OEMparts vs. MB "Stealer"
07-05-2007, 09:24 AM
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OEMparts vs. MB "Stealer"
Yes, the stealer makes a lot more money on parts and service than they do on selling cars, we all know this.
But I have found a way to circumnavigate this, or at least I think I have.
I am picking up my E in a few weeks and the sales person and I have become friends. He is older than I am and knows my parents and may even be related (my uncle's, wife's, brother's, wife's brother).
I digress... He is ordering my Bluetooth headset at his employee discount. When I compared this with OEMparts, even with our 20% discount, comes to about the same thing.
This way I get it right away, I don't have to wait, and if there are any problems I take it back to the stealer...
I understand, a lot of stuff that some of you may need, a sales person wouldn't be able to order without drawing major attention to himself. But for little stuff like Bluetooth headsets or a cup holders can be easily purchased locally.
So my point... I don't know... make a friend, the old fashioned way. Just a thought.
But I have found a way to circumnavigate this, or at least I think I have.
I am picking up my E in a few weeks and the sales person and I have become friends. He is older than I am and knows my parents and may even be related (my uncle's, wife's, brother's, wife's brother).
I digress... He is ordering my Bluetooth headset at his employee discount. When I compared this with OEMparts, even with our 20% discount, comes to about the same thing.
This way I get it right away, I don't have to wait, and if there are any problems I take it back to the stealer...
I understand, a lot of stuff that some of you may need, a sales person wouldn't be able to order without drawing major attention to himself. But for little stuff like Bluetooth headsets or a cup holders can be easily purchased locally.
So my point... I don't know... make a friend, the old fashioned way. Just a thought.
07-05-2007, 09:43 AM
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2011 E550, 2013 GLK
There was a time when I was buying a lot of both BMW and Mercedes parts from a dealership in a relatively small town. I got 20% off on one and 15% off on the other. I've since moved to another place and now the best I can do is get a 10% M-B Club discount. I now order all my parts off the Internet or from Caliber Motors in California. Caliber Motors do a big mail order business and offer a good discount. I learned about them from M-B Club members.
07-05-2007, 09:50 AM
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There was a time when I was buying a lot of both BMW and Mercedes parts from a dealership in a relatively small town. I got 20% off on one and 15% off on the other. I've since moved to another place and now the best I can do is get a 10% M-B Club discount. I now order all my parts off the Internet or from Caliber Motors in California. Caliber Motors do a big mail order business and offer a good discount. I learned about them from M-B Club members.
07-05-2007, 09:58 AM
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If anyone does a mail order with them, make sure you specify ground shipping so they don't accidentally send it to you second day air like they once did with me.
07-05-2007, 10:09 AM
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I should mention that the discounts I've gotten at Caliber Motors were for maintenance parts. I don't think they'll give you discounts for things like a Bluetooth Puck or similar items.
