Best place to order parts?

[renojoe]

Is there some kind of discount parts place out on the 'net that undercuts the dealers? I'm just looking for some basic parts to mount up my new system cases.

[toner87]

http://www.chicagobmwmotorcycle.com

You get 20% off internet orders, but you still have to factor in shipping... You do need to know the part numbers for the site to work best... Just call them if you don't know the part #...
T.

[beemerphile]

+1 on Chicago BMW for best price. Find the part numbers at Max or A&S and drop them in the box on the Chicago site. They can be a bit slow on deliveries, but the stuff gets there eventually. - LEe

[renojoe]

Chicago BMW does have a 20% discount, but I have to say they were more than slow. It took 28 days to get my parts to me, and even then, I only think I got them because I called after 3 weeks. Not to mention, they left off my condo number, they checked the box "adult signaure required" forcing me to come home to meet the UPS guy.

After all that, one of the parts had no threads (obviously a manufacturing mistake) but still.

Lesson learned. Go to the local dealer. Pay full price. Get the right parts the same day.

Not recommended.

[renojoe]

I get to pay to have it shipped back. Maybe I'll get the replacement before Summer.

[beemerphile]

Get the right parts the same day.

Not many dealers carry good stock any more. They all seem to order all but the high-selling maintenance items from the distributor. What seems to make Chicago BMW slower may be that they order direct from Germany - at least that is the impression I got talking with the rep about where my brake hose might be hiding. The 20% discount is significant enough especially on large purchases to make it worth the wait. I don't think calling them gets it there faster. That sounds like coincidence. There is no reason to have received items sitting around that could be shipped and billed. That's bad for cash flow. - Lee

[flugjung]

Does the Chicago BMW dealer carry Wunderlich parts? I have some relatives living in Chicago and I go there quite often. I`m looking now for some crash bars for my rockster.

cheers,

Albrecht

[beemerphile]

BMW of Santa Cruz is the only US outlet I have found. - Lee

[jb44]

BMW of Santa Cruz is the only US outlet I have found. - Lee

Correct. They are the exclusive dealer for Wunderlich in the US.

jb

[glennbtw]

14 DEC 2005
Ordered BMW Gell battery charger from chicago BMW

27 JAN 2006
Order still pending/not shipped

Order canceled

ordered from them as I didn't need it right away and the shop is a distance from house. Did not expect 6 week wait. Probably will not use them again

[meistre]

I vote for patronizing your local dealer. I've ordered from Chicago to save money and their customer service is so poor that I've had to visit my dealer with my tail between my legs and beg them to help me resolve things. They always help me out but it doesn't feel right especially when so many of the employees at the dealership have become my friends.

As you order from Chicago to save 20%, think about how you will handle things if the part is incorrectly shipped or you need to have it repaired/replaced under warranty. Chicago BMW will NOT help you!

[drevil]

agreed. i buy my parts from bob's unless i can get something serviceable off a member(system case mounts and luggage rack) or ebay( low seat for 36$ shipped) i ordered my full exhaust from bob's though and they installed same day when i realized i didn't have the time or inclination for 125$.

[renojoe]

Still waiting for the replacement part I sent back over a month ago. Anyone want to start a betting pool? I guess nobody from Chicago BMW has ever been on this site, or the parts manager would be fired.

You would think one of the other dealers would see the market opportunity here. It seems like we've all jumped at the chance to save 20% and tried Chicago, only to get the same poor service. If another dealer could just match that price AND give good customer service they would probably clean up!

[drevil]

the reason they probably give such poor service is they aren't really making any money at 20% off. So why would anyone jump at the chance? I doubt you can clean up selling stuff at 20% off!

[renojoe]

Thanks for the thought. But by that logic, Chicago BMW wouldn't be making money at that margin and hence, wouldn't be selling parts online at 20% off. I'm not saying they are making a killing, but even if they are making 5% X all the members on this board it is still more than they would be making just servicing Chicago customers alone.

But maybe you're right. Can you call them an tell them I'll split the difference with them--they can sell to me at only 10% off list price as long as they actually ship my freakin' part?

[drevil]