Need source for parts

[M3Woody]

I need to order some parts for my wife's 2004 325ci. Looking for rear brake pads & rotors, the microfilter and a front sway bar link.

Curious to know what sources this group has experience with for a good value. = Quality + Service + Price!

Thanks in advance!
M3Woody
1986 911 Carrera
1990 M3
1994 Chevy C2500
2004 325ci

[Stinger9]

The pads they recommend that they all personally use are practically dustless compared to oem, and have the same pedal feel to me. The price is right and they don't kill you with shipping. Good rotor selection at reasonable prices too. In my humble, there is little reason to not replace rotors with oem.
Whatever Turner can't help you with, jump over to check out Bavauto.com. Although their shipping charges can be a disincentive.

There are plenty more good places if those two don't work out for you. Different places are good for different parts.

[floydr]

Bavarian Auto is good, maybe not the cheapest; last set I bought was from them.
Tirerack is good, pretty cheap.
I believe I've also used bimmerworld.

[dembooks]

I find that for quality, good price, parts that fit as
the engineers intended, operate as a BMW should, 2-year/unlimited mile warranty, performance like a new BMW - I shop at a BMW Dealer
for Original parts. Anything else has compromises and just degrades
your machine.

happy shopping

[Stinger9]

much lower prices? Same quality at what amounts to discount pricing. And who has ever needed or used a 2 year warranty on something like brake pads or rotors in the real world?
And don't forget better than oem parts like a Stewart stainless high capacity water pump with heavy duty higher quality bearing.
And of course no one would ever rave about BMW window regulators.
And add that a metal thermostatic housing would avoid calamitous cracks.
Not to mention a non-cracking expansion tank would be greatly appreciated. And top it off with a non plastic bleeder screw that would not break off after it heat ages.

Just stay far far away from anything remotely connected to Chinese made. I can't wait till Chinese cars hit our market and people fall for the low pricing. That previously cherished new car smell will change to the scent of carcinogenic lead infused rubber parts!

[M3Woody]

I would love to be able to use my dealer or any local business for that matter. I own a small business and make every effort to buy local. However I will not be a volunteer victim! And my local dealer (stealer?) based on their prices with BMW CCA discount would make you believe they think my name is Ben Dover! For example, the Sway bar link from them is $49.00 with the discount. That is more than other BMW dealers charge for it at list price! For the difference in price I can afford to change some parts twice based on price alone. And as Stinger mentioned, sometimes the warranty just doesn't factor into the equation.M3Woody
1986 911 Carrera
1990 M3
1994 Chevy C2500
2004 325ci

[M3Woody]

Anyone ever used AutoHaus AZ? Their prices seem reasonable and I have heard good feedback from other forums in the past. Just curious if their reputation is as I have heard a while back.M3Woody
1986 911 Carrera
1990 M3
1994 Chevy C2500
2004 325ci

[Stinger9]

[jsk977]

There are also a few dealers that sell OEM at discount. Such as Lincoln BMW in Nebraska.. 25% discount and free shipping. If your a BMW CCA member check out the adds from dealers in Roundel.

[M3Woody]

Thanks for the feedback on Autohaus AZ. That looks like where the order will be placed. Appreciate your input.M3Woody
1986 911 Carrera
1990 M3
1994 Chevy C2500
2004 325ci

[dxb]

I use RealOEM.com You can't get parts from there but once you enter your make and model, they give you exploded diagrams with the original BMW part numbers.

After you have the part numbers to the original parts you can shop around. I found that bimmerspecialist.com offers genuine BMW parts for the cheapest prices. I also use ECStunning.com. They both offer lower prices and genuine BMW parts. They both also offer after market options

[oc330cic]

I'll second that recommendation for BavAuto. I've bought a bunch of stuff from them. It's not always BMW OEM, so read carefully. Pricing is actually comparable to either of the two dealers near me, so only in situations such as the original poster's would I recommend them for genuine BMW parts.

They cater to the DIY and mod crowd, so they're a good source for that sort of stuff. Service was great on the phone order I placed, and the online order had zero problems as well.

[oc330cic]

Actually, I will confess I'm a little underwhelmed by the look of BavAuto's own cross-drilled rotors. I did an entire brake job with parts and tools from BavAuto, and that's the one nit I have.

[Rowdy]

I have used them for 10 years with excellent service and prices.Whitewright, Tx
2003 BMW 330I
2003 Chevy Silverado
1985 BMW 635Csi

[Stinger9]

More expensive.
Can wear out prematurely with stress cracks.
Don't stop any shorter than solid.
No more fade resistant than solid.
Look much cooler than solid.

[M3Woody]

Ordered parts from AutohausAZ. Should arrive on 7/6. So far so good! I will update once again after receipt of parts.M3Woody
1986 911 Carrera
1990 M3
1994 Chevy C2500
2004 325ci

[oc330cic]

[Stinger9]

[M3Woody]

Delivery took a bit longer than I had expected but it was also over the July 4th holiday so that may explain it. Moved the 911 off the lift and installed everything on Sunday. Parts were all correct and appeared to be quality items. Very happy with AutohausAZ as a parts source. Excellent value (Value = Quality + Price + Service). While installing the Sway bar link on the passenger side front I noticed the Lower control arm bushings are in need of replacing. I looked at the AutohausAZ website and did a parts inquiry but they only sale the bushing kit (bushing installed in carrier bracket) I will check around for just the bushing as it doesn't seem that difficult to remove and re-install the bushings in the existing carrier bracket with my available equipment.

Thanks to all who responded to my original inquiry for a source for parts! I appreciate all the input!

M3Woody
1986 911 Carrera
1990 M3
1994 Chevy C2500
2004 325ci

[M3Woody]

FYI... for those who may not know the procedure! On my wife's 2004 325Ci with 114300 miles.
To reset the brake pad warning light on the dash. Turn the key to the on/run position WITHOUT starting the car for about 45-90 seconds. The light will go out provided you had installed new pad sensors at the appropriate location, Passenger Rear or Driver Front.M3Woody
1986 911 Carrera
1990 M3
1994 Chevy C2500
2004 325ci