According to worldwide rankings, BMW ranks in at number second as the most expensive car to maintain…But let’s be honest, does that really surprise you? It’s known as one of the top luxury vehicle brands after all and it’s been that way since early beginnings back in 1916…
(That’s impressive!)
It’s kind of a given that when purchasing a world-class vehicle there’s going to be some (costly) expenses involved, right? Yup, it’s true, however not everyone can afford to keep up such expenses always, take the year 2020 for example where the entire economy has taken a backlash, and for many, this has had to mean tightening the expenditure straps.
Perhaps you’re looking at buying a new or vintage model BMW and are curious as to what costs are involved, and if you can afford it?
It leads us to the question…Are there any alternatives when a part needs replacing? Is there a more cost-effective route without sparing on the quality of your vehicle? – that is, after all, the premise on which the BMW brands stands for…
5 Reasons to buy BMW Used Spares
Oftentimes when motor vehicles are involved in accidents and the car becomes written off, many of the original parts are still intact and in perfect working condition, which will thus be sold as Used Spares.
What are some of the advantages of buying used spares compared to say, brand spanking new ones?
1. It’s cost-effective
With any second-hand/used item, unless it’s a collectable, you’ll always find the price to be marginally cheaper than the original selling price, even if only a few months old. BMW is also one of the top luxury brands, and it’s a given within the industry that BMW parts are always going to be expensive.
2. It saves time
If you find yourself in a desperate situation and need a part replacing NOW, you may want to consider looking into BMW used spares Durban area as an alternative. Realistically, with registered BMW suppliers that are all based in Germany, you may have to wait a week or two (maybe four) before your part arrives. Add to the fact that the world is currently facing a global pandemic and many countries are still under lockdown, importing has taken a slow backseat.
P.s. Some parts are manufactured in South Africa, but these are more for newer model BMWs.
3. Vintage Model Owner
Do you own a BMW classic? Of course, if you own an older model especially from say the 60s, parts for these models are not manufactured anymore (BMW usually tailor designs its parts for each individual BMW model that it comes up). I’m also sure we don’t need to tell you that trying to source older parts, especially for super vintage models, can become quite the headache. Unfortunately with older BMW cars, you have no choice than to opt for used spares.
4. You can find genuine BMW Used Spares
Just because a part is second-hand doesn’t mean it’s not genuine. Today, you can still find many genuine and authentic BMW used spares because, with a brand like BMW, it often pays to stick to using car parts and spares that are original.
5. OEM BMW used spares have a two-year warranty
If you’ve purchased an original part manufactured by BMW (OEM parts as we refer to them), and the part is not older than two years, these parts are still under a two-year warranty and if anything goes wrong with the part, you can always deal directly with BMW.
Always check what type of parts/spares you are buying…
Used OEM and Aftermarket Parts
Replacing parts of a car is part and parcel of being the owner, and it pays to get to know some of the different terminology used with the auto trading industry – so you’re never left in the dark/get fooled and lose out on money.
Whether it’s a gasket replacement, water pump, or convertible top replacement, there are in fact two categories that BMW used spares fall under, and it’s best you know the difference – because the distinction between the two is critical (and can save you money).
OEM/OES Parts
You get both OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and OES (Original Equipment Supplier) parts and it’s important to know that both OEM and OES are completely genuine and original BMW spares and are used in the original manufacturing of the car vehicle.
FYI: The OEMs manufacture the original parts, and the OES buy these original parts and sell them as part of their brand, perhaps adding features like their identity logo.
Aftermarket Parts
Simply put, these aren’t genuine parts and are manufactured after BMW has manufactured a specific model. They are made to be exact replicas of the original parts, and sometimes you may find that they work better than the original as they’ve had time to make slight tweaks to any problems the original parts showed.
You will find Aftermarket Parts are always cheaper, however when it comes to a brand such as BMW who are known for their innovative technologies themselves, with every model that gets released they’re top-quality already.
How to choose between OEM and Aftermarket spares?
It’s already a tough decision, now add on to the fact that you’re dealing with a brand such as BMW, how do you make the right choice?
Consider three important factors…
1. What’s your budget? Realistically, Aftermarket used spares are always more affordable.
2. What kind of repair needs fixing? If it’s the tiniest of parts that need replacing, perhaps it’s okay to go with an Aftermarket part?
3. Is the used part from a trusted-brand? If you opt for an Aftermarket part or used spares that aren’t BMW brand specific but fit your model, does it come from a quality motor vehicle brand?
Hopefully, you’re left feeling a bit more clued up on BMW and the different options you have, perhaps helping to alleviate some of the financial stress that comes with buying into an expensive and classy brand such as BMW.
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