Try another dealer. The parts guys, if they don't totally get what you're looking for, will sometimes get it wrong.

By the way, it is still our there;
http://www.parts.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=getLocator&siteid=213787&chapter=DP2FM0&appSectionid=10&groupid=10039&subgroupid=61113&make=10&model=Contour&year=1996&catalogid=1

98 Silver Frost SVT 97 BMW 540I Sport, six speed "Blue is for sky, black is for soil, and white is for simplicity, purity and hope for the future" "A coveted car should never stunt your life, but should make it more rich and interesting."