Getting parts from the U.S

[LeeLee]

I'm trying to get a front spoiler from the u.s can't get it from the uk or anywhere else they have informed me its going to cost more than the spoiler to ship it, wondered if anyone has any help or experence so I can get it without breaking the bank :.(

[arshad76]

It can be quite stressful as a seller I've found getting a competitive quote, but I've managed to get it done in the end. It's really just a case of seeing who has the cheapest service. The biggest item I've sent was a e21 dashboard to the states and out of all the companies the local post office was the best price (around £90 if I remember correctly). Happy to provide a list of companies I've used if that helps.

[uwbuurman]

Two years back two Dutch members bought two hartge spoilers from the USA. They used a service called USA to Netherlands, runned by two dutchies in the USA. Mayby there is a similar service to the UK?

[arshad76]

My bad, just read the post again. Parts getting sent from the US is something I have less experience off - sorry

[repoman]

Yes, it will be expensive due to the size. I have shipped BMW parts to almost every country in the world. I almost always use USPS for the smaller items (never lost a shipment), and UPS for the larger heavier items. Obviously, nothing can be shipped via ground, that is another reason why it is expensive. I have started to use FedEx for some of the larger items as well as they tend to be a few dollars cheaper. I have used DHL twice for local shipments and they lost both packages. I will never use them again.

I once shipped a S3.64 diff out of an E23 to Australia. The part was $350 and the shipping was $650! The buyer really wanted it!

If you know of anyone that was filling a shipping container (slow boat), you might be able to purchase some "space" in it...or maybe someone willing to "carry on" as a piece of luggage (any relatives here in the states?). Or maybe a pilot that flies to the US on a regular basis may be able to work something out....I shipped a S38 engine out of an E28 M5 to Australia via Qantas Airlines...not sure how much it cost as the buyer worked for the company. I'm sure he received some kind of company discount.

Another option is to find a trustworthy BMW board member that has a UPS, or other shipping service account, perhaps for their company. Depending on their account and how many items they ship, sometimes there are huge discounts. If I remember correctly, there is a member on the E28 board that uses his company's FedEx account to create a shipment, and emails you the label, and then you Paypal him the funds (with a small gratuity)....I have done that a couple times.

I've also shipped two BMW's to the Nederlands and one Mercedes to Japan...shipping was more than the purchase on some of those!

I guess it all depends on how bad you want/need the part....

[e21-Mark]

I've bought from and shipped spoilers to the USA & Oz. The shipping costs are usually charged by volume, as opposed to actual weight, which is why it can be expensive.