Just curious if anyone has done this for any parts.
I purchased something for my Vespa from Germany, and the exchange rate was 1.09 US to 1 Euro, which I think isn't bad, and shipping was only like $15 from Fedex for a few little parts...so, just jumped on a UK MINI site, compared a Quaife limited slip, same part number here in the US about $965, (not including shipping) and was $753 US shipped after conversion in the UK.
Am I missing anything here, seems like a pretty good deal...

 

I've bought parts from UK eBay. They even have a special shipping service. It was no problem for me.

 

I purchased parts from http://www.minigenuineparts.co.uk/ a few times and Amazon Germany without any issues. I would do it again.


Possible additions/issues: 1) your credit card may charge a currency transaction fee from US dollars, 2) US customs did bill me about $20 for a $500 part, the bill comes after you receive the part DHL directly billed me, 3) some retailers will not ship to US due to licensing, 4) warranty is typically not covered in US--for example, an official MINI part not sold in US, I had to return a defective part to Europe, but they were very good about sending a replacement part--took a month for replacement.

 

I may be purchasing some parts!!

 

I just purchased rear Tailights with AMBER turn signals from the UK ..for my 2006 MCS ...i HATE the RED Turn signals on the 05 and 06 R53's...got them from ACEcarparts.co.uk ...total price with shipping only 137.00 dollars much cheaper if i ordered them from ECS Tuning which would be 196.00 ....so im saving almost 60.00 dollars !

 

We have some European MINI Parts on our site.

www.ecstuning.com

Thanks for the order.

 

I'm all for saving a buck, but good luck when you get a broken part or you need to return it for some reason. If it was $60 between two US based vendors on this site then I'd want to save the cash, I'd probably be curious why the discrepancy. You might also inquire if one of these vendors can get closer on price on an item. Can't hurt to ask.