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But this is true of many car models; I've done 3 projects on my 2004 BMW post 2012 (where as time passed, more parts become available); one of the last years b

But this is true of many car models; I've done 3 projects on my 2004 BMW post 2012 (where as time passed, more parts become available); one of the last years before everything became more computer integrated, where there weren't significant, cheap, readily available parts - Xenon Headlight Baskets; factory headlights only sold as a sealed unit (that would likely suffer the same burn issue), aftermarket whole units don't have self leveling to be road legal; Had to find from a crashed 2006 on eBay and modify. - Windshield washer pump. This simple pump didn't become readily available in parts stores until about 2013. The factory unit costs 10x what it should cost. - Valve cover gasket; the best one is the OEM bmw, brand, any aftermarket part is likely to leak sooner rather than later.

deleted 7y ago
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wil421 7y ago
e46? I had a 2000 and it was extremely easy to find parts. Denso AC compressor, idler pulley, belt tensioner, coils, wheel bearing, and a window motor. Everything was reasonably priced and I had choices of OEM, Aftermarket, or Genuine BMW. The AC compressor was the only part I didn’t buy Genuine because of the massive up-charge. Amazon had lots of OEM options that were the same brand as Genuine BMW. I would’ve changed the gasket but I “totaled” it. A cheap gasket is going to cause problems. BMWs are expensive and you have to be very careful of aftermarket parts or you’ll cause more issues.
- smileysteve 7y ago
  Coils are another thing that were slow to make it to the autoparts store. Much of this is probably because of the 100k mile warranties common on cars today, autoparts stores are less likely to stock parts until each model has the majority of owners outside of the factory warranty coverage.
FussyZeus 7y ago
> I've done 3 projects on my 2004 BMW post 2012 (where as time passed, more parts become available); one of the last years before everything became more computer integrated, where there weren't significant, cheap, readily available parts This is a far cry from there being no parts, cheap or otherwise. And even if there aren't OEM parts I'm betting there are tons of knockoff and third party/performance/budget parts you can get too, which these Tesla owners also cannot.
- smileysteve 7y ago
  Many of these parts didn't make it to your average auto parts store for ~13 years of the model (began in 1999); of which the Tesla Roadster is still several years away (if it will ever be) Because of programs like the 100k mile warranty; there is limited after market support for most mainstream automobiles until the majority of the owners no longer fall in that category.

deleted 7y ago

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wil421 7y ago

e46? I had a 2000 and it was extremely easy to find parts. Denso AC compressor, idler pulley, belt tensioner, coils, wheel bearing, and a window motor. Everything was reasonably priced and I had choices of OEM, Aftermarket, or Genuine BMW. The AC compressor was the only part I didn’t buy Genuine because of the massive up-charge. Amazon had lots of OEM options that were the same brand as Genuine BMW. I would’ve changed the gasket but I “totaled” it. A cheap gasket is going to cause problems. BMWs are expensive and you have to be very careful of aftermarket parts or you’ll cause more issues.

smileysteve 7y ago
Coils are another thing that were slow to make it to the autoparts store. Much of this is probably because of the 100k mile warranties common on cars today, autoparts stores are less likely to stock parts until each model has the majority of owners outside of the factory warranty coverage.

FussyZeus 7y ago

> I've done 3 projects on my 2004 BMW post 2012 (where as time passed, more parts become available); one of the last years before everything became more computer integrated, where there weren't significant, cheap, readily available parts This is a far cry from there being no parts, cheap or otherwise. And even if there aren't OEM parts I'm betting there are tons of knockoff and third party/performance/budget parts you can get too, which these Tesla owners also cannot.

smileysteve 7y ago
Many of these parts didn't make it to your average auto parts store for ~13 years of the model (began in 1999); of which the Tesla Roadster is still several years away (if it will ever be) Because of programs like the 100k mile warranty; there is limited after market support for most mainstream automobiles until the majority of the owners no longer fall in that category.