What does 'exchangeable retrospectively' really mean...?

[Steve84N]

I need a new speed sensor cluster and I've found one from a 2005 Z4 but mine is a 2006.

RealOEM shows my car as having part number 34526769174 but the breakers have 34526764018. It says exchangeable retrospectively so does that mean you can put 34526764018 in my car or 34526769174 in an older car or both...?!?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/par...30si&mg=34&sg=20&diagId=34_1550&q=34526769174

Thanks

 

[Ducklakeview]

I would say you can put the newer part on an older car, but not vice versa...

Mike

 

[Steve84N]

That was my initial thought but hoping I was wrong.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

I have been about to reply for 10 mins or so. The logic baffles me - worth asking a dealer?

 

[Ducklakeview]

My thinking is that there is now a new part that has superseded a now discontinued part. The new part may, by natural definition, be used across each application. However, the obsoleted parts should not be interchanged between the respective vehicles.

Mike

 

[Steve84N]

Just got my call back from parts and they gave the standard official line that you should only fit the 174 part as that's the one listed for my car. He did however say that 018 is still an active part number... Does that mean it's likely they are different?

To add to the cryptic puzzle if you look up 018 then it says not exchangeable retrospectively:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/par...30si&mg=34&sg=20&diagId=34_1550&q=34526764018

Maybe I have to hold out for 174 as I don't fancy chancing £75 on the wrong sensor, but a new one is over £400...