Availability of E90 spare parts in North America???

johnfkitchen · 07-20-2005, 11:10 AM

I'm getting nervous. My E90 has been in the NY/NJ VPC since July 1st. A week ago, an explanation was provided. The windshield was damaged in transit. Today, I'm told that the parts have now arrived from Germany, and will be installed. Don't know when they'll get around to replacing the damaged one, but that's another story.

Here is why I'm nervous. If there are no windshields in the BMW NA parts depot, then what other critical parts are not available for E90s?

When I finally get the 330i, what happens if something simple, but critical to operation, breaks? Will it be another 3 weeks of confusion while parts are ordered from Germany?

Is this just the VPC not having the imagination to ask the other divisions of BMWNA for a windshield?

For the first time, I'm wondering if I really want to go through with this.

E90Fleet · 07-20-2005, 11:20 AM

It may be because its a different department

We build the E90 here, but certain parts are not in stock here for normal dealers to get, eventhough the factory has that part, the dealer has to order it from germany

So you might find the dealers can get windscreens form their distubution centres, but the VPC has to order from Germany

SV Concepts III · 07-20-2005, 12:19 PM

The E90 is still relatively new, it may take a few months to get a fully stocked parts department at every dealership. In any case, I wouldn't worry about lack of parts, BMW and automakers in general are usually good about planning before issues occur.

johnfkitchen · 07-20-2005, 01:04 PM

I heard that VPC has been known to insist on fitting parts from Germany even when offered parts from the dealership. May not be customer-friendly, but would be more aligned to a quality process. I suppose. Meanwhile, I want my car, please!

stressdoc · 07-20-2005, 01:11 PM

That is the problem: VPC is anal about making your car exactly as it would be from the factory. Most auto glass shops do not stock original BMW windshields -- they are way more costly, with little or no functional difference. Insurance cos. do not want to pay the extra. That said, one would have thought that VPC would be able to keep a reasonable supply of them in stock.

E90Fleet · 07-20-2005, 02:08 PM

Just for interest sake did you know in Europe the E90 alone has 5 Different windscreen variations depending on the equipment in the car

johnfkitchen · 07-20-2005, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

Just for interest sake did you know in Europe the E90 alone has 5 Different windscreen variations depending on the equipment in the car

I think I got number 6!

E90Fleet, you are just an amazing source!

07-20-2005, 11:10 AM	#1
johnfkitchen First Lieutenant 30 Rep 327 Posts Drives: 323is & 330i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Eastern Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	Availability of E90 spare parts in North America??? I'm getting nervous. My E90 has been in the NY/NJ VPC since July 1st. A week ago, an explanation was provided. The windshield was damaged in transit. Today, I'm told that the parts have now arrived from Germany, and will be installed. Don't know when they'll get around to replacing the damaged one, but that's another story. Here is why I'm nervous. If there are no windshields in the BMW NA parts depot, then what other critical parts are not available for E90s? When I finally get the 330i, what happens if something simple, but critical to operation, breaks? Will it be another 3 weeks of confusion while parts are ordered from Germany? Is this just the VPC not having the imagination to ask the other divisions of BMWNA for a windshield? For the first time, I'm wondering if I really want to go through with this. __________________ 1998 323is SP manual with all the goodies in ArktisSilber + 330i auto SP PP CW iDrive/Nav SatRadio Active Steering Arktis/Beige/Poplar
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07-20-2005, 11:20 AM	#2
E90Fleet Lieutenant General 1312 Rep 10,185 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	It may be because its a different department We build the E90 here, but certain parts are not in stock here for normal dealers to get, eventhough the factory has that part, the dealer has to order it from germany So you might find the dealers can get windscreens form their distubution centres, but the VPC has to order from Germany
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07-20-2005, 12:19 PM	#3
SV Concepts III Lieutenant General 375 Rep 17,017 Posts Drives: BMW Duh Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Santa Clara iTrader: (13)	The E90 is still relatively new, it may take a few months to get a fully stocked parts department at every dealership. In any case, I wouldn't worry about lack of parts, BMW and automakers in general are usually good about planning before issues occur.
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07-20-2005, 01:04 PM	#4
johnfkitchen First Lieutenant 30 Rep 327 Posts Drives: 323is & 330i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Eastern Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	I heard that VPC has been known to insist on fitting parts from Germany even when offered parts from the dealership. May not be customer-friendly, but would be more aligned to a quality process. I suppose. Meanwhile, I want my car, please! __________________ 1998 323is SP manual with all the goodies in ArktisSilber + 330i auto SP PP CW iDrive/Nav SatRadio Active Steering Arktis/Beige/Poplar
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07-20-2005, 01:11 PM	#5
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	That is the problem: VPC is anal about making your car exactly as it would be from the factory. Most auto glass shops do not stock original BMW windshields -- they are way more costly, with little or no functional difference. Insurance cos. do not want to pay the extra. That said, one would have thought that VPC would be able to keep a reasonable supply of them in stock.
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07-20-2005, 02:08 PM	#6
E90Fleet Lieutenant General 1312 Rep 10,185 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	Just for interest sake did you know in Europe the E90 alone has 5 Different windscreen variations depending on the equipment in the car
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