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Is there a reliable affordable mini parts store that is good 2 order from?
I need a radiator
Radiator support bracket (the big one on front that holds all the stuff)
oreilleys, auto zone, advance and other stores in my area don’t carry very much in the way of mini parts.
customer service advice and support is limited.
I need a good place to buy mini items online or in store (I’m in east Tn)
Try "Marketplace" right next to "New Posts" at the top of the page and as soon as it's up and running, get thee over on to 129 and visit Deals Gap.
I’ve visited there multiple times on a motorcycle and I’ve actually seen the groups of minis and Miata’s that frequent up there. I’d actually really enjoy riding there in the mini I bet.
...always wanted to visit in person but haven't made it up there, I've only ordered online from them and they've always been ultra reliable whenever I placed an order.
10555 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922
They've been around since the early days.
Reckon that the physical shop is still open,
this pic from google maps...
Also,
for the rad support, a junkyard might be a good bet.
I needed one for my car too because it was badly cracked on bottom when I bought it, new OE part is a bit pricey and although aftermarket is cheap enough (around $115-$150), I wanted a factory one. Took me a while to find one though because many in the yard are cracked too and frontal impact is common or someone just tore apart a perfectly good one while trying to get something else.
Checked inventory for Pull-a-Part up there but they ain't got no R53,
Lambert Pick-a-Part is showing a 2003 in their yard but unsure if R50 or R53 - the parts are totally different between the two.
FCP Euro
ECS Tuning
Way Motor Works
Outmotoring
Pelican Parts
are my favorites.
There might be more affordable sources for parts but my main concern is buying quality parts so I don't have to wrench on my car more than I already do. I feel those vendors I listed all sell quality parts at fair prices.
Happy to help as we are only in Atlanta so shipping should get to you pretty quick in TN.
I ordered a basic radiator but unfortunately was met with this well after the order. I ordered radiator support from same place hopefully it’ll show up and be right one
Last edited by knoxvillevols@icloud.com; Jul 24, 2022 at 07:07 PM.
Reason: More info
Call Aaron at outmotoring, he will be in probably around 830 or so am est. he is located in Knoxville, so shipping shouldn’t be too much of an issue. He is good people as well, worth a visit as he isn’t afraid to show you around and might talk your ear off if you hit the right subject.
Yeah,
that place is the MINI of Orland Park dealer in Illinois, by far the most reasonably priced dealer site out there and very reliable as well, but as of May 26th they dropped the MINI franchise so will likely cancel any new orders for MINI parts. I was highly bummed when my last order from there was cancelled.
One thing to take into consideration though, is the insane shipping charges many of the online dealer sites charge, like I put the rad support in my basket for a dry run and this is the automated charge:
In such a case where it is that crazy you can email them and if they're cool they will work with you and adjust the charge to reflect more real-world pricing.
Some dealers won't ship oversized bulky items either,
one of my fave dealers is Flow MINI:
It appears even more restrictions on selling new OEM MINI parts are in play...
As posted in my own (sig) thread this weekend, I ordered a replacement OEM intake tube (oddly shaped part that goes from grille inlet to lower airbox base port). As usual, I shopped lowest shipped price online, then placed my order with Genuine BMW MINI Parts (BMW of Arlington TX) with whom I've ordered a few times. Later that day, I got email indicating "INCORRECT PRICING" in their online ordering system and that the order was being cancelled pending correction. Hmm, I thought, since that discounted price was same or similar to others I found online same day. So, I placed a new online order with BMW Parts Direct (BMW of Atlantic City, NJ). This morning, email stating "Please be advised that this is a MINI part. We are only BMW Dealer." and that my order was being cancelled. Just now, I ordered same part from BMW MINI Parts Store (FAQ indicates company operates independently within a BMW MINI dealership - actual dealer name/location not determined).
It will interesting to see if that 3rd order is processed and shipped. What I believe we're seeing is that only authorized (licensed?) MINI dealers will be able to sell OEM replacement parts as evidenced by what has been outlined previously in this topic as well as my own discoveries in recent days. Also interesting that BMW dealers can no longer sell MINI parts while 3rd party sellers such as our own NAM sponsor vendors can do so. Hoping that 2nd aspect doesn't change!
It appears even more restrictions on selling new OEM MINI parts are in play...
As posted in my own (sig) thread this weekend, I ordered a replacement OEM intake tube (oddly shaped part that goes from grille inlet to lower airbox base port). As usual, I shopped lowest shipped price online, then placed my order with Genuine BMW MINI Parts (BMW of Arlington TX) with whom I've ordered a few times. Later that day, I got email indicating "INCORRECT PRICING" in their online ordering system and that the order was being cancelled pending correction. Hmm, I thought, since that discounted price was same or similar to others I found online same day. So, I placed a new online order with BMW Parts Direct (BMW of Atlantic City, NJ). This morning, email stating "Please be advised that this is a MINI part. We are only BMW Dealer." and that my order was being cancelled. Just now, I ordered same part from BMW MINI Parts Store (FAQ indicates company operates independently within a BMW MINI dealership - actual dealer name/location not determined).
It will interesting to see if that 3rd order is processed and shipped. What I believe we're seeing is that only authorized (licensed?) MINI dealers will be able to sell OEM replacement parts as evidenced by what has been outlined previously in this topic as well as my own discoveries in recent days. Also interesting that BMW dealers can no longer sell MINI parts while 3rd party sellers such as our own NAM sponsor vendors can do so. Hoping that 2nd aspect doesn't change!
@ECSTuning Price on ECS' site for that part is $97.41 whereas I paid $44.68 less 10% coupon code (order status just updated by email to "In Progress"). Like many NAM members, I enjoy doing biz with ECS but also try to stretch my OEM parts $$ as best possible...
They seem like a really cool dealer too, lots of engaged activity.
Their upper level always seems to have something interesting going on...
Cool pics and info! From this on their FAQ page, the online store seems is a separate entity from the main dealership and retail parts store. Unsure now whether "they" are under same ownership.
Q. Can I call the dealership for help and part ordering?
No, we are housed in the dealership and they provide us with parts. Contacting the dealership will only transfer you to the dealership Parts Department. They do not have access to our system and can not check on the status of orders. They will only be able to provide you with Dealership pricing. Please contact us through the website for help.
Cool pics and info! From this on their FAQ page, the online store seems is a separate entity from the main dealership and retail parts store. Unsure now whether "they" are under same ownership.
Q. Can I call the dealership for help and part ordering?
No, we are housed in the dealership and they provide us with parts. Contacting the dealership will only transfer you to the dealership Parts Department. They do not have access to our system and can not check on the status of orders. They will only be able to provide you with Dealership pricing. Please contact us through the website for help.
@ECSTuning Price on ECS' site for that part is $97.41 whereas I paid $44.68 less 10% coupon code (order status just updated by email to "In Progress"). Like many NAM members, I enjoy doing biz with ECS but also try to stretch my OEM parts $$ as best possible...
Understand, prices change and things can go up and down.
We do offer a NAM discount on Call in orders, I cannot send you a discount because it has to be manually done. We match prices most of the time with MINI dealers for NAM member exclusively if you call in and tell us or message the sales team the link. Has to be a MINI dealer, just not some random weird site we never heard of. Also one that deals with MINI parts as some places data dump MINI parts to their site incorrectly and don't sell the parts thus shows prices way below cost due to the fact they don't update monthly on prices. So keep an eye out for that when you see huge price jumps.
Understand, prices change and things can go up and down.
We do offer a NAM discount on Call in orders, I cannot send you a discount because it has to be manually done. We match prices most of the time with MINI dealers for NAM member exclusively if you call in and tell us or message the sales team the link. Has to be a MINI dealer, just not some random weird site we never heard of. Also one that deals with MINI parts as some places data dump MINI parts to their site incorrectly and don't sell the parts thus shows prices way below cost due to the fact they don't update monthly on prices. So keep an eye out for that when you see huge price jumps.
We like to help out our MINI people when we can.
Hmmm. tried to get a dealer match yesterday using chat, was denied, saying ECS prices were already discounted.
NAM discount? Said no such thing!!
