What parts support are we missing, both aftermarket/ OE? What do you wish was available?

[0l0dom0l0]

I realise that the market for the ///M's is not huge, but as time goes on both genuine and aftermarket parts are seemingly harder and harder to get and more and more expensive.

I'm usually pretty creative in finding parts or solutions, and have certainly found a few so far for my Z4M.

Examples are:

Alternator (brand new OE Valeo, correct part number) for sensible money.

///M badge sticker reprints

Downpipe to cat section exhaust flanges / repair section

Next on the list is:
Exhaust tips
Rear light seals (left side NLA from BMW)
Clutch

Aftermarket support for basic things like:

Suspension
Exhaust system
Engine brace

Is very limited etc.

So, my question is, what things do you think are missing or have you had trouble sourcing?

 

[mmm-five]

From experience of things going out of production on e34 M5s, the hardest parts to find aftermarket replacements or undamaged used parts for tend to be plastic trim pieces…like wheel arch liners, bumper corner supports, bumpers, interior hatch doors/handles…and original electronic items like lights, amp, sat-nav screens…but aftermarket options are probably available.

Components that are made for BMW by one of the multitude of large parts OEMs are usually available aftermarket (OE tier or upgrade tier)…so brake calipers, discs, pads, clutch & flywheel, diff, gearbox, cams, rod bearings, pistons, etc.

The bigger mechanical bits are usually available second hand, or are able to be refurbished/rebuilt.

…and of course you’ve already mentioned some of the common aftermarket/ upgrade options for suspension, exhaust, chassis stiffening, etc.

Nothing is going to be cheap though.

 

[Mr Tidy]

I think the problem parts are the M specific ones like the bonnet.

I seem to remember someone on here was struggling to find a new oil cooler, and I believe the front undertray is now NLA.

Thankfully most mechanical parts don't seem a problem yet because BMW made so many M3s!

 

[AndyBeech]

From experience of things going out of production on e34 M5s, the hardest parts to find aftermarket replacements or undamaged used parts for tend to be plastic trim pieces…like wheel arch liners, bumper corner supports, bumpers, interior hatch doors/handles…and original electronic items like lights, amp, sat-nav screens…

This. Mechanical parts are fine. Z4M specific body parts, trims etc. are a big problem. If you need a bonnet or front bumper, your car will basically be a write off unless you get lucky second hand or happy with non M parts.

Having said that, not so sure these parts will be NLA forever, just might have to be prepared to wait some time. If you’re willing to pay import fee’s I’ve seen parts that are out of stock here with no ETA that are available in America, depends how desperate you are I guess.