Where Do You Buy Car Parts From ?
Discussion
For general service & maintenance I always used to go to GSF or Euro Car Parts but a few years ago they seemed to double their prices.
With all the Chinese copy parts about I'm loathe to buy from a random seller but tend to end up with the larger car parts sellers on Ebay.
I bought some ADL brake pads and even with postage (and Ebay / Paypal fees) they were half the price of any of the local suppliers.
With all the Chinese copy parts about I'm loathe to buy from a random seller but tend to end up with the larger car parts sellers on Ebay.
I bought some ADL brake pads and even with postage (and Ebay / Paypal fees) they were half the price of any of the local suppliers.
BMW, generally. Unless it's a part where I know I can get the same manufacturer, spec and quality from another distributor in which case I'll go to CP4L, ECP etc.
A lot of the stuff the motor factors stock is cheap rubbish and sometimes the premium alternative too is inferior to OEM parts.
A lot of the stuff the motor factors stock is cheap rubbish and sometimes the premium alternative too is inferior to OEM parts.
Generally BMW for all my parts
However, if I'm ordering lots or something expensive then I use Leebmann24
They are a BMW dealer in Germany and including the postage it still works out cheaper than buying from the UK (favourable exchange rate and discounted parts anyway. I saved £60 on each injector for my N54 (£360 in total) and they are genuine parts with full 2 yr BMW part warranty too.
For cheaper stuff, it's normally eBay or Euros
However, if I'm ordering lots or something expensive then I use Leebmann24
They are a BMW dealer in Germany and including the postage it still works out cheaper than buying from the UK (favourable exchange rate and discounted parts anyway. I saved £60 on each injector for my N54 (£360 in total) and they are genuine parts with full 2 yr BMW part warranty too.
For cheaper stuff, it's normally eBay or Euros
Somethings I buy off ebay, I use some secondhand parts for the Land Rover, normally bodywork. I also look out for when companies are selling off factory seconds on ebay.
For other parts I like to support my local motor factors as they are a valuable resource and it was where I had my very first job.
For other parts I like to support my local motor factors as they are a valuable resource and it was where I had my very first job.
Cfnteabag said:
For other parts I like to support my local motor factors as they are a valuable resource and it was where I had my very first job.
I would, but my nearest factor is 20 miles away - and, even then, they're part of a chain rather than an indie. Many factors sell on eBay/Amazon anyway - I've just ordered a couple of belts and a washer non-return. The NR was a quid, delivered, from a 200k+-feedback supplier of parts...If there's a good indie specialist in a niche vehicle I own, then I'll use them as much as possible. So, for the 2cvs - ECAS. For the camper - Brickwerks.
For the Landy, there's so many specialists in such a large market, that I'll use whoever comes up with the best deal on decent quality parts, with an assumption that no brand specified means the Blue Bag of Death. If it's a large order, I'll price it up on a few suppliers' own websites. If it's a few smaller bits, then most of 'em sell via eBay and Amazon, with better total once shipping's taken into account.
Cfnteabag said:
I like to support my local motor factors as they are a valuable resource
Mine used to be good but then they supplied a part that was faulty and consequently broke other parts - they messed about and tried to even avoid giving me money back for the part let alone the other parts or labour - hence they lost a customer.Dannbodge said:
Generally BMW for all my parts.
Jesus, no! BMW 'wear-and-tear' parts are some of the easiest to shop around for, with a lot of OEM stuff available directly from Germany for a fraction of UK dealer prices. I got a complete set of Sachs top and bottom suspension mounts for an E90 for about a 10th of what it would have cost from the dealer. All of the parts were line-fit stuff, identical markings to BMW packaged items with just the BMW roundels scrubbed off.Similar for a BEHR thermostat and Pierburg electric water pump, but not quite as big a saving.
Genuineautoparts for my s600. I was hesitant at first but they are consistently far cheaper than the dealers for the same parts
For consumables and more generalised parts I'll use my local motor factors - they are usually very competitive if you know them well enough to get a decent trade discount
For consumables and more generalised parts I'll use my local motor factors - they are usually very competitive if you know them well enough to get a decent trade discount
SuperHangOn said:
Just dig out whatever 25% off code is doing the rounds for Euros & GSF. They seem to have hiked their prices up to take theseinto account - a bit annoying but I'm sure it made perfect sense on the marketing depts powerpoint presentation.
But that's my point really - they only get competitive when you're getting 50% off.r11co said:
Jesus, no! BMW 'wear-and-tear' parts are some of the easiest to shop around for, with a lot of OEM stuff available directly from Germany for a fraction of UK dealer prices. I got a complete set of Sachs top and bottom suspension mounts for an E90 for about a 10th of what it would have cost from the dealer. All of the parts were line-fit stuff, identical markings to BMW packaged items with just the BMW roundels scrubbed off.
Similar for a BEHR thermostat and Pierburg electric water pump, but not quite as big a saving.
Carry on reading my post and you will see that I also get lots from germany Similar for a BEHR thermostat and Pierburg electric water pump, but not quite as big a saving.
Some wear and tear parts I had to get through them (E36 M3 Evo floating discs for example) It's also easier as I drive past one to get home. Both Harry Fairbairn and Cotswolds give fairly good discounts and doesn't make parts that dear.
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