Quote:
Originally Posted by Freddo
Hey Dav
Thanks, I might just take you up on the offer as I do get down the Gold Coast for work & the beach. My M3 is Alpine white manual, I just ordered black front grill and bonnet vents from a website in the US, Tuner Motorsport as heaps cheaper than here in OZ, (test as first time buying parts on the net from overseas). Next on my list is a carbon spoiler again so much cheaper off this site than BMW Aust. Any sites you would recommend?
I liked what you did with the BBS black wheels to make them look same as BMW Matt Black M Y-spoke wheels. They are on my list as well!
Cheers
Freddo
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Hi Freddo
Keep in mind most Australian vendors have to pay freight, import duty,GST and have stocking costs. Freight from USA to Australia is a killer, for example freight only (from USA) on an exhaust system can be $700.00 as a single shipment.
Warranty is another thing to remember. Not so long ago I bought a part that didn't fit properly (from USA) and although the vendor was happy to refund, freight to and from was more than half the price of the goods.
I can get carbon for you, it's a Gintani line and on my website but with carbon there are so many variations it depends on the style you like.
If you are buying big ticket items like exhaust systems, superchargers and performance parts it's best to stick the the brands that have been around for a while and are popular and will resell well. It's also important to have the support of a local supplier and there are some great suppliers in Australia, for example Southern BM in Victoria who stocks and supports major brands.
Mostly parts should come from Germany or USA. Keep in mind German parts attract export duty from Germany and import duty here, parts made in USA do not attract any duty as they will likely qualify under the US/Aus free trade agreement.
As suppliers too we should have a good relationship with other suppliers who we should look at as alternative choice rather than competition, in the end the M3 community is the winner if we have good local supporting vendors. There are always those who will price gouge but you can always cross check on line.
So if you can support a local supplier even if you have to pay a bit more it's better for everyone in the long run. You have a quality car and you don't want to be compromising on the parts you fit.
Hope this is some value to you