Ordering Parts - Chicago BMW

[outnabout]

I have heard that it can take quite a while (2 months) to get parts from Chicago BMW. Has anyone here ordered parts from Chicago BMW and if so, what was your experience? Also, would it be better to order online or call them? Thanks for your help.

Mike

[TexasMule]

Chicago BMW is s...l...o....w, and I do mean slooooooow.

I ordered some parts July 18, I called them last week, and they
said they've arrived and would be shipping shortly. Which is the
same story I get every time I order from them.

I only order "expensive" parts where the 20% discount makes it worth
my time.

YMMV.

Bill

[big papa]

I have used them. I never waited 2 months though. Maybe 2-3 weeks...

[AllanCook]

I have heard that it can take quite a while (2 months) to get parts from Chicago BMW. Has anyone here ordered parts from Chicago BMW and if so, what was your experience? Also, would it be better to order online or call them? Thanks for your help.

Mike

My Chicago BMW experience has varied considerably. The first time the stuff came quickly, within a week or 10 days. The next couple of times it took months, and it wasn't until I called them to check that they told me the parts were in and ready to ship. It was almost as though they were waiting for me to call. They are cheaper, much cheaper, but if you need something right now you're probably going to be disappointed. On the other hand, I'd bet most other dealers are the same way. They generally don't like keeping expensive inventory cluttering their shelves, so they order the stuff from Germany when someone orders from them and transships it to the final consumer.

[Ves]

My theory is that they make so little on the parts that they use that as fill-in work. If they're busy doing something else... Oh Wellllll... no shipments this week... What? You want it fast AND cheap... pfffffffttttttttt....

[Lost Rider]

It's been my extensive experience that if you communicate to chicago bmw that you need a part fast, and it is available from bmwna's warehouse it will get there fast... Also, when ordering from ChiBMW be sure to order on the phone... more than once they have saved me some frustration by telling me I need part x to go with part z, or a bushing, or washer, etc... the parts guy there really knows his poo, and is very helpful.
They don't call you.
ever.
if there's a backorder or something, you'll just have to wait. It really is just 2 or 3 guys doing al the parts orders and shipping, and they seem to work hard at it...
If you want to talk to a very knowledgeable parts guy, and save some cash, chicago BMW is the place. If you need it fast, just tell them and they will let you know if it can happen...

Be proactive.

[outnabout]

Thanks for all the responses, I really appreciate it. I'm ordering side cases so the $$ savings is to hard to pass up even if I have to wait. I will give them a call instead of ordering online.

Mike

[WildBlue]

I have used them. I never waited 2 months though. Maybe 2-3 weeks...

I placed my order online, no problems there.

I have found that if you call them after placing the order, they will ship quicker. Meaning, order, wait 2 weeks, follow up, etc... I ordered my All Around Boots from them and had them in 12 days, they also overnighted them to me on a Friday, I got them Monday.

[Paul-from-VA]

I ordered bars from them and it took 3 weeks. They probably try to consolidate orders to save a few bucks.

[vexlak]

is there a alternative?
You know: same low price, faster service.

[HikerGlenn]

Try Hammersley BMW ,Lynchburg, Va. I had to get a seat shipped from Germany, as the US warehouse was out of them. I had it in my hands in less than 3 weeks, and was discounted also! Talk to Ben Burris, he knows his stuff. My 2cents.-Glenn