Cheap OEM parts on line?

[nujon]

Reported in the Telegraph motoring section this morning:-

"BMW is about to start selling original parts and accessories direct via online retailer eBay UK, claiming that it’s the first car maker to do so. Previously, owners had to order parts from dealerships but now, with the launch of BMW Direct, they can buy from the car maker, thereby cutting out the middleman, which means prices should be considerably cheaper. Postage and packaging is free. Other manufacturers are expected to follow BMW’s example"

[X5Sport]

Have just had a look and it's there already.

Good spot that.....

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/BMW-Direct-Store

However either the press release from BMW GB was being 'economical' with the truth, The Telegraph didn't do good research, or the term 'should' is being used a little too liberally! Or my Dealer is already giving me the same discount as there is a very limited range of parts covering only a few models and the prices look just like Dealer ones to me. BMW GB may be cutting out the middleman but all it means is they're keeping the profits. I suspect if they did this any other way then their UK Dealers would be up in arms. Perhaps it will improve as time goes on? They have to pay to list these items so that must limit how much they can discount prices by.

[pvr]

Dealers in Germany had been doing this for some time, I got a very nice brand new satnav screen (as a spare) for €100, which I could not resist

[nujon]

[quote=""X5Sport""]Have just had a look and it's there already.

Good spot that.....

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/BMW-Direct-Store

However either the press release from BMW GB was being 'economical' with the truth, The Telegraph didn't do good research, or the term 'should' is being used a little too liberally! Or my Dealer is already giving me the same discount as there is a very limited range of parts covering only a few models and the prices look just like Dealer ones to me. BMW GB may be cutting out the middleman but all it means is they're keeping the profits. I suspect if they did this any other way then their UK Dealers would be up in arms. Perhaps it will improve as time goes on? They have to pay to list these items so that must limit how much they can discount prices by.[/quote]

Just had a look - nothing of current or likely future interest to me either itemwise or pricewise e.g. front discs at 2x the ECP price for an OEM manufacturer!

[tarmac_terror]

Well done to BMW for doing this.
Lots of potential there to do some good business as long as they can get the pricing right!!

TT

[NewX5]

This has been going on for ages loads of BMW dealers on eBay, they are generally only selling stuff they cannot sell. There is one dealer selling the grills each side separately more than you can get them for retail.