Parts & VIN

[fermin]

I am having trouble with my local dealer who when I order parts asks me for a VIN number and when I provide it they say they cant find in their records. Also they dont seem to have parts in stock and I might as well purchase from the internet.


When I check the number sequence they seem to be OK and the last 7 digits match the serial no on the left hand side of the motor.  What other number could be of use to them as the beginning of the sequence are pretty generic.  

Anyone had this issue before?. Also any particular store they would recommend.  I had good luck with A&S but it also took over a week for them to ship.  I am going to need a few parts until this babys running.

[Bob_Roller]

A lot of BMW dealers, don't stock parts for old bikes, usually have to order and wait a week or so .

RealOEM.com, is a good place to start, they ask you for the last 7 characters of the bike's VIN, but it is not as current as the BMW dealer parts, but in most cases, it's usually close .

A&S BMW has an online parts site, as does Max BMW, Bob"s BMW has an extensive parts section on their website .

There's an important cut off date in R65 production, 09/80 is when the second generation of the R65 started production, look for this when you are searching for parts, if I'm not mistaken, you have a '79 or '80 bike, that is considered the 'first generation' bikes, a lot of changes were introduced with the 09/80 production bikes, and some parts can't be swapped between the two different production series .

[Mike V]

fermin,
Typical delema with a lot of Dealers parts employees. Sounds like you're dealing with an inexperienced parts guy if your VIN is correct.
I would start by keeping this link in your favorites bar. This will direct you to your correct parts numbers after you've selected the correct data fields reflecting your bike's model and year.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do?vin=6147821
And you may want to first double check on your specific bike info with this link that should specify your production date after inputting your VIN.
http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi
Your VIN number should be stamped clearly just above your dipstik and stamped on the right side frame gusset near the steering head.
I always like to acquire the part number from the first link above before ordering parts from any parts people. It's not a perfect world and some times you may find someone with less experience than needed.
About where to order your parts...there's a number of places, I like to use Bob's, A&S, Max, MotoBins and others. I'm sure you'll get more help and opinions soon from the forum members to help make your own decisions.

[fermin]

Thanks for the links, the VIN decoder was baffled by the VIN number but took the serial number OK .  Production date 1982 /09.

[Yikes]

So fermin, is your bike an '82 or an '83.  Real OEM informs me that my '82 was actually manufactured in 10/81.

[Bob_Roller]

Here's a table for production dates for the twin shock R65 .

http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/chassispages/enginechassis650.htm

Here's one for the mono-shock bikes .

http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/chassispages/enginechassis650P2.htm

[steven m]

The important question to ask any dealer/parts store with regards to new parts is availability.  If the parts are in the US, they should arrive within a week; if they have to be ordered from Germany it can be a month.  They can check with BMW in real time online while you are on the phone.

Keep on the lookout for good used parts which will both save you money and can be a lot faster.  All part of the fun...

I just double disc'ed my front end, with a nice Brembo caliper I picked up for $20 off a Guzzi a guy was parting out and a good used disc for $40.  Yeah.

[chewy4x4]

My bike is 6385003  [smiley=shocked2.gif]and it has less than 6500 miles its my little get around.

[Bob_Roller]

Your bike, was the first bike off of the assembly line for the '81  US model year, mine is 6385009, but with 83,000 miles (136,000 km) on it, I'm the original owner, took delivery of the bike in January, 1981 .

[chewy4x4]

I am the first yeah. Now I have to find out what broke on this very lightly ridden r65. Some times not riding them is worse than hammering on them. Ughhhh

[Mike V]

My "81" (6385040) is a 9/80 production model and the dreaded transitional model mentioned earlier by Bob. I can assure you I've had my challenges with fitment of replacement parts during my restortion. It's obvious some parts bins were emptied from the factory. My bike seems to be on the fence and unsure which side to fall on at times. Now check your title papers and see what year is noted...

I'm told it's considered an 81 due to the distribution or original sales date. Seems my 650 goes both ways. ()

[Ed Miller]

I'm about done getting parts from my local BMW dealer too, for the same reason.  If they don't have it, and if I didn't get the order in the system in time one week, it could be over two weeks before I get the part.  I can probably call Ted Porter's Beemershop and get the parts in a couple of days, like I do my Triumph parts from San Jose (Rabers Partsmart).

[fermin]

My 638 7063 was built 9/2002 and ID as an '83 in the registration, with a 'D' in the VIN number .  Purchased sight unseen last month with 16500 mi and obvious signs of nof having been ridden for a long time. I am estimating 2004.  I almost backed out of the deal but was conviced by my 18 yr old daughter to keep the 'project'.  The bike came with two boxes of new parts.

Havent been able to ride it yet, but I am getting closer every day

[Bob_Roller]

I can't complain about the local BMW dealer I do business with .

But I have learned how to use the BMW parts catalog, I go into the dealer, with a copy of the parts page, and then there is no incorrect interpretation by the parts person .

They used to place $2.50US service charge, for each order you placed, if they had to order parts, they got a bit of negative feedback on their practice, and have since discontinued it .

I've only ordered two parts incorrectly, both times, I transposed the last 2 digits of the part number low cost items less than $2US each .

[Mike V]

But I have learned how to use the BMW parts catalog, I go into the dealer, with a copy of the parts page, and then there is no incorrect interpretation by the parts person .

I've found this to be a very important and worthwhile excercise when ordering parts.  I always research my parts to the best of my ability and ask the parts person to verify my part number whether it's by phone or email.  It also helps to supply the parts person with your VIN. More times than not it's streamlined the process and prevented mistakes. It seems the more reputable parts workers and businesses appreciate the small amount of extra effort in this research and supplying them with the factory numbers. They've found many of my mistakes as well while they have more current streamlined resources sometimes for parts identification and amendments.