well, i appear to have found the part number while on the yahoo 318ti forums. i'll order one the next time i place a parts order and find out for sure if it is indeed the magic part!
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Thanks to Ray Carthy,
Yes he is alive, just hibernating. He emailed me the details on the part. He ordered one from the dealer. Said something about bringing the parts guy donuts to close the deal
The #'s:
64 11 8 369 186** That's what is on the white Original BMW, 1 Stuck, Made in Germany sticker on the plastic wrapping.
The yellow stapled-on drop-ship label says:
Lagerort***** Teilenummer************ Ursprung/BT
0206********* 4701 6411 8 369 186***** 004 0
Gerry