Importing aftermarket goodies for your car - FAIL!

[keenstreak]

I bought myself a 330ci and decided that I could not live without the bluetooth or iPod integration, so I went onto eBay and purchased two items

1. USA-Spec iPod integration kit - I waited 2 months for it to be delivered from the states cos I chose a dodgy online retailer with a terrible reputation (I should have Googled before buying). For some reason it just does not work in my car. I have a suspicion that it is my BMW Professional radio cos sometimes when playing CDs through the front loader I am not able to change tracks. Because I have no recourse with the place I purchased it as they are based in USA, I have no way of a) returning it, or b) testing it. A waste of time and money.

2. Parrot Bluetooth kit with Connects2 wiring loom for BMW. They delivered the incorrect wiring loom (flat pin instead of round pin). I will have to order a new one. It is not worth the postage returning it. Another fail.

In essence I thought that I would save time and aggravation purchasing online from abroad, but basically I am over R5K the poorer for the exercise.

Sometimes it is just worth supporting the local boys.

 

[netercol]

Sometimes it is just worth supporting the local boys.

sometimes.. but mostly it just encourages 100-200% markups.

there is often a lot of undocumented differances between usa spec and european spec cars, researching a bit before commiting to buy will mostly save you from purchases like this..

 

[keenstreak]

oops, my bad. The name of the iPod integration kit is called USA-Spec, not specifically for a USA spec car. I found it here and wanted it: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=739353

But I agree with you. If I had bothered to check which pins my head unit had instead of trusting the guys a zillion miles away I would have a bluetooth kit now.

I just need to find out where I can get the same wiring loom in South Africa (without being raped)

 

[netercol]

yeah, these things happen.. but here is an idea, seeing as how we south africans can now also receive paypal funds, why dont you slam the kit back on ebay? that way at least it might not be a total loss?

or maybe someone on here knows how or who can mod the harness..

 

[Scouse]

oops, my bad. The name of the iPod integration kit is called USA-Spec, not specifically for a USA spec car. I found it here and wanted it: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=739353

But I agree with you. If I had bothered to check which pins my head unit had instead of trusting the guys a zillion miles away I would have a bluetooth kit now.

I just need to find out where I can get the same wiring loom in South Africa (without being raped)

You have PM

 

[calypso]

So the moral of the story is, do better research.

 

[Twinz]

Thats why we have sponsors on this forum, whos business it is to import. They will carry the risk for you and ensure your goods are delivered in reasonable time and in a quality that you would expect. A 200% mark up is an exageration. Importers like Rennzport deal with suppliers all over the world and are also affected by market forces such as currency fluctuations and shipping costs. You will be given a quote and a time frame for delivery and be assured of our best intentions and support.:thumbsup:

 

[Scouse]

Thats why we have sponsors on this forum, whos business it is to import. They will carry the risk for you and ensure your goods are delivered in reasonable time and in a quality that you would expect. A 200% mark up is an exageration. Importers like Rennzport deal with suppliers all over the world and are also affected by market forces such as currency fluctuations and shipping costs. You will be given a quote and a time frame for delivery and be assured of our best intentions and support.:thumbsup:

:clap::clap:

 

[Matt Q]

I've imported EVERYTHING on my car personally and only had 1 item not fit.. and it's cause I bought it without researching it first... like to others said, either use a sponsor to import it for you or RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH before parting with your hard earned moola

 

[Legacy]

Yeah I have to agree. I've imported about five times personally and I've never been disappointed. Except once but that was because the courier (UPS) did not label the items correctly, lifestyle something vs replacement auto parts so the import duties was just ridiculous.
:thumb:

 

[Matt Q]

importing rocks... even my Bride was bought online!!!

 

[Legacy]

importing rocks... even my Bride was bought online!!!

:ttiuwp:

 

[keenstreak]

LOL @ MattQ

---

Thanks all for the advice. Unfortunately I did most of my research on international forums before I came across this site. Now I have a new favourite place to hang out, and of course bounce ideas.

 

[Spy007]

A bit off topic but perhaps not. As we supply only imported a couple of my Clients thought they would get clever and import directly. I said sure go ahead but be warned, Import tax, duties and after care service. they complained and said they could get it cheaper by bringing in themselves. They forget that there are taxes etc. Also Back u service is so important and As supplier we put our Name to the product so even with that you get some piece of mind.

 

[Twinz]

A bit off topic but perhaps not. As we supply only imported a couple of my Clients thought they would get clever and import directly. I said sure go ahead but be warned, Import tax, duties and after care service. they complained and said they could get it cheaper by bringing in themselves. They forget that there are taxes etc. Also Back u service is so important and As supplier we put our Name to the product so even with that you get some piece of mind.

Nice comment Spy.
I whole heartedly agree.
There are many people on this forum who self-import and have build up personal experience & know-how over the years and understand the risks involved....and I think this is great and should be encouraged because there is nothing more satisfying receiving something that you have ordered (yourself) and opening that box :excited:

But for most out there an importer is the way to go especially for large, rare & delicate items such as rims, body panels or tuning chips etc...

 

[keenstreak]

A bit off topic but perhaps not. As we supply only imported a couple of my Clients thought they would get clever and import directly. I said sure go ahead but be warned, Import tax, duties and after care service. they complained and said they could get it cheaper by bringing in themselves. They forget that there are taxes etc. Also Back u service is so important and As supplier we put our Name to the product so even with that you get some piece of mind.

Agreed. After the tax and duties I paid for my goodies, it did not land up being much cheaper. Still a saving, but no guarantees though, so it is not really worth it in the long run.

The problem with South Africa is that the market is so small that I have yet to find people who readily stock items like the Dice Silverline or USA-Spec iPod adaptor.