So it was time to replace my Serpentine Belt this weekend (ok a little beyond time), I went to the local Autozone and purchased a 55" replacement belt as directed by their computer. When I put that belt on it was too long and all the holes on the tensioner disappeared. So after doing so research I found that the 1st Gen stock MCS requires a 54.5" (1385mm) belt.

This is not the first time that I have received the wrong part from a parts store, I understand that they can't be right all the time, but it seems to happen (at least to me) way too often. Does anyone else have these problems?

 

Yup, happens way to often, for me esp. @ AutoZone-d out.
I usually only get generic stuff there, prefer CarQuest or Napa for "real" parts, I find that it's always the same people & they are easier to form a relationship with, my CarQuest guy recognizes me on the phone even. (don't know if that's good or bad though. )

 

You gotta realize that the people that work at Autozone or PepBoys only make minimum wage or very slightly above. These guys are generally not very well versed in cars or in specifics at all. You get what you pay for holds true to the max here. They're taught how to use the parts system on the computers that they have, and nothing else. They only know what the computer shows them and the system is hardly accurate when it comes to niche vehicles. These places generally make all their money on selling car wash soaps and waxes, fluids and filters, light bulbs, batteries, and accessories. They may be parts stores, but they are not parts experts. Autozone is to parts what a Jewel or Dominick's is to your local butcher. Sure, they sell the stuff, but that's not the majority of their business model and isn't their focus or expertise.

Your best bet when using one of those stores is to use the Internet to source the part number and then order the exact part number from the store to ensure accuracy. It's a much better way to go about it instead of letting them use their lookup info.

You may find that your local independent parts store may not be financially able to stock everything for every car, which might seem like an inconvenience, until you get the wrong part from AZ... and then you're highly inconvenienced. The old guy at the counter of your small local store knows what he's talking about, probably hasn't worked on a mini but understands parts catalogs and diagrams and and can get you the right stuff the first time. He may even be able to give you a tip or two on doing the job, or know someone in town that can do it for you (if its a large job).

To me, it's worth the extra $10 or whatever it costs to get the right stuff the first time and help keep the neighborhood parts guy in business.

 

Now you understand WHY the specialist vendors on this site exist!!
Buying the wrong part is frustrating....
the vendors KNOW EXACTLY what parts work......
the books the auto parts stores look up are as you found out "close enough" to kinda work....but not exact enough to truly fit.

 

Rockauto.com for the win for generic part needs..

 

Remove all doubt.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/index.do

 

Unless you have a domestic or a ricer, guys at Autozone won't have a clue.

 

closest bennett auto suppy in south fla had was a 54 VW belt, my dad ( a mechanic) put it on and it fit, only just, and said it'd be fine. Been ok for about a year so far no issues. So glad its just serp and these cars are chains for timing

 

They have no clue, most of the time they still asks who makes them. One guy thought I did.

Nik

 

Haha yeah I've gotten that before, even from people who see the car! They see me get out and say something like "that car sounds angry as hell! What is it?... A Mini?!... Who makes them?"

LOL

 

But, I will say there is hope for humanity...

Yesterday was my girlfriend's sister's high school graduation party. Her aunt (64 years old) who I was meeting for the first time, was talking about the Porsche 944 she has that's mint. We were talking about driving and she says "You have a MINI Cooper!?! Is it here!? I love those cars!" Hahaha

 

Just wonder if your guy even looked at the right thing. I purchased my belt and tensioner from them and didn't have a problem with it.

I will say that I usually use pelican for most of my parts simply because of the diy videos they have. Used it yesterday to take the front of my car off to replace the o-ring on the crankshaft sensor.

 

There are plenty of quality vendors here on NAM including ourselves who are happy to assist any time - parts, pricing, tech.

Thank you!