how come cheap plastic is so expensive?

[motuman]

I need to replace the intake boot on my '95 540i (item #2 on diagram) as it is literally dissolving in place. I'm certain this part costs no more than a dollar or two to produce, but the list price is $95. I understand BMW needs to make a profit, but CRIKEY, that's more like profiteering.

I recently heard an explanation as to why, beginning in the early to mid 90's, BMW plastics are so bad. Apparently there was intense pressure from the Green movement in Germany to make plastic goods recyclable. In BMW's haste to adopt these new materials they did not perform proper long term durability testing, hence the early failure of our radiator tanks, plastic impellers, intake boots, you name it. Has anyone else heard this explanation?

So now when my neighbor with the Prius asks why I still drive a V8, I can tell him that at least my car is "self recycling", i.e. it's breaking down and decaying right in my driveway....:(

[Dave M]

Interesting. When I bought the equivalent section of intake for my M50 about 5 years ago, I paid just over $5 for it from a dealer in Canada. The parts guy on the phone actually said something to the effect of "wow, thats one of the cheapest parts you're going to find".

Not an answer to your question, but had to chime in.

Dave

[Dave M]

Just checked realoem and the rubber boot I spoke of is listed at $25 (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=HD53&mospid=47404&btnr=13_0381&hg=13&fg=15). Not sure why I only paid $5, but I'll leave it alone :) Yours should also be a (hard) rubber boot and I can't see why there would be a $70 price difference (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=HE53&mospid=47410&btnr=13_0384&hg=13&fg=15).

Hosing the 540 owners.............

Dave

[motuman]

Just checked realoem and the rubber boot I spoke of is listed at $25 (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=HD53&mospid=47404&btnr=13_0381&hg=13&fg=15). Not sure why I only paid $5, but I'll leave it alone :) Yours should also be a (hard) rubber boot and I can't see why there would be a $70 price difference (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=HE53&mospid=47410&btnr=13_0384&hg=13&fg=15).

Hosing the 540 owners.............

Dave

The 540 boot is soft and thin...should be cheaper?

[Bo525i]

Yea, thats just... absurd!

[Mr._Graybeard]

The sad state of the dollar has really jacked up the price of parts over the last couple years. I think I paid about $40 for that same part shortly after I bought my car in late 2005. Looks like Autohausaz has it on sale for $65, shipped -- no bargain, but better than $95.

[shogun]

1 EURO = $ 1.45 as of today!!!
http://www.oanda.com/
same period in 2002 was 1 EURO = $0.89

where will it end?

[motuman]

Surprised to see there may be an aftermarket option? prob not OEM for this price...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-AIR-INTAKE-BOOT-E32-740-E34-540-E38-92-93-94-95-98_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2ea8ec685dQQitemZ200 402561117QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAcces sories#ht_3459wt_941

[motuman]

Looks like Autohausaz has it on sale for $65, shipped

Thanks, I noticed that. But it's out of stock with no date for new shipment to arrive....

[Bo525i]

I just came back from the stealer, you know that piece of plastic that covers the engine on the the underside up front..

Engine cover #51 71 8 147 355 = 135$ :(

Needless to say, I left without it.. Thats just a totally unreasonable price for a piece of dang plastic!

[632 Regal]

Surprised to see there may be an aftermarket option? prob not OEM for this price...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-AIR-INTAKE-BOOT-E32-740-E34-540-E38-92-93-94-95-98_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2ea8ec685dQQitemZ200 402561117QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAcces sories#ht_3459wt_941

looks like the real deal, dont know what the ES stands for after the part number 13711747995 but 55 bux, parts similar to mine and was 90 delivered. Most likely aftermarket, BMW parts would be more for sure.

[motuman]

I noticed that the Autohaus AZ part is made by EZ Ziegler -

http://www.ezziegler.de/en/static_ProduktUebersicht.html

anyone know if they are an OEM supplier to BMW, or if they make aftermarket parts?

[Ross]

Be glad you don't have a "green" MB. I've heard tales of wiring harness insulation that recycles itself.
Agreed $95 is steep for the intake hose but they are the only game in town.

[632 Regal]

Be glad you don't have a "green" MB. I've heard tales of wiring harness insulation that recycles itself.
Agreed $95 is steep for the intake hose but they are the only game in town.

Yep 55 bux is a deal and a half, could try hot glue but the lower temp stuff wont work under the hood above 90 degrees, simple quick fix to the dealer. The real hot stuff will work longer but not in summer even for a quick deal.

[Mordan]

1 EURO = $ 1.45 as of today!!!
http://www.oanda.com/
same period in 2002 was 1 EURO = $0.89

where will it end?

2 euros according to some.

How long have you been forexing?