Parts Availability

[Pat Slade]

Hi All,

Recently I have had increasing difficulty in obtaining not only BMW, but also pattern, parts which need replacing based purely on age.
In particular rubber suspension items.
A frustrating example. My Z1 has the original alloy rear end I have been replacing as many rubber components as possible. For over a year now BMW have had no availability of the stabiliser bushes (Part 33551135720). Even amongst the suppliers of so called OEM parts cannot produce the correct item.
Most of the parts people claiming to have the above numbered 14mm bush do NOT have it. The majority of diagrams (pinched from RealOEM) show in fact the later rear stabiliser which has a different part number!
The only option which is available appears to be the Powerflex item. I really do not want to use these on the old girl. It can only do harm to stiffen any suspension element on the Z1. Flex and shock to the chassis and bodywork must be undesirable.
Even some of my German connections have been unable to turn up a parts source.
This part is not unique to the Z1 it was also fitted to the 318i E36 and an early Z3, so you might imagine someone might produce a pattern part.
Anyone else had problems?

Pat

[TJS]

I think we should be ok for rubber parts shared with other contemporary BMW models, especially the E30. Fingers crossed

I ordered two replacement rubber bump stops and plastic sleeves for the front dampers yesterday which are in stock in the UK. Not sure if it is an individual dealer decision but North Oxford BMW were happy for me to pay for the parts upon collection next week. The dealers at MK and Tring want cash up front and no refunds or parts return. Maybe I should check my credit reference !!

I also enquired about the supply of the rubber door belts, a pretty essential item for a Z1. They are now £192 each but no UK or German stock and no indication as when they will be available. Perhaps the time has come for Z1 specialists such as Potti's to source an alternative supply using modern materials.

[Stoertie]

Hello everyone,

I can only repeat it again and again, whenever you have problems getting vehicle-specific spare parts for the Z1 because they are not available, be sure to contact BMW Classic with the problem and send them an email describing the problem and also pointing out that the missing part is an operationally important part and that you cannot use the car without this part/s.

The more owners who complain, the sooner and faster the parts will (perhaps) be remanufactured.

You can reach BMW-Classic via this page: https://www.bmwgroup-classic.com/en/gen ... ntact.html

Please use this channel regardless of whether you find suitable parts elsewhere or build them yourself or however you know how to help yourself.
The situation will only improve if we (the owners of classic cars) put pressure on the manufacturer directly

Regards
Michael



Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

[TJS]

Thanks Michael,

I have fired off an email to BMW Group Classic regarding the door belts which are currently unavailable.

Unfortunately, despite two new hips, I am too old to climb in and out of the window with the door and top up ... even if Daisy Duke was sitting in the passenger seat !

[Stoertie]

[TJS]

My email to BMW Group Classic ... and their reply.

Good morning,
It would be appreciated if you could advise me on the availability of Z1 parts.In particular I need to service the electric doors which entails the replacement of the essential rubber ”tooth belts" part no. 51332290509.

I have been advised by my local UK BMW dealer (North Oxford) that these items are no longer available in the UK or Germany. I have also been unable to locate a dealer holding these parts in stock.

Have these important parts been discontinued or are they temporarily out of stock ? I do have a spare “new” belt for emergency use, however, it is 15 years old which is not good for a rubber service item.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Response .....


Thank you for your email.

Please understand that the distribution of spare parts is handled exclusively by our trade organization. Under https://www.bmwgroup-classic.com/de/ang ... mobil.html you will get further informations about spare parts in reproduction.

Yours sincerely
Michael Kortenhaus


The link which details three Z1 parts. An M sport gear knob emblem, a tool box holding strap and a plastic ball joint for a door connecting rod.

https://www.bmwgroup-classic.com/en/off ... tions.html

[Stoertie]

WOW... I thought BMW only stopped providing really good customer service for current cars from the early 2000s on, but this is bordering on downright cheeky

And the 2nd WOW... these parts are really very important. They can be really proud of this achievement now! It must have taken a lot of effort and commitment.

Regards
Michael

PS: translation with the help of deepl.com

[TJS]

Update.


I seem to be going around in circles with BMW. The guys in Munich simply refer me back to my local dealer who confirm door belts are still "non longer available" ... however there is a note on their system dated 20 Feb 25 that "the situation is to be reviewed Q1 2026" so maybe my emails have initiated action.

I have asked BMW to confirm that, given the situation, they have no objection a the third party commissioning the manufacture of the belts. We all know what the answer will be, but a small rubber belt @ £192 does give scope for a small product run. Anyone know a UK / (EU) rubber belt manufacturer. ?

[Stoertie]

Update.


I seem to be going around in circles with BMW. The guys in Munich simply refer me back to my local dealer who confirm door belts are still "non longer available"

[Stoertie]

Anyone know a UK / (EU) rubber belt manufacturer. ?

Hi Tony,

there are probably a lot of companies that manufacture customised timing belts. Take a look here, for example:

https://www.alphabelt.de/en/blog/custom ... ming-belts

https://www.wantabelt.de/en/timing-belt ... cial-belts

https://www.gg-powertransmission.com/timing-belts/

Depending on the price, I would also take a few of them... (especially if I can get an invoice, then I would include the timing belts in the shop)

Regards
Michael