previous comment re: “hundred part numbers”) they also look to have extremely competitive prices on OE parts. If you're ordering from the dealer and not picking up locally, they might be a vendor worth considering.

Feel free to give the new version the "torture test" and put everything through its paces. If you have any suggestions/improvements or catch anything amiss, please let me know.

As always, the most up-to-date version is available for download at www.bmwpnpc.com.
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Last edited by SilberVogel; 11-11-2014 at 11:01 AM.
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Old 11-11-2014, 11:03 AM
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Update: version 2.9.0 is now available for download and includes a number of new features, vendors, and improvements. Most notably is a new tab for international vendors and the ability to export instant “OE Prices” to Excel for easy spreadsheet creation.

There is a new video, as well, which replaced the much earlier and outdated one in the original post. Updated video covers some of the main features and includes chapter sections for easier navigation. The Excel pricing matrix, as seen in the video, is also available for download. Website includes some new sections, as well, and more information on everything below the fold:

Additional Vendors Added:
- BMW Parts 4U
- BMW Parts Pros
- Schmiedmann (Europe)

OE Price Detection Improvements (beta):
- Turner Motorsport now supported
- General detection improvements

Integrating Turner Motorsport was more of a challenge than any other vendor, due to their site and page layouts, as well as the inconsistencies in identifying Genuine BMW parts. If language other than “Genuine BMW” or “Original BMW” is used to identify a part, price detection may skip it, but have had good luck with the results so far. As of now, the “OE Price” feature is available for every vendor that sells OE Genuine BMW parts.

General Usability Improvements:
- Clicking in OE Price column selects single vendor
- “Save Settings” button tweaks

After running an instant price search, clicking in the OE Price column will now select a single vendor for easier launching of individual sites. Because of this, the “Save Settings” button has been tweaked to no longer save settings on each exit. Click once and your settings will remain unchanged until you do so again.

New OE Price Export Feature:
- Export OE prices to Excel after search

For easier handling of multiple part numbers and building pricing spreadsheets, OE prices can optionally be copied to the clipboard (pre-formatted for Excel) after each search. For those looking to run multiple part numbers, the included Excel template calculates the cheapest total cost from a single vendor, as well as the price savings of buying everything individually. This template was designed to be used in conjunction with the instant "OE Price" feature of BMW PNPC, but feel free to modify it to your liking (click here to download).


The main website has undergone some changes, featuring a new “ChangeLog” and "About" section for full details on future updates, as well as some additional entries on the FAQ page. As always, the most up-to-date version of BMW PNPC is available for download on the homepage, here. For details on past and future releases, be sure to visit the changelog page, here.

This shopping tool has come a long way in the past couple months and most of the updates and improvements in this version were suggested by other people. Appreciate all the feedback from everyone so far. Give the new version a spin and see what you think. If it saves you a decent amount of money and you'd like to show your appreciation by passing along some of the savings, please drop a tip in the tip jar!
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DIYs help you save money with repairs; let www.bmwpnpc.com help you save money with the parts.

Last edited by SilberVogel; 03-04-2015 at 01:27 AM.
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Old 11-29-2014, 06:08 PM
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Awesome tool! Been using it for my x5 shopping. Would love to see the mini version available (mini shares parts numbers with BMW, so sometimes the bmw search works ok).

Is it possible to have a version that runs in a browser window so other OS users could access it?

Thanks!
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