Porsche parts equivalence list

[NewArt]

I am aware that Porsche sources many car parts from other brands: BMW, Audi, and VW to name 3. For instance, the lifters used in my 986 S are apparently the same as found in the BMW parts bin. My question is, does anyone know of a list or resource to find the equivalent part number? For example, the lifters at Porsche are part number 99610504172, so the corresponding BMW # is apparently 11 32 1 748 884. "Flyingpenguin" on the Renntech forum said "Lifters in question (for M96 2.5, 2.7 and 3.4 engines, not sure about 3.2's) are less than half price vs.OEM at European Auto Parts - Wholesale Genuine and OEM | Saab BMW Volvo VW Mini Audi Porsche Mercedes Benz last time I looked. Their part# is 11 32 1 748 884."
I was mostly curious to see if there were other parts which were common to other brands and if perhaps a list could be compiled by enthusiasts who like to tackle some rebuild/upgrade projects and keep the costs in line.
Thanks for any info you might have!

[Porsche9]

Very interested.

[j.fro]

I'm interested, too. Somewhere on this list there's got to be a $15 160 degree thermostat.

[pjq]

Paragon Parts of Texas might be able to help with some of these interchangeable parts.

[JAAY]

Or a 3 dollar vw oil filter.

[edc]

Originally Posted by j.fro

I'm interested, too. Somewhere on this list there's got to be a $15 160 degree thermostat.

http://bit.ly/1bGFAPi not quite that cheap and in the UK.

[BrokenLinkage]

Yes, a comprehensive equivalency list would be helpful, especially since some of the parts are "subassemblies" according to Porsche and not available separately from them. ie VW/Audi ignition switch, BMW headlight washer nozzle, etc.
OEM supplier equivalents (Bosch part # for OEM wiper blades, etc)would be helpful, too.
But a recent acrimonious online debate over trying to simply determine the oem supplier of the water pump tells me that someone will soon weigh in from the camp of "if you can't afford to pay 12 prices for parts and place blind faith in Porsche to supply the best solution at the best price, you should have bought a car from a more reasonable manufacturer." At which point the flurry of spitballs will prevent further attempts to advance the state of knowledge.
Best of luck, though, would be a useful project.

[NewArt]

Well, let's hope that that doesn't happen. From what I've seen on these forums, the active members aren't necessarily driving the latest $100k models but are enthusiasts driving (like me) 10, 12, 15 year old cars, ready and willing to get their hands dirty and help out their like.
If we can get enough information to make it worthwhile, we could make an editable chart on Excel which could be downloaded/uploaded by all members.
Just a thought.

[litespeedp]

Great thread.Well said.Ditto.

[linderpat]

subscribed

[mikefocke]

Try and start something like that and you'll find out just how few are willing to contribute. Those that might know are too darn busy.

Critics abound, contributors few.

(in my articles on O2 sensors and MAF's, you'll find tables of equivalencies.)

[NewArt]

You may well be right, but I'll post a link in the next few days for the very few items that I have found. I thought that an Excel file might be the easiest format but I could use another if preferred, even a straight text file. Anyone who knows of a part equivalent could edit the file and add new stuff or comment on existing entries. If it doesn't work, well, so be it.