Ordering M3 Parts: How Is It That ECS Stays In Business ?

[Nate047]

Re: merc parts from Keyes in Van Nuys are anywhere from 10-20% off of list and cheaper than fcp/autohaus.

Brah it's Keyes ON Van Nuys, don't act like you don't remember that song

[0-60motorsports]

I would like to add another vendor to the drawing board. Thebmwminipartstore had never let me down in 10+ years that I’ve been doing business with them. Very fair pricing, coupon codes always work, and in-stock items always ship quickly.

Love em

[c watson]

I would like to add another vendor to the drawing board. Thebmwminipartstore had never let me down in 10+ years that I’ve been doing business with them. Very fair pricing, coupon codes always work, and in-stock items always ship quickly.

[callmemrwiggles]

ECS is horrible. I ordered new wipers based on what they said would fit. They didn't. They refused to exchange them because I had to have an E9X since it's an '06, so I must have ordered the wrong part. Like... what?

[c watson]

My FCP order for my X5 goodies shipped out today (Thursday) and will arrive tomorrow (Friday) as per UPS tracking. I’ll agree with the above statement regarding overnight shipping from FCP. I waited a business day for them to get the OEM oil filter and the cabin filter, but it’s nice to know I’ll be able to tackle this on Saturday afternoon.

[IamFODI]

That's because you are. I've picked up at their Akron location before and it's all 20 somethings working the call center!

I guess that explains the guy who told me KMAC's metal-on-metal monoball camber plate might be a more street-friendly alternative to the TMS Hybrid.

[S14]

Whenever I've contacted ECS in the past it sounds like I am chatting with some young kid.

That's because you are. I've picked up at their Akron location before and it's all 20 somethings working the call center!

[IamFODI]

What I've noticed with FCP is that factory parts usually adds an extra 2 to 3 days. It's in stock, but at their supplier (not sure if they source parts from BMW directly or a dealer).

They source a lot from... at least one dealership that I'm aware of.

[c watson]

Were there Genuine BMW parts in that order?

What I've noticed with FCP is that factory parts usually adds an extra 2 to 3 days. It's in stock, but at their supplier (not sure if they source parts from BMW directly or a dealer).
Anything else will take less time, usually shipping within a day or so, even with the free shipping option. IME

I agree with the OEM parts. The oil filter and cabin filter for my 2022 X5 was a 2 day wait. It actually became a 1 day wait and the parts shipped out today.

I like to do “in between” oil and filter changes from when the dealer gives me free ones. FCPs lifetime replacement is a huge help with this.

[elbert]

This has not been my experience. Here is my last order from FCP for over $1700. All parts listed as in stock at the time I ordered and the free option selected for shipping:

Were there Genuine BMW parts in that order?

What I've noticed with FCP is that factory parts usually adds an extra 2 to 3 days. It's in stock, but at their supplier (not sure if they source parts from BMW directly or a dealer).
Anything else will take less time, usually shipping within a day or so, even with the free shipping option. IME

[IamFODI]

I've had... mixed experience with ECS, centering on their "Turner Motorsport" Hybrid camber plates (really an ECS product that they slapped the TMS brand on).

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/e9x-2008-2013/62597-review-3dm-%C3%B6hlins-r-t-kit-tms-camber-plates-syncro-design-works-tension-arms#post62610

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/e9x-2008-2013/189914-if-anyone%E2%80%99s-wondering-why-tms-hybrid-camber-plates-for-e9x-m3-are-nla%E2%80%A6

It's a great product in concept, and good in execution. But it has had some weird and inexplicable flaws – like, really junior-grade stuff – that ECS apparently doesn't seem to care enough to own up to.

On the customer service side, there are people who really know their stuff and can help. But getting to them requires wading through a sea of amateurs who apparently feel like they have better things to do.

OTOH, my experience with FCP Euro has been basically 100% positive.

[Obioban]

Also confirmed today Turner is just as garbage. I ordered new headlight lenses, which they said they had in stock. ONE side shipped but the other didn't. When I called to check on it today they're telling me that the order is cancelled from the producer and they aren't getting a new batch in. They suggested an alternative which is $60 more. I really don't want to go through the hassle of shipping one side back. If the lenses don't match I'm going to be pissed.

Turner is ECS these days.

[Gearhead55]

Also confirmed today Turner is just as garbage. I ordered new headlight lenses, which they said they had in stock. ONE side shipped but the other didn't. When I called to check on it today they're telling me that the order is cancelled from the producer and they aren't getting a new batch in. They suggested an alternative which is $60 more. I really don't want to go through the hassle of shipping one side back. If the lenses don't match I'm going to be pissed.

[BMWE46M3]

After reading all these comments I wanted to say that I have ordered from both ECS and FCP among other companies as I'm sure most of you have. I would like to share that my past couple of orders have been through https://www.schmiedmann.com/ which I'm very happy with. I find their pricing on most parts to be the least expensive - but not all - but if you have cart with multiple parts and when you include shipping, taxes, etc. I have found that Schmiedmann is the least expensive. And regarding their shipping - yes, it's true they are not in the continental US, but I've received my parts usually quicker than I have with both ECS and FCP and I'm on the East coast. Just my $0.02 I felt like sharing.

[9kracing]

I've seen dealers set price factor at over 2x bmw list in the past.

Concord BMW, those fucks.

I needed a hose for my X5, it was $60 everywhere but I wanted it that day and didn't want to wait.... $120 at the dealer.

I ended up bro-ing out with the parts dude, and he knocked it down to $60 again, but those guys are crooks I tell ya.