ok, I did that for both the 323 and the 530 with the vanos unit and both show the same part number as my x5. neither show a date range though?

it looks like the parts I'm interested in are the same across mine and these two. I want a spare valve cover, spare vanos unit to rebuild, and two spare coil packs...then some miscellaneous twist locks, push tabs, and such.

I thought the only one that had the same engine was the m-series? ugh, too many variants of these engines lol

When there's no date range listed...it means that the part applies from beginning to end of production.

Sometimes you may even see a part nbr that has ended which had a specific date range...and may have been replaced by another number with a date range that has also ended...and now there's a 3rd part nbr listed below the other two...and if that new nbr has no date range, then it means it replaces both of the previous nbrs listed.

Actually, my favorite part database for checking part cross references is http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog because it gives more information about old & new part nbrs. BMWfans.info will reference old NLA (no longer available) part nbrs that realoem no longer references. And sometimes you can keep on clicking links for other older nbrs and the models that they were used in...which is great for us owners of BMWs from a few generations past the current models. :) This site also will break down the individual part nbrs in some items that are sold as a set...in these cases look for a link that will break down the individual parts of a set. :)

For example...bmwfans.info breaks down the individual parts within the "set" for the Service II Interval "kit"...where as realoem.com only gives the part nbr that encompasses the entire kit:

BMW part nbr 88 00 2 180 406 (service interval II kit #2 in diagram below): RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.4i Service Kit for Inspection II

BMW part nbr 88 00 2 180 406 (service interval II kit #2 in diagram below)...if you hover your cursor next to the 11 digit BMW part nbr...you'll see an "i" appear...click on the "i" & it will take you to another page that lists all 4 items' part nbrs that are in the kit & their individual prices (wholesale): http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E5..._ii/#2180406_2

http://ills.bmwfans.info/arka.png

grabbed the valve cover and vanos off the 530 this past weekend and grabbed two of the coil packs off the 323 to keep as spares since mine has 140k on it.

got the valve cover for $14 and the vanos for $14 (they called it a timing cover lol). going to order the upgraded seal kit and go through it so when I pull my valve cover to replace the gasket I'll just do the vanos at the same time.

out of curiosity, the top cover of the valve cover and the intake, do those have a common name? vanity cover? top cover? I kept the two top cover bolt covers from the 323i just in case I break/lose one of mine but had no clue these things were selling for $18/pair on ebay lol. they are "gimme" parts at the u-pull that people put in their pockets. looks like a decent mad money maker so I dont even have to pay for parts I buy lol.