BMW spare parts

smitchy73

Looking to find out where to source some parts for a BMW for a mate who lives in Brazil, seemingly the parts over there cost an absolute fortune and he thought it might be cheaper to buy them here and get them shipped out.

Needs front airbags, as well as the kidney grills at the front. I'm not sure even if the airbags are available as a part or if they have to be dealer fitted, and even then if it would be safe for this to be shipped abroad.

Any hints or tips greatly appreciated.

AdrianC

Yes, airbags are available - new or used. Whether they can be transported is another question. Probably not easily, since they contain a small explosive charge - it's how they work...

Whether you want to lie to the courier about what the explosives you're sending via them is a question only you can answer.

Don't forget that as well as transportation costs, he may well be liable to import duty and vat on their value.

smitchy73

Thanks Adrian. Any idea on places to source the parts?

Wouldn't lie about any of the contents at all, and surely these things end up here so they must be shipped some way or another. Can check that out with the likes of UPS or DHL etc if need be.

AdrianC

smitchy73 wrote: »

Thanks Adrian. Any idea on places to source the parts?

Breakers or eBay for used, factors or dealer for new.

Wouldn't lie about any of the contents at all

Then I think you'll have a heck of a job shipping them.

and surely these things end up here so they must be shipped some way or another.

Yes, they do - in metal cages in manufacturer-packed and -owned containers and trucks. Not in cardboard boxes, bubble-wrap and gaffer tape... The risk is minimal, but the couriers all play safe. And, really, who can blame them? If you were UPS or DHL, would you risk your cargo plane mid-atlantic for the sake of declining a package?

smitchy73

AdrianC wrote: »

Yes, they do - in metal cages in manufacturer-packed and -owned containers and trucks. Not in cardboard boxes, bubble-wrap and gaffer tape... The risk is minimal, but the couriers all play safe. And, really, who can blame them? If you were UPS or DHL, would you risk your cargo plane mid-atlantic for the sake of declining a package?

Of course not, lol. I think my friend will end up having to cough up over there.

OnanTheBarbarian

This place deal with brand new BMW parts at discounted rates, you need to know the make & model number and also the country of origin to get the right parts, but I have always found them good to deal with.

They don't have everything, but they are generally good

http://www.bmminiparts.com/

colino

Hard to believe that with the number of beemers in both North and South America that there aren't a whole lot more forums and discounters closer to him. Anyway, forget posting airbags, even the doddery Post Office specifically disallow their postage.

neilmcl

If you need to get the correct part numbers try here - realoem.com

Iceweasel

This site is good for part numbers too.

http://www.etk.cc/

All you need is the VIN Nr.

smitchy73

Thanks everyone, I passed a message on to my mate and he's going to look into it further down that part of the world, DHL/FedEx/UPS etc all ban explosive devices of any type including these.

Thanks again.