engine and drivetrain Strut Mount, Lemfoerder/MTC fit issue

[ctown]

I would appreciate any opinions on this, am I being unreasonable.

I purchased strut mounts from autohaus az, described as being made by lemfoeder/MTC

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.aspx?sid=zxueoe55xi1hsc454zb5dzza&makeid=800003@BMW&modelid=1010877@2002TII&year=1971&cid=27@Suspension%20System&gid=7572@Shock/Strut%20Mount

What I got is of Taiwanese manufacture (Lemfoerder ? MTC ), it is labeled as MTC. Not sure of the MTC, Lemfoerder connection but it is not going to fit in the 3 holes without some work from a dremel action. Close but even after I ream one of the holes the studs go through they won't be centered in the holes.

Should I have some expectation of a better fit? The old ones fit very well. If this stuff is Lemfoerder, German engineering has slipped.

This is for a 73 Tii, with the tops strut spacers removed, short studs, part number 31331110195.

Should I send back (costs me 38 $) or should I suck it up and dremel my car (not likely to happen)?

Thanks for reading my whining

Don

[JohnS]

Don,

I think that when Autohauz AZ lists a part as 'Lemfoerder/MTC', they mean that it will either be supplied by Lemfoerder or MTC. I recently ordered a new drag link labelled 'Meyle/Ocap' and received a part made in Italy by Ocap instead of the expected german made part from Meyle. I really like dealing with Autohauz AZ, just make sure to read the parts listing carefully,

--John

[scestes]

My sincere believe is that if it doesn't fit, send it back. There is no reason you should expect anything less. You shouldn't have to modify your car to make an aftermarket part that is so basic fit. I too went with a Meyle product that fit perfectly that I purchased from Double 02 salvage.

[ctown]

Scott, that is what I will do, send it back, I spoke to Autohaus and there real good about returning it and agree that it should not have to make a mod to fit.

I had to rant a bit and wanted other people to be aware of the fitment issue as much as any thing. Being a Canadian I am probably overly cautious about being unreasonable.

Don

[scestes]

Scott, that is what I will do, send it back, I spoke to Autohaus and there real good about returning it and agree that it should not have to make a mod to fit.

I had to rant a bit and wanted other people to be aware of the fitment issue as much as any thing. Being a Canadian I am probably overly cautious about being unreasonable.

Yea, I don't think you're being unreasonable, and I really don't think you should have had to rant to get this resolved. Good luck on your repair.

[zane]

I ordered some strut mounts about a month ago from Autohaus AZ. They didn't fit either. To top it off, the quality of the mount looked like crap compared to what I was pulling out of the car. They were very cool about sending them back and it was a painless process. I ended up ordering a set from Bavauto for a couple of bucks more. They fit, but also looked a little chintzy.

[c.d.iesel]

....YOU KNOW GUYS/and gals - if you value your car ( read tii owners )

and you expect replacement parts to fit without

motherfacations to your car - why not purchase BMW parts from a BMW dealer the first time. IF you ever have any issues or replacement part

defect in 2-years/Unlimited mileage period -

you deal with a BMW dealer - not 'other' people long distance.

[tjones02]

....YOU KNOW GUYS/and gals - if you value your car ( read tii owners )

and you expect replacement parts to fit without

motherfacations to your car - why not purchase BMW parts from a BMW dealer the first time. IF you ever have any issues or replacement part

defect in 2-years/Unlimited mileage period -

you deal with a BMW dealer - not 'other' people long distance.

Yeah, what he said! I second the statement. Be very specific about what brand you are getting when purchasing parts from aftermarket suppliers. There are true OEM parts and then there is JUNK! Lemforder is the OEM for '02 strut mounts while MTC is India and Taiwan made!!!!

C.D's point on the BMW factory parts warranty is very true! I installed a BMW factory rebuilt motor in a customer's 2002 and it had a massive lower timing cover oil leak. We drove the car to the Dealer and they replaced the offending gaskets under warranty! The job was done well, replacing the water pump gasket filling the cooling system and they even cleaned up the mess from the leak and washed the car. So, any time in the 2 years or 24K miles of the warranty of that motor if there is a problem with it the owner can take it to ANY BMW Dealer for repairs!

Not that they would replace a strut mount on the car but it's just an example of the quality of BMWs new parts and the extent of their warranty. You get what you pay for!

[captain-orange]

I've had absolutely zero problems with my Meyle ones. Fit and quality seems fine. He only thing that bugs me about them is true for most all rubber parts. They paint them black so as soon as any tension is but on them they appear to be cracking. I just scrape the paint off anyway, but why bother doing it at all?

[KFunk]

CD and Tom: The problem is that AutohausAZ can usually be trusted to supply OEM quality parts, and not give you cheap quality stuff..... until now? Crap.... I always trusted them before, but I guess I will have to be more careful with them even.

Buying straight from the dealer is beyond unreasonable for me due to price and my location. I'd have to drive at least 2 hours just to get raped by them.

[pkbinplano]

KFunk, but BMW dealers always enjoy a good rape. LOL