Feeling pretty upset right now - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

richardbaxter · 27th October 2009, 01:49

This is not directly linked to the E34 M5 but then again maybe it is?

I called my main dealer this morning to order a master cylinder for my E30 m3 Sport Evo. Last time I enquired (two years ago) it was available at a cost that I seem to recall was around £275.00. The price they quoted this morning was £504.00!

This is plainly ridiculous even taking into acccount the current £/Euro exchange.

I was quite shocked so rang an independant parts supplier and they quoted £223.00!

What is going on with BMW are they trying to ruin any relationship with their customers?

Are we expected to pay what seems an over inflated price by any stretch of the imagination?

legacy260 · 27th October 2009, 02:42

I believe that BMW main dealers have little or no interest in supporting cars outside of their current range. Most main dealers today will struggle with an E39 M5 let alone an E30 M3, or even a E30 320. It is a shame but it does allow a great selection of after market operators to flourish and support the older models.

Glad to know that you found the part at half the price!

1day · 27th October 2009, 02:50

I share your outrage with BMW parts prices in this manner.

I think they should recognise the brand value that supporting the classic M range with good service and parts would have. Mercedes do this very well I hear... and advertise the massive ages and durability in this way.

BURTON · 27th October 2009, 09:28

Hi Richard

Was there any discount applied to the BMW dealer price?

Thanks

richardbaxter · 27th October 2009, 10:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by BURTON

Hi Richard

Was there any discount applied to the BMW dealer price?

Thanks

Burton

That price was with the discount!

BURTON · 27th October 2009, 11:23

Ouch indeed and I feel your pain.

Ratty · 27th October 2009, 14:16

I had to pay over £100 for new plastic undertrays for the engine bay the other day, two sheets of plastic...

Everythings expensive on these cars, but I keep reminding myself that they are proper supercars. Anything with Ferrari performance is never going to be cheap to run.

They trick us by looking like a boring road saloon, and we sometimes forget the performance they hide doesn't come cheap in any car.

richardbaxter · 27th October 2009, 18:24

Guys

I have run M cars since 1992 and have covered perhaps 300,000 miles in that time. accepted straight away that the fewer production numbers and parts with a higher specification would not make them an inexpensive car to run. It is not this that has shocked me it is the sheer scale of price increase over the past 9 months.

Another owner with an E24 M635 advised me last night that Dec 08 alternator - 189.00, last week - 349.00!

If one is buying the odd part now and again then perhaps it can be swallowed but for cars that are undergoing restoration where the parts list can turn into pages very quickly I think it will make one seriously question whether it is a sensible let alone affordable course of action.

My new master cylinder turned up today (ordered by phone yesterday from an independant parts supplier) not only is this faster as any BMW order takes 2/3 days with most stock coming from Germany it is made by Ate the same as the original fitted to the car - that's a cool £281 saving - in actual fact the saving is greater than the cost of the item!

Finally through the Car Club as I raised this issue with them yesterday, just in from the American Club - 'have your members found a large increase in the cost of parts from BMW Classic'?

legacy260 · 27th October 2009, 20:04

How much of this is due to the fall in the GBP vs the Euro?

Mmm-Five · 27th October 2009, 21:34

I've noticed the prices steadily rising every year I've owned one.

The EDC shocks are a case in point - when I had my first set, they were £400 a corner, they're now double that.

Small components seem to be £250 (water pump, fan, radiator).

Large engine ancilliaries seem to be £500 (alternator, compressor, starter).