Variance in Part Prices

[granit_silber]

I just got off the phone with the parts departments at two local dealers. The dealers are seperated by maybe 20 -25 miles. Here's what I asked for and their prices.


Part no. Dealer 1 Dealer 2

================================================== ========
12 131 703 359 (ignition coil) 108.88 87.94

11 129 070 530 (Valve cover gasket) 45.31 36.98

BMWCCA Parts Discount 10% 15%


Why is there so much range in the prices of the same parts?

-ashley

[uscharalph]

Here's your alternative from BMA Parts:

BMA Part # BSH005491 - BOSCH COIL - 58.55
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BMA Part # BMW046871 - BREMI IGNITION COIL - 46.02
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BMA Part # BMW085025 - MEYLE IGNITION COIL - 36.63

I've found there's a fairly big difference in prices from different online parts companys. Usually if you shop around you can get free shipping and no sales tax also.

[granit_silber]

Here's your alternative from BMA Parts:

BMA Part # BSH005491 - BOSCH COIL - 58.55
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
BMA Part # BMW046871 - BREMI IGNITION COIL - 46.02
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
BMA Part # BMW085025 - MEYLE IGNITION COIL - 36.63

I've found there's a fairly big difference in prices from different online parts companys. Usually if you shop around you can get free shipping and no sales tax also.

Ralph,

Thanks!
I had just finished ordering the parts from Patrick at BMA. I was calling the dealers because I was afraid to wait for shipping. My whole order was less than the price of the coil from the dealer down the street! BMA all the way!

My orginal question remains. Why the large difference in prices between two factory dealerships less than 25 miles apart?

-ashley

[bfd]

Ralph,

My orginal question remains. Why the large difference in prices between two factory dealerships less than 25 miles apart?

-ashley

Independent dealers. I believe BMWNA has a "standard" retail price for all parts, which btw has supposedly gone up 30% since March 2005 due to the weakness of the dollar - way to go Bush!!!! However, because each dealership in independently owned and operated, they can mark up the price to whatever they want.

[uscharalph]

The great thing about BMA, is that I receive my parts the next day, shipped free (Over $50.00)!

[Kalevera]

The dealer has a "BMW recommended" and a matrix price. They get to choose what to charge, and from what to offer a "discount".

Best, whit

[SRR2]

from AutohausAZ

12 131 703 359 Bosch Coil -- 41.23
11 12 1 735 720 525 valve cover gasket -- 13.61 (M50 through 8/92)

I do not understand the slavish devotion to BMA on this web site. I have yet to find a single part that's cheaper there than at Autohaus. AutohausAZ has given me consistently good service and pricing. Not to mention that their parts availability is much better than BMA's.

And no, I have no connection to them.

[shogun]

I do not often buy in USA. But last order was from Autohausaz too and I was quite happy.
Ordered 6 OEM Bosch oxy sensors at each 63.10 $ whereas retail price is 163.00.
In addition as order was more than 250 $, I got additional 2% discount.
Here in Japan they cost 300 $/pc, most of the others in USA were between 80-120 $ for the same Part Number 13 231 Bosch.
Qick delivert by USPS instead of DHL (much cheaper outside USA, although it takes some days to arrive), no problem at all.
I would recommend for all people outside USA to order by USPS. Takes some days more, but much cheaper than the express companies like FedEx, DHL etc.
You can check the prices to your country on their URL
http://www.USPS.com/

In general, check around and compare all the different offers. Often there is a special sales action by someone which no one can beat. I do not stick to one only.

[Kalevera]

Have you ever called BMA? The selection and pricing on their web site is not indicative of what you can actually buy and what it will cost.


best, whit

[Ted K]

anyone have the link to Autohausaz or a phone number?