No matter make and mannequin, automobiles invariably age. The older they get, the tougher they change into to maintain on the street. How do automakers help traditional automotive house owners and make some extra cash on the aspect? By nonetheless producing elements for automobiles that went out of manufacturing a long time in the past. BMW has been doing simply that for 30 years.
Certainly, BMW Group Basic has been manufacturing elements for older automobiles since 1994 when the precursor BMW Group Cell Custom division was initially established. The title change occurred in 2008. We truthfully had no concept that the German luxurious marque was within the enterprise of promoting automotive elements for fashions discontinued many moons in the past. For that reason, we determined to talk with an organization consultant to study extra about what’s what.
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In accordance with BMW Group Basic spokesperson Marc Thiesbürger, sure automotive elements are stored in inventory, whereas others are constructed to order. In case you want to order a selected element that’s not at present obtainable, the lead time will differ primarily based on the kind of half, the manufacturing capability of the provider, and the client’s location. The corporate primarily works with European suppliers to maintain logistics prices low and reduce emissions generated throughout transport.
Oil filters and spark plugs are the most well-liked merchandise ordered by house owners of traditional and classic BMWs. Normally, the most popular objects are smaller working elements. The Munich-based marque calls these freshly constructed elements reproductions. To our shock, there are nonetheless unique elements that had been manufactured again within the day. A devoted part of BMW Group Basic’s web site lists the objects obtainable, and sure, the M1 (E26) is there. You should buy a latch striker for each doorways of BMW’s one and solely mid-engined supercar.
There are copy elements for automobiles as previous because the 02 Sequence launched within the latter half of the Nineteen Sixties. Objects differ from door handles and an consumption tube to a chrome exhaust finisher and a hazard mild change. BMW presents assist for the New Six (E3) as properly, automobiles that had been provided across the similar time. The unique 3 Sequence (E21), 5 Sequence (E12), and seven Sequence (E23) sedans are listed as properly, and so is the beautiful Z8 (E52) roadster.
There isn’t any complete record of costs obtainable as they differ considerably from one nation to a different, particularly contemplating the differing tax charges worldwide. These elements can be found immediately at BMW sellers in addition to at licensed BMW Group Basic companions. Most of those outlets are primarily based in Europe however there are additionally a couple of in Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Apart from supplying automotive elements, the corporate additionally operates a devoted workshop in Munich on the BMW Group Basic’s headquarters. Older automobiles could be serviced there, and Marc Thiesbürger informed us house owners can obtain help whereas restoring a beloved previous bimmer.