Yes! I got one last night on ebay from a man in the UK. It will be here in about 16 days, then I will install it and tell you how much I like it.

My dealer was still telling me the same old story about them and I started a thread on MINI2 (yes I know), looking for a Euro source for the strut brace. I had several people offer and then one gave a link to ebay. I bought one (not sure of the price yet because of shipping but I will let you know!

I'm so Pumped!
Mikey

 

yea thats kool! will u post pix?

 

Chili, that would be me. If you had asked here, I could have gave you the same link.

It bothered me that he was asking like $28 over list ($320). BUT, let us know if you actually get it!

 

It seemed reasonable to me. He was asking £200 and I believe his cost in the UK including VAT would have been around £194. I'd be bothered if someone privately offered to help out and then asked for over list, but this was on eBay where sellers are not there to volunteer free services.

 

saw that a while back, thought it was a fair price.
if its not available here in the states, then ur going to pay a little more if u' really want it? have u purchased a bar yet?
?

 

Sorry ... I forgot to mention that Chili is getting the part for $421 shipped (per his other post). Sterling is selling for $272. It bothers me to pay an extra $140 for the part ... that is what I meant. Didn't mean to confuse anyone.

I wish Chili the best in getting the part and hope it works well.!

 

Sounds great.
Let us know how things work out for you.

Considering the cost of petro (gas) in the UK, I think your price was fair.
Did you know that if you live in the UK, it's possible that by adding any upgrades your insurance company can increase your premiums?

That means my MCS could be "uninsurable" if I took it to the UK (or be gastly high)! In fact there are some Lotus Elise owners in the US that find that they are hit hard by high insurance rates just by owning that car.

 

oh..snap ok yea thats way higher! i was confused.

 

Yes, that's a steep premium to pay (even more so when compared to non-JCW braces). Until the JCW is available here, there will always be a premium to obtain one.

I also want to add the following. I'm venturing into an area that I don't know much about and perhaps someone else can comment. The seller in the UK would have been charged VAT (17.5%) when he purchased the brace. What I don't know is whether he can subsequently get a VAT refund by exporting the item. That would make for a nice profit.

By the way, it appears that the seller sold his two braces and now has a new listing for another two, so it may be an ongoing offer.

 

Interesting. My guess is that:

1. They are not real JCW components (probably not true)
2. He smells a HUGE profit in buying a case of them in UK and shipping to US patrons who can't wait

Dont see a scam though.

 

dooood! take some picts after install.

 

It wasn't unreasonable for me because my dealer was going to charge me $350 plus install plus tax (6%) so it would come out to be about the same but I mean how hard could it be to install one by yourself??

Peace Out!
Mikey

The Math:
Dealer: 350+1/2(100 per hour)= x(1.06)= $424.00 (WAIT:????)
England ebay: 245bp inc. shipping(exchange rate)= $421.00 (WAIT: 15 days)

 

well, you automatically loose warranty when some teenager installs it...
jk

 

u know its funny u' say that cuz my dealer was trying 2 get out of replacing crushed bushings under warranty due 2' strut brace that I put on my ride

 

grr. you can't be as stupid and annoying as you play, can you?

 

meaning what??

 

Ouch, I'm English and I find England expensive.

 

Your grammer, man... it sucks when you use shorthand. What [sound] is gained by typing u'? This is not text messaging.

 

dude! calm down....you understood right?!?! (what i was saying )

 

Joker,

O I C. X Qs Me I 1/2 2 P.

 

Congrats ChiliCooperS,

My upper strut bar has been order for months and I am considering the route you took but I am going to continue holding out for the domestic bars that are in the country.

But get this ...... I called to place my order for JCW brakes & suspension last week and guess what .... the BRAKES are on hold. I was told Mini is looking for a new vendor for the paint on the calipers. Oh well !!!

Nice

 

hey thats good but a bit harder to understand!

 

15 days and counting...