$13 Spark Plugs, I'm not going to take it anymore

[Bob Allred]

(I orginally posted this rant on BMWLT.com, but it was an R1150RT that I am working on and buying parts for, that set me off.)

 

 

I have faithfully supported my local BMW shops, both authorized and independant, through ownership of 8 or 9 Beemers over past 10 years or so. I recognize the value of local expertise and the convenience of on-hand parts.

 

But today after paying more than $13 a piece for a couple of BMW sourced NGK (made in Japan) spark plugs, I think I passed a watershed. This after paying more than $21 for an oil filter, and more than $25 for an air filter in the last few days as part of a 6,000 mile maintenance.

 

I have more years of mechanical involvement in motorsports than I like to admit. I have a well equipped, enclosed, heated, well lit, comfortable workshop and a multitude of tools. I have lots of experience maintaining and repairing all sorts of motorabilia, some of them quite sophisticated. And I hesitate to estimate how many dollars I've spent on parts over the years. Marketing hype aside, I think I know the value of a spark plug or oil filter.

 

I've worked hard all my life, and have been fortunate to arrive at the station in life where I can afford my hobbies. However, I have not become so comfortable that I can overcome the resentment at paying through the nose.

 

 

So....I've ordered my own motorcycle lift, and hence forth, will once again be doing most of my own work, and OK with buying maintenance supplies sans the BMW label, and parts from a more reasonably price supply chain when possible.

 

If this becomes problematic, I suppose my run of Beemers may come to an end in favor of some other brand more reasonably priced.

 

$13+ for a BMW labeled japanese spark plug, indeed!

 

Rant mode off now....

 

 

[Huzband]

Don't give up on BMW's, give up on your dealer.

 

I just checked my receipts, & I paid $15 for an oil filter, & $22 for air. Still steep compared to Auto Zone, but that's the price of admission. I doubt any of the Big 4 would beat those prices for the same parts by a measurable amount.

 

As for the plugs, I already know I'm NOT going to the dealer for them when it's time. All you need is the number, & they're available almost anywhere. Especially NGK. Heck, your lawn mower shop carries those!

 

I understand your frustration, but don't go over the edge.

 

It's Thanksgiving. Be thankful you can even RIDE a BMW.

[Tony_K]

Bob,I just did a quick comparison using comparable parts from Bosch, Mann and NGK if you were to source them out yourself. These numbers do not reflect sale prices but average retail.

You paid

Plugs around 4 dollars each more

Oil filter about 11 dollars more

Air filter 7 dollars more

 

The oil filter... ouch.

 

If I used dealer servicing I would feel pretty beat up too.

 

Taking command of your own destiny via self servicing will set your spirit free!

 

 

 

[Unhofliche_Gesundheit]

Hi Bob - if it makes you feel any better - things could be worse... 45% worse actually.

 

your dealer actually has good prices compared to mine:

yes i could have got OF (oil filter) cheaper but wanted to save a trip. however for AF (air filter) - i don't know of any alternatives.... except internet (note to self plan ahead next time and buy on the internet - but there is always shipping to pay - and sometimes duty)

 

 

 

________Bob ____Cameron _____delta

AF _____ $25 _____ $36.50 _____ +46%

OF _____ $21 _____ $30.51 _____ +45%

 

 

[johnlt]

Back in the old days (50s & 60s), we use to clean spark plugs. Most gas stations had a special sand/compressed air cleaner. Most of those went away when you could get good spark plugs for a buck or 2 but with the cost now in the 20+ range, maybe we need to bring back the plug cleaner. Not sure if they even make them any more.

[GordonB]

I too remember those plug cleaners and thought they were pretty neat.

[Aussie Rider]

Here in Oz,

 

NGK Plugs $15 each

Sec Plugs $7.50 each

OEM Oil Filter $22

OEM Air filter $22

 

$89 for basic service parts, not inc crush washers or fuel filter, and this is from a NON dealer. The dealers was about 15% more.

 

Whats funny is that you guys pay in USD what we pay in AUD.

[Paul Mihalka]

What has changed that plugs now last much longer than they used to, and much longer than BMW's suggested replacement schedule.

[SageRider]

Paul,

Maybe you can answer.

Are the big price increases on BMW parts /supplies (such as $20/qt. synthetic crankase oil) being driven locally or by BWW Germany price increases?

[Bob Allred]

Back in the old days (50s & 60s), we use to clean spark plugs. Most gas stations had a special sand/compressed air cleaner. Most of those went away when you could get good spark plugs for a buck or 2 but with the cost now in the 20+ range, maybe we need to bring back the plug cleaner. Not sure if they even make them any more.

 

I've still got the plug cleaner, two of 'em in fact, of different types. Problem is, however, cleaning won't correct erroded center electrodes....and with the dual outer electrode plugs it is difficult (maybe risky?) to adjust the gap by bending the outer electrodes in closer to the center electrode.

 

Ah....progress!

 

 

[vfrcauv]

I too remember those plug cleaners and thought they were pretty neat.

 

I think the aircraft spark plug sand blasters are made by Champion. Still use them for aircraft spark plugs.

[Paul Mihalka]

Paul,

Maybe you can answer.

Are the big price increases on BMW parts /supplies (such as $20/qt. synthetic crankase oil) being driven locally or by BWW Germany price increases?

I don't know but the BMW brand oils are made here in the USA for USA consumtion only.

[moshe_levy]

Try this: http://www.beemerboneyard.com/maki.html

 

I bought a 6 pack of Bosch oil filters for less than what two BMW filters cost. The MANN air and fuel filters look and feel just like OEM. The plugs have been working fine for me for the better part of 40,000 miles, changed on schedule.

 

Shop around and you'll find there are alternatives....

 

-MKL

[Dennis Andress]

Four plugs for a VFR run about $90. Honda is the only source I was able to find.

 

And your problem is?

[johnlt]

Yes, if really erroded you need new ones but many times, just a cleaning will bring them back to good service.

[T__]

Back in the old days (50s & 60s), we use to clean spark plugs. Most gas stations had a special sand/compressed air cleaner. Most of those went away when you could get good spark plugs for a buck or 2 but with the cost now in the 20+ range, maybe we need to bring back the plug cleaner. Not sure if they even make them any more.

 

 

John, in the old days spark plugs used to foul due to oil burning or lead from the gasoline.. Modern fuel injected engines burning lead free gasoline don’t foul spark plugs.. If they do they have a problem that needs to be looked into..

 

I guess I just can’t understand the need to clean a spark plug on a modern fuel injected engine.. The electrodes erode due to many miles of high intensity sparks across them but cleaning won’t do anything for that..

 

Cleaning plugs is not necessarily the best thing to do anyhow as it removes the hard glazing on porcelain surrounding the center electrode so the porcelain can then adsorb fuel & wet foul on a low voltage slow cranking start-up..

 

 

Twisty

 

[Mister Tee]

Back in the old days (50s & 60s), we use to clean spark plugs. Most gas stations had a special sand/compressed air cleaner. Most of those went away when you could get good spark plugs for a buck or 2 but with the cost now in the 20+ range, maybe we need to bring back the plug cleaner. Not sure if they even make them any more.

 

 

John, in the old days spark plugs used to foul due to oil burning or lead from the gasoline.. Modern fuel injected engines burning lead free gasoline don’t foul spark plugs.. If they do they have a problem that needs to be looked into..

 

I guess I just can’t understand the need to clean a spark plug on a modern fuel injected engine.. The electrodes erode due to many miles of high intensity sparks across them but cleaning won’t do anything for that..

 

Cleaning plugs is not necessarily the best thing to do anyhow as it removes the hard glazing on porcelain surrounding the center electrode so the porcelain can then adsorb fuel & wet foul on a low voltage slow cranking start-up..

 

 

Twisty

 

+1, most modern cars have a spark plug replacement interval of 100,000+ miles. I replaced the OEM standard plugs in my Crown Victoria at 100,000 miles, and they still looked fresh. The OEM iridium plugs in my Corolla were replaced at 120,000 miles and they were just worn, not fouled.

 

Also, you can't (shouldn't) use a sand blaster for iridium plugs (or "fine wire" aircraft plugs) since it is damaging to the electrodes.

[Huzband]

Honda is the only source I was able to find.

 

 

 

 

Oh, come on! Are you kidding?

 

Plug numbers are plug numbers. Maybe you'll have to wait a day or two, but any bike or auto dealer can get them.

 

$22.50 each is ,at least, a bit stiff for me.

 

Pep Boys it is.

 

[Dick_at_Lake_Tahoe_NV]

I just purchased Denso Iridium Spark Plugs for my R1200RT for $9.50 each. I'm sure they have them for other Bikes as well. Here's the site.

http://www.optionsauto.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ND-IXU22

 

Also, I have Purchased Amsoil Motorcycle Specific Synthetic oil 20W-50 and Amsoil Motorcycle filters, from Don Stefanik--in Ontario Canada. He has sites he can ship from in the US, to keep shipping costs down. I have no business connection with Don, he just has fair prices and good fast service. E-mail him and include your Zip code, for a price quote. stefanik@xcelco.on.ca

[johnlt]

Twisty, I realize that for a lot of our newer bikes. I have never had to replace a plug in my 1150s or 1200s. However, in my airheads that I currently have and have had, it is necessary to "clean" or replace the plugs frequently. These are old-tech engines and the plugs do indeed foul, especially if you are burning any oil.

[eddd]

Back in the old days (50s & 60s), we use to clean spark plugs. Most gas stations had a special sand/compressed air cleaner. Most of those went away when you could get good spark plugs for a buck or 2 but with the cost now in the 20+ range, maybe we need to bring back the plug cleaner. Not sure if they even make them any more.

 

The best part about those spark plug cleaners was the coil that came with them. If you recall, you'd hook the coil to your plug with a clip lead. You could then test the plug's ability to fire under compression by mean of an air line to a compressor. You could watch the spark through a small window.

 

But that wasn't the best part. The best part was attaching that clip lead to the door knob of the bathroom and waiting for the newbie to grab the door knob on the way out. Yeah, we had a sick sense of humor.

[SageRider]

Paul,

Maybe you can answer.

Are the big price increases on BMW parts /supplies (such as $20/qt. synthetic crankase oil) being driven locally or by BWW Germany price increases?

I don't know but the BMW brand oils are made here in the USA for USA consumtion only.

Thanks Paul.

[JR356]

Agree that price is high,but just imagine the early 1970's era Porsche owner that was paying $13 plus,for each of the 6 sparkplugs for the 911 series and there were NO options other than Bosch platinums!

 

JR356

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

I just purchased Denso Iridium Spark Plugs for my R1200RT for $9.50 each.

 

I put them in my 1100RT five years/60K miles ago. Bike is still running great.

[h2000fb]

About 10-12 months ago A&S BMW ran a sale on Oil Filter for 9.95 each for my RT - I bought 6 of them. Thought price was too good. They have good sales from time to time. Shipping was VERY reasonable. Plugs, I get from local auto supply house.

[gmarktbone]

I don't know about you guys, but my Autolite 3923s cost 1.80. I've had them in for four thousand miles, and they are running great. The surging problem is all but gone. I hope I'm not doing some kind of hidden damage to the engine, but I don't think so since it is running smoother than ever. I wouldn't mind paying less for the oil filters though. Doesn't purolator make one that will fit an 1150rt?

[leikam]

If paying a premium for spark plugs is the biggest thorn in your paw, you're doing just fine.

[Bud]

Four plugs for a VFR run about $90. Honda is the only source I was able to find.

 

And your problem is?

 

I don't have a problem, but it sounds like your problem is buying a Honda VFR.

 

Just kidding of course.

 

Whey you buy the best, you pay the most.

[marty2]

Back in the old days (50s & 60s), we use to clean spark plugs. Most gas stations had a special sand/compressed air cleaner. Most of those went away when you could get good spark plugs for a buck or 2 but with the cost now in the 20+ range, maybe we need to bring back the plug cleaner. Not sure if they even make them any more.

 

The best part about those spark plug cleaners was the coil that came with them. If you recall, you'd hook the coil to your plug with a clip lead. You could then test the plug's ability to fire under compression by mean of an air line to a compressor. You could watch the spark through a small window.

 

But that wasn't the best part. The best part was attaching that clip lead to the door knob of the bathroom and waiting for the newbie to grab the door knob on the way out. Yeah, we had a sick sense of humor.

 

+1 Ahhhhh- High School Auto Shop -- We waited for rainy days.

 

Marty

[OlGeezer]

Four plugs for a VFR run about $90. Honda is the only source I was able to find.

 

And your problem is?

 

I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet.

 

[OlGeezer]

About 10-12 months ago A&S BMW ran a sale on Oil Filter for 9.95 each for my RT - I bought 6 of them. Thought price was too good. They have good sales from time to time. Shipping was VERY reasonable. Plugs, I get from local auto supply house.

 

You can get a Mobil M101 oil filter for $10 or less every day at any auto parts store.

 

Mobil 1 is cheaper than BMW oil and you can get it at any auto psrts store.

[keithb]

Bob

Glad to see you will be doing your own maintenance. It is fun and therapeutic as well. I get oil filters at the local auto parts store for $5-$8 (Bosch) and on occasion buy one/get one free promotions. My bike came with a K & N air filter so I just have to clean it. Bought NGK plugs online for $7 each. You can get most of the basic replacement parts from local sources.

[Sailorlite]

When you're at the auto parts store for oil filters, consider one of their cup-type metal filter "wrenches" (perfect fit, $3 at Pep Boys).

[Bud]

When you're at the auto parts store for oil filters, consider one of their cup-type metal filter "wrenches" (perfect fit, $3 at Pep Boys).

 

Be sure to get the one that fits FRAM filters. They work well enough for 3K oil changes.

[hopz]

Hi Bob... sorry I was late to the rant but I was on the road.

 

I agree with all you said the first time. Also good to see you over here at the Sport Touring Forum. (Don't tell anyone but I read the LT forum also... but keep under your hat)

 

You are invited to join with the other Northern Utah Gang at our next Tech Daze. We get together and teach and learn maintenance tricks and do various services with each other.

 

Several weeks ago we got together and did a tire change for my RT over at Jan and Sharon's (twisties & bullet) house.

 

We can save you enough money to repay your experience on the plugs and get your smile back too. Keep in touch

 

Bob

[Urban Surfer]

Not going to take it anymore. I understand that.

I bought new stick coils for the bike in Seattle, they were 60% more money hear. That's 150.00 dollars cheaper for just two stick coils! There is a point where you have to dig your heals in

[Bob Allred]

I work slow. But after three evenings, an hour or so each, and Thanksgiving morning, maybe three hours, faithfully following the BMW Service II outline and the BMW Motorrad Service & Repair DVD, I completed the 6K maintenance on my '04 R1150RT.

Only the Modi-tec fault code & bleed check needs to be done, and I've arranged with the independant shop to accomplish that.

 

I feel like I know my bike better now. I used Mobil 1 sythetic oil, as well as synthetic trans & FD lube. They meet or exceed BMW specs as far as I can tell, and cost about half as much. Next time I'm going to use Beemer Boneyard's 12K service kit to save compared to BMW's spark plugs & filter costs.

 

On Monday, next, my motorcycle lift arrives. After set-up, my shop will be pretty complete. My K1200LT is only 400 miles from its 36K service, so soon I'll tackle that. It is really quite enjoyable work.

 

I'll continue to use my local dealer and independent shop from time to time. Maybe for mechanical work that is beyond my desire to tackle, riding gear, or for tires, as long as they're only reasonably more expensive. They're great people, whom I like a lot. But no more premium+ double or triple prices for oil & lube, plugs, filters, etc!

 

I feel a lot better today, than yesterday. Maybe the rant, and the self-service did me some good.

 

 

 

 

[Huzband]

What, we didn't help?

[Quinn]

About 10-12 months ago A&S BMW ran a sale on Oil Filter for 9.95 each for my RT - I bought 6 of them. Thought price was too good. They have good sales from time to time. Shipping was VERY reasonable. Plugs, I get from local auto supply house.

 

You can get a Mobil M101 oil filter for $10 or less every day at any auto parts store.

 

Mobil 1 is cheaper than BMW oil and you can get it at any auto psrts store.

 

 

On my '04 RT , I've been using mobil M-102 oil filters. Which is the correct type?

 

 

[mswanton]

Obscene prices for replacement parts is a huge factor in my decision when I go to replace a vehicle . My last Volvo had a heater coil that cost $1500 to replace. That was my last Volvo.

My first BMW needed a fuel pump. The dealer wanted $380. An equivalent pump from NAPA is $60. We'll see if this is my last BMW.

BTW I found beemerboneyard through this site and I'm very happy with the price and service.

Are the prices of parts this high in Germany?

[rglassma]

There a numerous options for standard maintenance parts. No one should spend money like that on spark plugs. It took me 15 minutes to track down the spark plugs I needed at 25 percent of the cost. Just a search on Google with the part number is all it takes.

 

If you are looking for BMW parts specifically, you can go to http://www.motobins.co.uk/ .

 

Their prices are very reasonable, shipping is not expensive. Even from England you are getting a far better deal.

 

BMW dealers are in business to make money !!!! The price is high but you don't have to pay it. There are many alternatives !!

 

 

 

[tallman]

There a numerous options for standard maintenance parts. No one should spend money like that on spark plugs. It took me 15 minutes to track down the spark plugs I needed at 25 percent of the cost. Just a search on Google with the part number is all it takes.

 

If you are looking for BMW parts specifically, you can go to http://www.motobins.co.uk/ .

 

Their prices are very reasonable, shipping is not expensive. Even from England you are getting a far better deal.

 

BMW dealers are in business to make money !!!! The price is high but you don't have to pay it. There are many alternatives !!

 

 

 

Until, of course, there aren't any.

Then, with a non-existent dealer network, no one will have to worry about something as obscene as a business in business to make money.

If you don't want to do abusiness somewhere, fine.

But if you purchase a high end product, which a BMW motorcycle is, don't waste my time with complaints about cost.

Either pay it, or do it your self.

No biggee.

I had a Lancia Flaminia in the early '70's. Parts were/are exorbitantly expensive. Duh.

There are extensive resources available, with very little effort needed, that provide information about options for maintenance on a BMW motorcycle.

Some of the info is excellent, but not all of it.

Best wishes.

 

Oh, BTW, I'd be surprised if any motorcycle dealership was in business to lose money.

[DAV]

Went to the local dealer to pick up four quarts of BMW 20W50 dino oil. He wanted $11.00 a quart, for dino! Told the parts guy point blank I wouldn't be back.

[Bud]

There a numerous options for standard maintenance parts. No one should spend money like that on spark plugs. It took me 15 minutes to track down the spark plugs I needed at 25 percent of the cost. Just a search on Google with the part number is all it takes.

 

If you are looking for BMW parts specifically, you can go to http://www.motobins.co.uk/ .

 

Their prices are very reasonable, shipping is not expensive. Even from England you are getting a far better deal.

 

BMW dealers are in business to make money !!!! The price is high but you don't have to pay it. There are many alternatives !!

 

 

 

Until, of course, there aren't any.

Then, with a non-existent dealer network, no one will have to worry about something as obscene as a business in business to make money.

If you don't want to do abusiness somewhere, fine.

But if you purchase a high end product, which a BMW motorcycle is, don't waste my time with complaints about cost.

Either pay it, or do it your self.

No biggee.

I had a Lancia Flaminia in the early '70's. Parts were/are exorbitantly expensive. Duh.

There are extensive resources available, with very little effort needed, that provide information about options for maintenance on a BMW motorcycle.

Some of the info is excellent, but not all of it.

Best wishes.

 

Oh, BTW, I'd be surprised if any motorcycle dealership was in business to lose money.

 

These things have a way of working themselves out. The guy who has more money than time or desire will pay the $13.00 and not worry about it.

 

Others will find a less expensive alternative.

 

I doubt any BMW dealer will go out of business because they didn't sell enough $13.00 spark plugs.

 

In a free economy, consumers vote with their money.

 

As the economy worsens over the next one to two years, some folks may make different choices due to lack of income. May be more folks willing to change their own oil etc. Or they may decide they can not afford a motorcycle and get out all together.

 

 

[keithb]

"I've been using mobil M-102 oil filters. Which is the correct type?"

 

Quinn, the M1-102 is the correct filter for your 04 RT. Here are some other alternatives as well.

1. AC Delco PF53, 2. Champion C301, 3. Purolator #10241, 4. Bosch #3330. 5. Napa 1348 (gold). Would you believe the same filter for my bike is the same one I use for my 4Runner? Talking about convenient. Yippee!

 

Speaking of the ridiculous cost of BMW parts. How about $400 for a painted lid for a 1200RT saddle bag? Just obscene.

 

[Bob Allred]

Just to clarify......

 

I am not anti-business. I do not begrudge anyone the need or desire to earn a profit. Indeed, I have been a partner/owner of the small business where I work for more than 40 years!

 

What I can say from experience is that no one likes to pay more than a fair and reasonable price. We do sometimes sell at higher prices than the competition. But depending upon the total price of an item, a 3 - 10% premium is the threshold where-upon our customers will begin to rebel. Another lesson learned over the years; we cannot be even 3 - 10% high on everything all the time if we expect to continue in business. Most times we have to be close to equal, and occassionaly even lower in price to keep the good will of our customers.

 

As to the exclusivity of a premium priced product, OK if the product is truly exclusive and truly a premium. BMW engineering is perceived as better than average (except for FD's, clutch seals, etc?) regarding the chassis, motor, etc, and we pay for it in the price of the bike when we buy it. But $13 NGK plugs, with "made in Japan" stamped right on the plug, which are available at half that cost or less through non-BMW affiliated sources, is price gouging in my book. Maybe the one doing the gouging is not the dealer, maybe it's BMW. Doesn't matter to me, still puts me off. Same for oil, fasteners, filters, etc, items not engineered or manufactured by BMW, just packaged and marketed.

 

If you came into one of our stores and I charged you double or more for the same electric furnace motor you could readily buy elsewhere at significantly less, would you feel OK about it? If they were branded "Carrier", or "Lennox" would you feel the motor was worth twice or more than one that was branded with some other name, even though all three motors are equal and originally made by an OEM manufacturer such as General Electric, the only difference being the name on the box?

 

Maybe my company could get by with that sort of pricing to the once every 15 years average home-owner customer who doesn't know any better, but certainly not the guy repairing furnaces and buying them on a regular ongoing basis! Further, if the home owner finds out, he/she will be pretty resentful, and we'll likely have a fight on our hands.

 

To each his own. The market will decide who will prevail, and to what degree.

 

 

 

 

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

The market will decide who will prevail, and to what degree.

 

Very well stated, sir. :thumbsup:

[RCS]

"To each his own. The market will decide who will prevail, and to what degree."

 

I once believed that too until the last three months of Government taxpayer bailouts were given out.

 

regards

 

[T__]

I guess the thing that bothers me most is motorcycle dealers (well some of them anyhow) attitude of “that’s a good price take it or leave it”..

 

In a lot of cases it is just plain old geed as the dealer will mark a commonly available part or accessory up to much above suggested retail then lie to you that it sells for that everywhere..

 

In this modern computer age most of us (well the ones on these type web sites anyhow) at least do some research on what’s available & common fair selling prices..

 

I think most of us do understand the dealer needs to make a living & pay his operating costs but just not all on one little part.. When I visit my local dealer be it- BMW,, Honda,, Harley,, Ducati) I pretty well know what the lowest price could be on the part or accessory,, close to what he pays for that part or accessory,, & a fair price for both me & the dealer..

 

Let’s take that $13.00 (pr-$26.00) spark plug as an example.. You research it on the internet & find the mail order price is $5.50 (pr=$11.00) + shipping (probably around $6-$8.50).. So the mail order cost would be in the $17.00-$19.50 range minus the sales tax & probably a week or so wait.. So you call the local discount auto parts store & find they have it for $7.50 (pr=$15.00) + tax.. Well if the auto parts store is on your way home from the dealer or on your normal shopping route then that is what you do..

So you just happen to be your local BMW dealer & ask about the particular spark plug? The dealer says $13.00 (pr=$26.00) + tax,, WOW you say that is way more than the internet & a fair amount more than the auto parts store.. Yes, but our plug is the correct one, & a better one,& it comes from BMW you know-says the dealer.. You know that is a lie so you say so.. You ask the dealer if he can come down a little on the price seeing as his price is way out of whack with reality.. He says no way,, that is the price if you don’t like it go get it off the internet (he probably has about the same as the internet price into that plug (my guess about $5.50).. He could still make a good markup on 2 plugs + anything else you would buy to go with the plugs if he would drop the price to $9.50 per plug but “no way” he is the motorcycle dealer that equals my-way or the hi-way.. If the price was just dropped to $9.50 per plug most would buy it anyhow as you know the dealer has to make a living & he just made a good will jester..

 

But with the statement of “that’s my price take it or leave it” it just plain pissés you off so you walk out of the dealer without buying anything.. You get home & decide to just buy off the internet so you order the plugs,, a couple of oil filters,, maybe a spare light bulb,, a quart of gear oil,, & maybe those high dollar mirrors you have been wanting for a while.. So the dealer misses out on making a profit on all those things & ends up eventually going out of business then wonders why.. BTW the above has happened to me more than a few times & the results are always the same,, I go home & buy off the internet..

 

Just today I bought some final drive parts for my Honda.. Looked up the bearings,, & seals,, & spacers prices on a discount on-line Honda OEM store.. Found a decent 30% off list pricing but shipping was on the high side.. So went to local dealer’s web site & looked the same parts up,, with a higher price & sales tax but minus the shipping it came to about $15.00 more than the on-line place (both places will have to order the parts so about a wash there).. So being somewhat loyal to my local dealer I figure I will just pay the $15.00 more & buy locally.. I drive over to the dealer with a full detailed parts list including part numbers & supercedes & the parts guy looks me in the eye & says that is our on-line price buddy you can’t get that price over the counter here (came to about another $15.00 higher yet).. So he smiles, winks & says I can go home & order from them on-line than come back & pick the parts up when they come in.. So I did just that but I ordered from the discount place (not them) as I might as well save the $15.00 & not have to make a return trip back to the dealer.. Sounds like they (my local Honda dealer) must be making way too much money as they don’t seem to want me to shop locally even if I go out of my way to try..

 

The Honda part of this post is going to the personal E-Mail of the owner of the Honda dealer (anyone want to wager if I will even get a response back from him?)

 

Twisty

 

[keithb]

"But today after paying more than $13 a piece for a couple of BMW sourced NGK (made in Japan) spark plugs."

 

If you think $13 is bad go to A & S cycles website. They sell OEM plugs for the hexhead for $17.50 each. Are you kidding me?