PSA on oil filters - the BMW i3 is parts-matching with the r18 and the G3 hypoid oil is the same as used in the cars

Keehn

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I write this only for those not in the know, but BMW does intermix parts every now and again. And, sometimes knowing what to look for can even lead to cheaper prices, simply because that part is used on a different platform.

Take for instance, the oil filter used in the 2014-2020 BMW i3 with range extender:
Screen Shot 2022-10-03 at 13.48.50 .png
It can be had for $15.98 from BMW of South Atlanta https://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com...1427673541?c=bD0xJm49RHluYW1pYyBTRU8gUGFnZQ==

But, here's the EXACT same filter, except it's for the BMW R18:
Screen Shot 2022-10-03 at 13.49.32 .png
Which is priced at $21.19. https://www.bobsbmw.com/store/product/bmw-oil-filter-for-hexhead-twins-k1600-c400650--r18-models

Additionally, the G3 hypoid oil used in our final drive and transmissions is the EXACT same oil used in BMW cars. In fact, I used it recently when I serviced my 2014 X5 diesel and changed my front and final drive fluids.
Screen Shot 2022-10-03 at 13.53.02 .png
Screenshot from realoem.com. Note the part number for the G3 is different, but the product itself is identical on the Motorrad side of the house.

Screen Shot 2022-10-03 at 13.54.37 .png
Sometimes, the Motorrad side IS cheaper... I actually bought from Bob's on this one. https://www.bobsbmw.com/store/product/bmw-synthetic-g3-hypoid-axle-oil-70w-80-500ml

Screen Shot 2022-10-03 at 13.59.45 .png
And, before anyone nitpicks, saying that the SKU number is different because the viscosity is different, no. Here's a photo of the bottle on FCPEuro's site. The motorrad and vehicle G3 bottles ARE identical! (BMW South Atlanta didn't have a pic) https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-g3-hypoid-differential-fluid-genuine-bmw-83222413512

So, how is all of this helpful?

One, pricing out your maintenance.
Two, OBTAINING your supplies. If your motorrad dealer doesn't have an R18 filter in stock, perhaps the local BMW car dealer has an i3 oil filter in stock???

Lastly, this is just scraping the surface as it's just what I've run into thus far on my journey with Alcina. I'm POSITIVE there are more parts (likely electronic) on this bike that are parts-matching with the car side of BMW. BMW is in the business of making money, and, like any other company, if they can reuse parts, they WILL reuse parts!

Mike
 
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