A way to save a bit on repairs
Thread Starter
Administrator
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,485
Likes: 109
From: Fairfield County, CT
My Ride: 530xi
Model Year: 2007
Engine: N52
For those of us that aren't mechanically inclined and bring our rides to independent shops, I've found that my indy doesn't mind if I supply my own parts. I can shop around and get a good price on what I need, and then supply the parts at repair time. Of course, you have to be extra careful and know exactly what you need, but in the case of routine stuff like brakes and rotors, it's generally pretty easy to get OEM part numbers and then cross-reference to see what your aftermarket options are. Just be careful about return policies in the chance that you do screw up and order something that won't fit.
The shop owner misses out on his markup on the parts, but still makes money on the labor. I'm not above throwing him a couple of extra bucks to show I appreciate the cooperation.
The shop owner misses out on his markup on the parts, but still makes money on the labor. I'm not above throwing him a couple of extra bucks to show I appreciate the cooperation.
Contributors
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 0
From: Encino, CA
My Ride: 04 545i - Titanium Silver/Black, Sport pkg, Comfort Seats w/ Lumbar, Premium Sound, power rear sunshade, Adaptive Xenon Headlights, Steptronic, Park Distance Control, Fold down rear seats w/ski bag, Aux jack, 6-disk changer, puddle lamps...
Engine: Custom Remus cat-back exhaust w/chrome square tips, K&N Air Filter, Charcoal Filter Removed, Sprint Booster :-), 50/50 mix of 91+100 Octane, EuroRev ECU Remap (coming soon lol), Dinan High-Flow Throttle Body (coming soon...maybe lol)
Interior: Portable Sirius Stilletto 100 w/car kit, Garmin Nuvi 680 mounted below rear-view mirror, LCI-style I-drive knob, Dark Poplar Center Dashboard Trim.
Exterior: E60 forum clings, 5% rear tint, ACS roof spoiler (painted black for distinct look against limo tint), ACS trunk spoiler, ACS add-on front spoiler and rear apron (awaiting installation), "18 Black Staggered BeBeS Style OER (emergency replacement for cracked sport 124 rims), black kidney grill, white accessory lighting (including license and trunk lamps), Angel-eye upgrade, AIB xenon-matched fog lamps, AIB V3's on order, red rear reflectors
For those of us that aren't mechanically inclined and bring our rides to independent shops, I've found that my indy doesn't mind if I supply my own parts. I can shop around and get a good price on what I need, and then supply the parts at repair time. Of course, you have to be extra careful and know exactly what you need, but in the case of routine stuff like brakes and rotors, it's generally pretty easy to get OEM part numbers and then cross-reference to see what your aftermarket options are. Just be careful about return policies in the chance that you do screw up and order something that won't fit.
The shop owner misses out on his markup on the parts, but still makes money on the labor. I'm not above throwing him a couple of extra bucks to show I appreciate the cooperation.
The shop owner misses out on his markup on the parts, but still makes money on the labor. I'm not above throwing him a couple of extra bucks to show I appreciate the cooperation.
Senior Members
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,348
Likes: 3
From: UpState SC
My Ride: 2008 535i LCI with sports/premium package, Sports trans with paddle shifters, CF emblems, JB4 Software, Dinan Exhaust, Navigation, M5Tech body kit, Carbon wrap interrior trim and CIC Controller.
My old Idie used to do this and it was a great deal and of course I always new the risk that if the parts was wrong or defective it was 100% on me and I would have to pay him again to remove it and such. LIke I said, he used to do this but has since stopped. I heard it all came down to some idiot threatening to sue him because the idiot brought the parts to him and they didn't realize they were not the correct parts until after the old ones were removed. Of course the indy wanted to be paid for his time and this is where the fight came in. You know, there are just some out there that always seem to ruin it for everyone else!
Contributors
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,895
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
My Ride: 04 525i, 04 Dinan M3
The shop I use only charges a extra 5% on parts, so I don't worry about it. Especially if the part is faulty and I send it back, that can be the difference in a day without a car or at least a week to get the part back if its bad and I deal with it.
Senior Members
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 622
Likes: 1
From: ct
My Ride: alpine white 535 E61
Model Year: 08
I thought all indies did this, I've been doing this for ever with 3 different shops 6 different cars. I'm 100% sure I always have the correct parts. And try to print out DIY 's for some of the more complex BMW stuff
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