Tail Lights - Breaking News

[Musta10000]

BMW NA have denied paying for any of this cost.

Although from the tone of the email, I don't think Bill wrote the text that I received from his email address

I was wrong about the cost of these lights - the $2920 is just the unit cost. Installation is extra!

You can get a "small" discount from here (only $2335.88):

https://www.getbmwparts.com/parts/20...w=11&maxRow=10

[2112]

You can get a "small" discount from here (only $2335.88):

https://www.getbmwparts.com/parts/20...w=11&maxRow=10

Thanks, did you see the other side?

[Musta10000]

Thanks, did you see the other side?

Interesting that the price is different - anybody know why that would be the case?

https://www.getbmwparts.com/parts/20...&siteid=214672

[BearZ8]

I got the reply from BMWNA that they are not participating in the good will program.

[JEFZ8]

Funny, I'm having the same issue with the left rear light. Below is an estimate I received yesterday from Center BMW in CA. The price given is US$3915 for a SINGLE rear light assembly - installation NOT included. It is unbelievable.

From: Dennis Bohlig <[email protected]>
Date: Thu, Sep 1, 2016 at 5:39 PM
Subject: Re: Z8

Ok, here is the scoop.

One of the neon strips is out in the l/r tail light and it only comes as a complete unit, 3915.38 in parts plus tax and 250.50 labor....sorry not a joke.

[2112]

Guys, Check into the club. You might find the cost of parts much easier to swallow, tho still painful.

[tomfakes]

Peter Pan BMW is selling me a Left light cluster for the bargain price of $2920 for the parts. The part just arrived this week

[EDEZ8]

The tail light pricing in the US seems to be well above the 1,600 Euros + VAT cited in the Z8 Club's announcement on the availability of the new and improved lights dated 1 May 2016 (on 1 May 2016 1,600 EUR = 1,824 USD). Other than BMW potentially subsidizing the ex-US goodwill program for replacing the defective lights is there a reason for this price differential as indicated above by tomfakes and JEFZ8?

[BearZ8]

The tail light pricing in the US seems to be well above the 1,600 Euros + VAT cited in the Z8 Club's announcement on the availability of the new and improved lights dated 1 May 2016 (on 1 May 2016 1,600 EUR = 1,824 USD). Other than BMW potentially subsidizing the ex-US goodwill program for replacing the defective lights is there a reason for this price differential as indicated above by tomfakes and JEFZ8?

Hi Ed,

I think BMWNA is just trying to milk some more money from the Z8 owners. I guess $132,000. was just a start?

I am rather put off by their response to us.

[tomfakes]

Here's the line from the club letter:

In Germany, the price per tail light is approx. 1,600 € plus VAT. In other countries this price may vary. Accordingto BMW, they have no influence on spare part pricing outside of Germany

Adding $1,000 to $2,000 to the cost of these items does seem a bit excessive.

[ron's rocket]

A random thought...I kinda like the Euro lights. Going through the club to purchase a set, does anybody really think they'd be stopped by the PD for driving with them here in the states?

[boomster]

Interesting idea, my guess is it probably would not result in a stop. Would also increase the potential sales value for a future sale back overseas!

[BearZ8]

Interesting detail:

I have one single reply from the entire US, 2 from Canada so far.
It looks like the problem doesn't exist in those areas.

I hope that was mine?
Gil

[2112]

A random thought...I kinda like the Euro lights. Going through the club to purchase a set, does anybody really think they'd be stopped by the PD for driving with them here in the states?

I can tell you it will not be a problem. It was not required to change them to the all red in order to be federalized. Only the speedometer and headlights required swapping out.

- - - Updated - - -

Interesting idea, my guess is it probably would not result in a stop. Would also increase the potential sales value for a future sale back overseas!

IMO, more attractive too.

[2112]

If anyone is interested in ECE tail light units, the cost is 3995 euros shipped to the united states. That is for a pair.

I have no vested interest. I will just connect you to the Dealer in Germany I bought mine from. I was given his name by the club when we received notice of the goodwill exchange. I wanted to make sure I had ECE units on hand even if they offered to switch me to the N/A units.

P/M me if interested.