Where to buy small parts (fasteners etc.) for BMW online?

[MajorMantra]

I've recently entered the glorious world of BMW ownership with an E91 and I'm just learning how BMW is fond of using aluminium for fasteners, meaning that re-use is fraught with peril.

Can anyone point me to a convenient online source for replacements, and also for other small parts? For example my VANOS solenoid o-rings aren't looking great, but I'm wary of just using any old crap as a replacement.

Cheers!

[E-bmw]

BMW does have an online outlet on ebay, can't remember the e/name but it is something obvious.

[Sticks.]

E-bmw said:

BMW does have an online outlet on ebay, can't remember the e/name but it is something obvious.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/bmwdirectstore/


Worth a try I suppose. You might do just as well on eBay, or try the main dealer.

[CarsOrBikes]

often things on ebay are dearer than the dealers anyway, or the other way of buy cheap buy twice

[MajorMantra]

Sticks. said:

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/bmwdirectstore/


Worth a try I suppose. You might do just as well on eBay, or try the main dealer.

Useful to know, but they don't list any of the small stuff.

[SebringMan]

CarsOrBikes said:

often things on ebay are dearer than the dealers anyway, or the other way of buy cheap buy twice

WHS. I never thought I'd say to go to the stealer but time and time again I seem to save money in the long run especially on keepers.

Try Cotswold BMW through mailing them.

IME alot of the eBay bits are either wrong or simply not right if you look carefully. For example on my E46 M3:

-Only the genuine exhaust mounts seem to last ; the similar E36 mounts are shot within months of fitting
-The brake pads sold by a European Car Parts outlet are for a 330i. BMW made a specific compound pad for the then M cars and the X5. The former don't sell them and the Textar part no. results in similar prices to BMW but without the 2 year warranty on bits... It's funny how people say M3 brakes are terrible. I bet they are on the wrong pads.
-The daddy of all ballsups was my oil cooler sold by a company sounding like Mr. Mister. In short it was st. Damaged and faulty from the off ; Stevie Wonder wouldn't have sent that out! It also took over a week to get to my door. Going by their listings they relisted the item.

In short, unless you absolutely certain that the part you are getting is spot on go genuine. It's not the the first marque or time I've had this happen either. You can add Ford, Alfa Romeo, Peugeot and Renault to the list.

As for the oil cooler debacle it's on this post:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I will admit there are some upgrades out there but even they aren't always proven. Take the F80 M4 crank pulley upgrade which actually did more harm than good.

[nosuchuser]

+1 for Cotswolds. Get the part numbers from realoem and email them. They've been very helpful and far better priced than my local main dealer.

[SebringMan]

nosuchuser said:

+1 for Cotswolds. Get the part numbers from realoem and email them. They've been very helpful and far better priced than my local main dealer.

I wouldn't rule out haggling with your dealer TBH. Mine matches Cotswold or comes very close on many occasions. It helps with them being on my doorstep.

For the VANOS O-rings I'd either go for BMW or look to Beisan Systems.

[Depthhoar]

I've found BMW OK for the smaller fasteners as long as you can hammer out a 10-15% discount.

Cotswold are very good and convenient if you live some distance from a dealership - as I do - since they will deliver but there is a minimum spend before free shipping is offered. Worth checking - was £50 minimum last time I used them IIRC. Quite often your local dealer will match Cotswold prices, or at least come very close.

Try UK-based Mr Vanos for VANOS seals and most other things related to it: http://www.mrvanos.com/Vanos-Seal-Kits--Selector(1...

[ladderino]

Even better, Harry Fairburn - they have a section on BMW Forums and give forum members a discount. It's worth getting both them and Cotswold to quote, HF normally, but not always, come in cheaper.

[MajorMantra]

Useful suggestions, thanks!