1998 323S door panels

[TG323iS]

1998 323iS, M36, M52 WBABF7323WEH41038. Both right and left doors need work.
The plastic 'pockets' (mainly bottom rear on both doors) have cracked (even broken pieces) and the panel does not attach to the door frame.
I have been trying to locate the panels (new or used), but no luck. I tried to figure out the correct part number but not sure (might be 51418254731,732??). Interior is beige and the doors have two (2) pockets. My repair manual says to replace the plastic parts (i.e. the pockets) but I can't find the p/n for those either.
I've tried the usual internet sources, but so far no joy!
Any help to locate the parts or even tips to repair the existing (glue the pieces back together!?!?) would be great.

Terry

[bluptgm3]

Use the last seven characters of the VIN in www.realoem.com to determine correct part numbers.
You had side airbags correct?
Most likely going to have to widen your search or rebuild yours.

[GregBBall123]

Pockets cannot be purchased on their own, im assuming the manual means replace the plastic clips when reinstalling. Only certain door cards are available new still so that i dont know.

[gc325is]

You can buy them you just cant eat for a week turnermotorsport.com/p-98368-51418221821-genuine-bmw-part/

note 232is has one less speakers than a 328is and 325is has no air bag.

[TG323iS]

Thanks for all the input. I did try realoem.com, but got a bit confused with all the part numbers - I think 561418225441,442 might be corredt, but ... 447,448 might be in there also - I just don't know all the other codes. Side air bags, beige/tan, speakers??

[BrokenBimmer22]

Dear TG323iS,

I implore you to go to a "pick & pull" type junkyard if there is one near you with an E36. E36 door panels can be bought for less than $30 there and it's not like it's not exactly hard to pull a door panel.

If you cannot find the former type of junk yard, still please don't buy a new panel yet. Go on car-part.com and search for your model & the part "Front Door Trim Panel." The website will show you all of the panels near you, sorted by distance, and you can even call them up and haggle or ask for shipping. (Use free shipping as a bargaining chip while haggling if you're shipping! I.e. "I can settle for $30 if you can offer free shipping.")

Seriously, I wish I knew this before I spent all sorts of money on parts. There is serious money to be made at junkyards so if a deal seems too good to be true, buy it & resell it! Try and always haggle if you are respectful. Worst they can say is no.

Hoping this post gets you stoked to get that new panel & a turbo from the yard!

Sincerely,
BrokenBimmer22

Edit: If there are no yards near you, or any that will ship, DM me and I'll help try and acquire you the part for a small fee for my time.

[TG323iS]

Found a right side panel - thanks for the heads-up. Not sure about full cost yet (I'm in Walnut Creek, CA, and the part is in Cochranton, PA!!)