Along with many enthusiasts, we don't always have many choices when it comes to local dealer parts departments. I do like to shop local, but am reminded that dealers don't always appreciate out parts business and many times they do not always supply the correct parts. We MUST advocate for ourselves no matter where we shop. My post today is in regards to why Mini dealers continue to: 1. sell outdated and old inventory that has been superseded many times with improved designs 2. Why dealers continue to assume their customers are stupid and unaware when they sell parts over the counter claiming a retail price that is 2 X over retail and sometimes they just make up list price!
Example:Door check straps at ECS for 28 bucks, same part number at dealer is $78 bucks.Example: selling outdated timing chain tensioners claiming they are the newest design, when in my experience it was a number with 3 revisions! Example: and lastly selling a diverter valve over the counter with the old rubber center style claiming that it was the latest revision. When according to all other sources the latest version has a metal collar and more vent holes. See attached pictures below. Many owners try their best to get the OEM parts and keep their cars running in top shape, but we DONT want to be lied to at the counter and pay inflated fake dealer retail prices! If the mini dealer service and parts dept treated their loyal customers with fairness and transparent pricing they would make much more profit in the long run and retain a loyal customer base over the course of owning many cars. I am still shocked that many Mini/BMW staff are missing the basic conditions of customer care! Good thing for us we have a thriving aftermarket and plenty of vendors that are providing VALUE and CHOICE. We are all lucky for that.

 

Dealer claims this is the newest version
ECS and other tuners claim this is the newest design.

 

There not making money if their stock is not turning over. In the past, a Ford dealer parts man told me if they get it in stock, they are stuck with it until they sell it or throw it. So if this is still true, you are getting a stock manufactures part, with being slightly out of date verses the newer modification changes.

And I notice that if its a dealer, they still state they have to best parts available and need to make a minimum profit % per part to stay in business.

In other words, buy it or get a 'non dealer part' somewhere else. There are always someone that will spend the money at the dealer no matter what.

 

All true. However in the case of so many failed DV and tensioners - customers will face having to replace the part again in short time. There are cases where many cars in the 30-75 k range have had multiple tensioners replace and failed timing chains.Some of this headache seems avoidable. If the part has been redesigned - then they can make those readily available.
It seems possible to me that a dealer parts dept can make a healthy profit without making up a fantom list price that is 2-3 times the printed price and build trust with customers to want to come back. All dealers have inventory buy backs from corporate. Audi, Porsche and Land rover all have monthly obsolete buy backs to purge inventory. But they are understaffed often and don't have the time to do it.


QUOTE=AnOldBiker;4330610]There not making money if their stock is not turning over. In the past, a Ford dealer parts man told me if they get it in stock, they are stuck with it until they sell it or throw it. So if this is still true, you are getting a stock manufactures part, with being slightly out of date verses the newer modification changes.

And I notice that if its a dealer, they still state they have to best parts available and need to make a minimum profit % per part to stay in business.

In other words, buy it or get a 'non dealer part' somewhere else. There are always someone that will spend the money at the dealer no matter what.[/QUOTE]

 

Since you get a reciept with the dealerships name on it, its not the employees doing it, odds are its management. So are you getting quality parts and customer care... or are they only in for the profit ? Third option is .. are they that stupid ?

 

When your countryman is out of warranty and they tell you that you have an engine failure looming - you won't want to install obsolete parts that could fail prematurely!
On the flip side, I agree its not realistic for a dealer to care much about minis that are over 5 years old. It would just be nice if they did!

 

If the dealer parts department has the previous part number in stock they will sell that part until they run out then BMW will send in the newer part number on the next order. They won't send back a previous part number just to get the new part until they have to. Also people always blame the counter guy for price gouging them when they have no choice but to sell at the price the dealer sets.

 

Maybe they have old stock, some dealers will buy a bunch at one time and sit on it for a while. Then there is a supersession and they dont order new and dont return the old stock. Thats all I can think of? 11658636606 is the newest designed part.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-mini-parts/electric-valve-diverter-valve/11658636606/

In our " previous revisions section, you can see older part numbers for cross ref"

 

I just ran into the same issue with respect to the redesigned diverter valve. Looked to ECS Tuning as a result. Local dealer told me the redesigned version was the wrong part number and wanted to charge me $115.xx to pick it up while selling the same part online for $65.xx. Makes no sense.

 

They might not be all up to date on things, most dealers here and around the world use our site for reference and I think that's the best way for them to check. They might not have pictures or any info on the part. Quick google search works.

We are glad to help everyone out and we are here to help out our MINI people.