search function - what am I doing wrong?

[PaulM]

OK -I have used other similar boards with no issue. Here I search on a string such as "overpriced dealer parts" I get 405 results. If I just search on "overpriced" I get 96????

It looks like it is looking for any of the words in the string and not all of the words?

Is there a way around this? I could not find anything in the FAQ or advanced search function.

Reason for the search is I'm curious as to the leeway dealers have in pricing parts - I need a plastic trim piece drivers door sill interior - realoem gives PN 51478146953 for a staggering $13.52 great I'll go to the dealer and buy it - local dealer quotes $28+ as well as $25 for a shift knob medallion. BMW of south atlanta online has it for list, include shipping and it is still cheaper than the local???

Paul

[1996 328ti]

Built in search functions are not very good.
I'd suggest using the search function that is in the left column.

BMW Dealers can charge whatever they want.
A good dealership will offer 20% off MSRP.
I'd suggest going to www.getbmwparts.com and plugging in the part number there.
They list MSRP and their retail price.

51478146953
MSRP $13.52
Retail $10.82

[PaulM]

Thanks - I did not notice the google search on the side - I was using the banner ones (which are not operating like the ones on the machining forum I participate in).

Guess my local dealer is decidedly not friendly, maybe its a need to pay for the brandy new showrooms they built. their loss - and thanks for the pointer.

Paul

[urbanmisfit]

Originally Posted by PaulM

OK -I have used other similar boards with no issue. Here I search on a string such as "overpriced dealer parts" I get 405 results. If I just search on "overpriced" I get 96????

It looks like it is looking for any of the words in the string and not all of the words?

Is there a way around this? I could not find anything in the FAQ or advanced search function.

Reason for the search is I'm curious as to the leeway dealers have in pricing parts - I need a plastic trim piece drivers door sill interior - realoem gives PN 51478146953 for a staggering $13.52 great I'll go to the dealer and buy it - local dealer quotes $28+ as well as $25 for a shift knob medallion. BMW of south atlanta online has it for list, include shipping and it is still cheaper than the local???

Paul

I hear you! I just bought a '96 and doing searches for higher milage preventive maintenance parts and procedures is very time consuming!
I just spent 3 hrs looking for an all alu rad that didn't cost $900!
I belong to a Jeep forum that has user reviews of popular aftermarket parts and a vendor page that lists model specific parts as well.
But BMW vendor sites sually it go like this:
year
make
model
sub-model....DUH!! no 318ti listing!
apparently a 318 ti does NOT qualify as an E-36
Best one was Mishimoto Radiators; called and asked for a rad; they said nope; and yet a retailer lists it! WTF!!

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by urbanmisfit

apparently a 318 ti does NOT qualify as an E-36
Best one was Mishimoto Radiators; called and asked for a rad; they said nope; and yet a retailer lists it! WTF!!

Many items you will find the part by selects a 318 sedan or coupe.

[spidertri]

What retailer lists the Mishimoto for the M44? I've never seen one from them. Only one I know of is the Zionsville radiator which is $900, ridiculous.

[urbanmisfit]

Originally Posted by spidertri

What retailer lists the Mishimoto for the M44? I've never seen one from them. Only one I know of is the Zionsville radiator which is $900, ridiculous.

here ya go. I should have posted this but a bit reluctant it case it doesn't fit: Ordering today.

http://store.excelerateperformance.c.../i-253109.aspx

I emailed them as well to make sure it would work and it will. I think there is a Fluidyne rad as well....$900 or so

[PaulM]

back to my original search question. I did a bit of looking at other forums I use one uses vbullitin 3.8.5, another uses 3.8.7 and this one uses 3.8.7.

On the other boards as I add terms to the search I can refine the results, eg on the peachparts forum (a lot more threads and posts there) if I search "overpriced parts" I get about 109 hits, if I add "dealer" and search for "overpriced dealer parts" i then get 22 results.

Much more useful than what I have gotten here. maybe the admin can check into it?

Paul

[urbanmisfit]

Sorry to jack your thread Paul..
I get some parts from a local independent guy; he charges me a bit more but is always less than the BMW parts counter. They know he'll go somewhere else and give him a decent price break simply because he buys a lot too.
He will charge you a bit to cover his costs; maybe not if you're a customer....

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by PaulM

back to my original search question. I did a bit of looking at other forums I use one uses vbullitin 3.8.5, another uses 3.8.7 and this one uses 3.8.7.

On the other boards as I add terms to the search I can refine the results, eg on the peachparts forum (a lot more threads and posts there) if I search "overpriced parts" I get about 109 hits, if I add "dealer" and search for "overpriced dealer parts" i then get 22 results.

Much more useful than what I have gotten here. maybe the admin can check into it?

Paul

I'm going to change a setting. Rebuilding the search index is pretty intensive. I hope the server doesn't crash.
I'm seeing it overheating already.

[PaulM]

Great - just trying to make suggestions to improve. The site is very useful in any case.

No worries on hijacking - part of my original reason for the search was how expensive the local dealer is - they appear not to just charge MSRP but to apply a multiplier of 2X+. It would seem their focus is only on selling new cars not supporting the customer base that may want to maintain an older car. The pointers here mean I can ditch them - maybe I should send a note to the owner that not only will they miss out on part sales, but I'll shop elswhere when buying new or a certified car.

Paul

[1996 328ti]

I'm curious if the search is any better or different now.

[PaulM]

Its Steve or Steven correct?

Whatever you did certainly changed the results. Now "overpriced dealer parts" returns 3 results (including this thread), "overpriced parts" returns 9, so it behaves more as I would expect. Have not tried any other searches yet.

Thanks
Paul

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by PaulM

Its Steve or Steven correct?

Whatever you did certainly changed the results. Now "overpriced dealer parts" returns 3 results (including this thread), "overpriced parts" returns 9, so it behaves more as I would expect. Have not tried any other searches yet.

Thanks
Paul

Steven
There are only two options for the built in search. Fulltext yes or no.
I think I had it set to yes. I changed it to no.
Cleared the search index and rebuilt the search index.