Winter project

[CalMarx]

Hi All,

I'm new to the forum but I've been dipping in and out for a few weeks and it looks like a friendly, helpful place.

Recently bought a 2006 2.0 Sport as a winter project, I've added a picture from when I bought it as that seems to be the newbie rule. No chance to take any since as it went straight into my garage for a bit of work. It's in pretty good nick but I plan to renew shocks/springs/discs and do some interior and engine bay tidy ups before the sun comes out again in Spring. It beats watching TV.

Anyway, I'm pretty new to the world of car repairs (this is my second project) so just tackling jobs I'm sure I can handle with the help of a manual and Youtube. To keep me right I went to my local BMW dealer and got them to print off the factory spec and quotes for all the parts I need. I doubt I'll buy many parts direct from the dealer but I was looking for some recommendations for the best places to buy quality parts online to keep the costs down, all advice will be gratefully received.

Cheers.

 

[PAC_Z4_F31_110Puma]

If you’re not in a rush, I use AUTODOC for 90% of things, the app is great and they have bigger discount sales fairly regularly. Just be patient as delivery can take up to 10 working days.

But for non ‘breaks /servicing / maintenance’ items then actually I find my local bmw dealership parts department really fairly reasonable, and when I’ve called in the morning, it’s ready to collect in the afternoon.

 

[enuff_zed]

Welcome aboard.
Nice looking motor.
Here's a second vote for autodoc. Yes delivery takes a while but the service is first class, no hidden import fees, everything perfectly packaged and clear communication right through the process. I'd recommend downloading the app to your phone and checking it daily as their discounts go up and down very rapidly. You need to have a clear list of what you need, then jump when the discounts look good.
I've also noticed the app discounts tend to be greater than their standard online rates, which seems a bit odd.
Realoem is worth logging into with your car chassis number and picking up all the part numbers for the bits you need. You can then plug those numbers into ebay or a google search and find the best deals.
Several BMW franchises seem to sell on Ebay as well.
Sopers BMW of Lincoln offer a discount to forum members which is very handy too.

Finally, do your research on the forum too, as not all parts are made equal and even good makes are not always what they seem.
As an example, I fitted Meyle HD top mounts to the rear of wifey's E85, and now I am about to swap them for Lemforders as the knocking is driving us both mad. If I'd done some reading first I would have seen everyone telling me that would happen.

 

[bigwinn]

Nice looking car and well done on the photo- passed initiation!

A third vote for Autodoc- very good service and cost if you can wait c. 10 days for the order to arrive

Only use the app as there is usually about 10% points difference in app to online discounts too-

Stuart

 

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Your car looks like a good example. I hope you enjoy your project.

 

[Ole gits rule]

Hello and welcome to the forum - nice looking Zed

 

[Roberltd2]

Take a photo of the packaging once your order has arrived. I ordered two rear anti roll bar drop links from onlinecarparts.co.uk but only got one delivered (after about ten days). When I emailed them about this, they asked for photos of the packaging. But it had arrived on recycling day and so the packaging was gone. I think they are the same company as Autodoc as well, and even though it gives the impression of it being UK based, it's actually based in Germany and that's where your parts come from. I think.
As I had the car booked in for Mot the following week, there followed a frantic search for the second drop link. Got it in the end from Opie Oils. They do much more than oils and are very helpful. UK based and the part arrived in a couple of days.
Should have gone to them in the first place.
Also have had good dealings with carpartsinmotion.
Good luck with the project.
Robert.

 

[enuff_zed]

[ref]CalMarx[/ref], just noticed that Autodoc have a 37% discount on the app today.

 

[CalMarx]

Thanks everyone, Autodoc seems to be the favourite of most of you and I've started to put my basket together.
Special thanks to enuff_zed, highlighting today's app discount which will save me a few quid more.

 

[enuff_zed]

Thanks everyone, Autodoc seems to be the favourite of most of you and I've started to put my basket together.
Special thanks to enuff_zed, highlighting today's app discount which will save me a few quid more.

No worries.