Photo archives of small parts?

[roadrash]

Greetings!

I was having issues with my trunk lock a few months ago, so I took off the interior of the hatch to see what was wrong. I found that a tiny plastic part was broken. So, I consulted www.realoem.com to get the part number. When I did, this is what I found. The part that was broken was #19, a small connecting piece. As fate would have it, there are apparently 2 different mechanisms that can be used, and they require a different connecting bit. I ended up ordering a couple of each style at the dealer, (one to use and one as a spare) and they kept the ones that I didn't need.

Granted, the money involved in this particular case was trivial, but it made me think that it would be quite handy to have a photo of the actual part, with the part number, to refer to. This would be helpful for small parts that are a difficult to see in the realoem drawings.

So, this is my question: What would be the best way to implement this sort of archives here at 318ti.org?

I'm thinking that it could be as simple as creating a photo gallery, and naming the images with the part number.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

JMJ

[kirbykirbykirby3]

Wow, thas an awesome idea! I'd imagine it would require a open database, where you could search by name, model number or type of car. (I assume)

It could be quite tricky to input I believe (Databasing was always tricky with me ) But I'd imagine it be awesome if it could be put in! you got my vote!

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by roadrash

I'm thinking that it could be as simple as creating a photo gallery, and naming the images with the part number.
Thoughts? Suggestions?

This would require someone to actually use the search function.

[roadrash]

Originally Posted by kirbykirbykirby3

I'd imagine it would require a open database, where you could search by name, model number or type of car.

That's what http://www.realoem.com is for. I'm only suggesting that we gather pix of the small parts that are hard to see in the drawings at realoem.com

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

This would require someone to actually use the search function.

Oh yeah... good point. That seems to be beyond the abilities of a lot of folks.

Then again, if the photos were in a separate gallery and listed in numerical order, people could still browse for the part number, even though searching would be faster.

JMJ

[1996 328ti]

How about this?
http://www.318ti.org/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=725
Now that I think about it, it makes a lot of sense.
Better than reposting attachments to the board.
Now people can either refer to the image inthe gallery our link use it as an inline image.

[roadrash]

Exactly. I'm suggesting that we add actual photos of the parts, especially in cases where you either can't see it well in the drawing, or there are two different options for which part your car has and the one you think you need isn't pictured. The name of the photo would be the part number, and perhaps the description should include reference to the drawing in which you can find the part.

If nothing else, this might save a trip to the dealer to re-order and pick up the correct part. In my case, that's no big deal because I live less than 2 miles from the dealer. heh heh heh The benefit becomes more obvious if you live out in the middle of nowhere and had the part shipped. :-)

The spare bit that I ordered should still be in the back of the car, so I'll try to dig it out today and take a photo to illustrate what I'm suggesting. I guess I should have done that at the same time I originally made the suggestion, huh? LOL

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by roadrash

Exactly. I'm suggesting that we add actual photos of the parts, especially in cases where you either can't see it well in the drawing, or there are two different options for which part your car has and the one you think you need isn't pictured. The name of the photo would be the part number, and perhaps the description should include reference to the drawing in which you can find the part.

There is also this section.
http://www.318ti.org/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=532

[roadrash]

OK, that's close to what I'm suggesting. For example... look at the photo of the cigarette lighter bits posted by cali-ti. I'm suggesting that the individual parts be in separate photos and named with the part number.

I suppose it would still be useful to add the part numbers to the actual image in cases where there are more than one part in the photo.

I don't know if this is something that many people would find useful... it's just a suggestion.