how come cheap plastic is so expensive?

[motuman]

I need to replace the intake boot on my '95 540i (item #2 on diagram) as it is literally dissolving in place. I'm certain this part costs no more than a dollar or two to produce, but the list price is $95. I understand BMW needs to make a profit, but CRIKEY, that's more like profiteering.

I recently heard an explanation as to why, beginning in the early to mid 90's, BMW plastics are so bad. Apparently there was intense pressure from the Green movement in Germany to make plastic goods recyclable. In BMW's haste to adopt these new materials they did not perform proper long term durability testing, hence the early failure of our radiator tanks, plastic impellers, intake boots, you name it. Has anyone else heard this explanation?

So now when my neighbor with the Prius asks why I still drive a V8, I can tell him that at least my car is "self recycling", i.e. it's breaking down and decaying right in my driveway....

[Dave M]

Interesting. When I bought the equivalent section of intake for my M50 about 5 years ago, I paid just over $5 for it from a dealer in Canada. The parts guy on the phone actually said something to the effect of "wow, thats one of the cheapest parts you're going to find".

Not an answer to your question, but had to chime in.

Dave

[Dave M]

Just checked realoem and the rubber boot I spoke of is listed at $25. Not sure why I only paid $5, but I'll leave it alone Yours should also be a (hard) rubber boot and I can't see why there would be a $70 price difference.

Hosing the 540 owners.............

Dave

[motuman]

Just checked realoem and the rubber boot I spoke of is listed at $25. Not sure why I only paid $5, but I'll leave it alone Yours should also be a (hard) rubber boot and I can't see why there would be a $70 price difference.

Hosing the 540 owners.............

Dave

The 540 boot is soft and thin...should be cheaper?

[Bo525i]

Yea, thats just... absurd!

[Mr._Graybeard]

The sad state of the dollar has really jacked up the price of parts over the last couple years. I think I paid about $40 for that same part shortly after I bought my car in late 2005. Looks like Autohausaz has it on sale for $65, shipped -- no bargain, but better than $95.

[shogun]

1 EURO = $ 1.45 as of today!!!
http://www.oanda.com/
same period in 2002 was 1 EURO = $0.89

where will it end?

[motuman]

Surprised to see there may be an aftermarket option? prob not OEM for this price...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-A...#ht_3459wt_941

[motuman]

Looks like Autohausaz has it on sale for $65, shipped

Thanks, I noticed that. But it's out of stock with no date for new shipment to arrive....

[Bo525i]

I just came back from the stealer, you know that piece of plastic that covers the engine on the the underside up front..

Engine cover #51 71 8 147 355 = 135$

Needless to say, I left without it.. Thats just a totally unreasonable price for a piece of dang plastic!