Non OEM parts

[DanG]

Interesting that the dealers in my area will not install none OEM parts. I bought a metal charge pipe to replace the OEM plastic peace. Even though the dealer admits it is an upgrade they will not install it.

Luckily I found a BMW performance shop locally that will.

What have other people found?

[pbonsalb]

Use an independent shop for any post covered service work. And some of them stock with only trusted parts since they don’t want to be responsible for replacing aftermarket parts that fail unexpectedly and cannot get warrantied.

[ash_schwin]

My local dealer also refuses to install non-OEM parts. I think it might be regional as I know I have read other users on this board have had their local dealers install aftermarket parts.

[tom @ eas]

Not surprising that a dealership won’t install aftermarket parts. Some rural dealerships are a bit more relaxed than others, but don’t really matter once. BMWNA gets involved on a warranty claim with aftermarket parts installed.

There’s really no reason to go to the dealer after purchase. Develop a relationship with an independent or Tuner, you’ll often get better pricing, one-on-one care and better service. You get the same parts tby the same manufacturers without the dealer markup (mostly licensing) or aftermarket equivalent if tuning for performance. Tuners know firsthand what parts and good and which brands to avoid since they’re installing them on a regular basis. Independents/Tuners typically don’t discriminate on mods and can often give you advice about your particular build if performance is your goal.

Save the dealership visits for warranty service and/or turning in leases.

[Car-Addicted]

There is likely something about using non OEM parts in the their dealer agreement. Sounds like they were civil about it.

[TboneS54]

This is very normal.