Parts availability

[Longwooddave]

I have a 2008 B3 BiTurbo convertible.
It shut down whilst driving and is at Dick Lovett, Hungerford. Apparently it needs a new engine management “module”. Dick Lovett have the part number and have been trying for 4 days to get pricing and availability from BMW / Alpina, who are not responding.
This is ridiculous! Whilst the car is off the road I have to hire a replacement.
Wake up BMW. You are supposed to be a leading premium company. This lack of service is beyond useless.

[simon13]

they've been shit for many years now and brexit has made getting alpina parts a very arduous task now.

[JohnW]

If Alpina do keep one in stock you are potentially looking at a 4-6 week delivery from Germany, I’ve just been enquiring about some specific Alpina interior parts for the B3.

Unfortunately Alpina exclusivity does have it’s downsides at times.

[simon13]

it used to be two weeks if that pre brexit for Alpina parts all the tasty 7 digit parts!

[CB 987]

Have you considered trying to source the part from a dealer or part’s supplier in Europe and having it shipped to the UK?

FMW tuning might with worth a look?

When my B3S was in for a replacement head gasket, the gasket ended up being sourced from a German dealer who shipped it, so I didn’t have to wait 6-8 weeks. It was a more expensive route, but I wasn’t hampered with time delays. Unfortunately I don’t have the dealership details as the specialist sourced it.

[simon13]

how much was the gasket if you don't mind? I fairly sure i need to get the head off my B3S, i'll know more the weekend. I paid £400 for my last one about 9.5 years ago

[CB 987]

No problem at all, I was originally quoted £352 plus VAT for the head gasket and £57 plus VAT for the inlet manifold gasket. However they ended up being combined on the final invoice and were £574 plus VAT combined. I expect the HG ended up being closer to £500 plus VAT on its own. It’s a bit painful that there isn’t a reliable and cheaper alternative gasket.

BMR sourced the parts from Germany and did the work.

Cheers.

[Avtar]

I have a 2008 B3 BiTurbo convertible.
It shut down whilst driving and is at Dick Lovett, Hungerford. Apparently it needs a new engine management “module”. Dick Lovett have the part number and have been trying for 4 days to get pricing and availability from BMW / Alpina, who are not responding.
This is ridiculous! Whilst the car is off the road I have to hire a replacement.
Wake up BMW. You are supposed to be a leading premium company. This lack of service is beyond useless.

This is interesting, a BMW Specialist whom I am have been using for 15+ years in West London, called me the other day and asked if I still had my 2008 B3 as he wanted to take a copy/map of the ECU as he had been contacted by Dick Lovett to see if he could assist?

Essentially if we can get another forum member with the same Alpina he can map a new/used ECU for you.