Hello NoVA/DC/MD folks -

http://forums1.roadfly.org/mini/forums/partscounter/

I know some of you don't read Roadfly, but I was checking it out this morning and found this new forum sponsored by MINI of Sterling. They are offering monthly specials and discounts on MINI parts for Roadfly members .

 

I would do a price comparison.
Last year I took a survey and found that Sterling had some of the highest prices in the area even with a BMW CCA discount. They inflate MSRP and then knock some off whereas Towson knocks their discount off of real MSRP.

Take a oil filter for a BMW. Sterling's list was 13.18 and Towson was 8.50.
With a CCA discount, Sterling was 11.86 and Towson was at the time 7.65.

Hopefully they changed their price policy.

 

Its the old raise the price and put an on sale tag on it.

 

I would like to think they have mended their ways.
But they are an independent business and free to do whatever they want.

Many times people feel if you buy from an internet site you are getting a cheap price. I have found if you are comparing oranges to oranges, that is original BMW parts to original BMW parts, you will get a better deal from a dealer who discounts off of real MSRP. Some internet parts place is not going to be able to purchase genuine BMW parts for any less than a dealer. The best the can do is buy at wholesale prices and mark it up 5%.

 

Some of their prices are very good, while others are not as low as those offered by Classic MINI in Ohio.

 

Just a FYI. Towson is offering 20% off real MSRP on parts.

 

Who told you that?

 

Sterling has offered me some good deals that I have not taken them up on yet, even though they are located nowhere near me . The convertible wind blocker for $299 (versus $425) and the aero rear spoiler pre-painted in black for $199 (versus $270) without installation. I paid over $400 including installation for this item back when I had my 02 Cooper. Not bad!

 

Towson Parts.
How do you know what MSRP is?
In the BMW world there is an online website that will give MSRP.
It comes in very handy when you are buying parts.

 

Today at my local dealer (Crown MINI of Richmond) I picked up the new 2005 accessories guide which contains the MSRP prices. They can also be found on the MINIUSA website.

 

I was at Sterling this afternoon, as I ran into the Roadlfy deal as well. They are certainly discounted from MSRP objects in the MINI catalog with printed prices. But, there isn't an easy way to tell how much wearing items like oil filters, wiper blades, etc really cost. It's always best to shop around when buying expensive items and see who really has the best deal.