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      10-13-2021, 09:48 AM   #1
TopJimmy
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In case any newbies were unaware, buying from FCP Euro gets lifetime replacement on everything. Buy with PayPal and get free return shipping for parts exchanges. I get my oils, wipers, gaskets, etc.

Steps:
- Buy your oil/plugs from FCP and pay with PayPal
- Install and use the stuff
- When time to replace buy from FCP again with PayPal and install new parts
- Put old parts/oil in the new box/container
- Go on FCP web and submit your Lifetime Exchange form
- Pay UPS/FedEx to ship used parts/oil back to FCP, up to $30
- Go on PayPal and submit your UPS/FedEx receipt for a refund

FCP will refund the 2nd cost for parts/oil back through PP to your credit card.

PP will refund your shipping costs back as PayPal funds on your account.

Post what you swap at FCP Euro below, to help others learn to DIY at low cost!

My list: NGK and F8S flex plugs, turbo and down pipe gaskets, copper exhaust nuts, windshield wipers, and all oils.
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      10-13-2021, 05:56 PM   #2
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Nice thread, you da man Jimmy.

I'd add wheel bearings and front LCA's (in particular for people who track) to that list (with all associated & necessary bolts). Also in that category would be the OEM brake rotors for those that don't want to go aftermarket

Wheel studs another possibility there, but can't speak to the quality of the brand they carry. But may not matter if you take advantage and replace yearly (or more frequently!)

Oh, and belts.

One more: cabin air filter.

And a couple more: Diff drain/fill plugs, bolts for the CF & aluminum braces that theoretically you're supposed to renew

Last edited by jfritz27; 10-13-2021 at 06:18 PM..
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      10-16-2021, 10:06 PM   #3
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This is a great idea! I still have one more covered maintenance, but I'll be sure to look for this thread afterwards.

But for tracking, done forget brake fluids.
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      10-17-2021, 06:31 AM   #4
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I do all of my cars maintenance this way, even my tahoe oil changes(minus filter).
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      10-18-2021, 11:32 PM   #5
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OEM Manual gearbox fluid!
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      10-18-2021, 11:42 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by Fat Goose View Post
OEM Manual gearbox fluid!
Question… is it the expectation that the old fluid is put in the new containers then returned to FCP?
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      10-19-2021, 06:01 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by F82KPowers View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fat Goose View Post
OEM Manual gearbox fluid!
Question… is it the expectation that the old fluid is put in the new containers then returned to FCP?
Yes
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      10-22-2021, 03:56 PM   #8
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How are you getting a refund on shipping the used products? I've been using FCP Euro for a while but I've always paid for shipping
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      10-22-2021, 07:07 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kilabyte View Post
How are you getting a refund on shipping the used products? I've been using FCP Euro for a while but I've always paid for shipping
You have to use Paypal to pay.

https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/returns
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      10-23-2021, 11:43 PM   #10
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Looks like wheel hubs are something to add to the list as well: front hubs https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1868326
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      10-25-2021, 05:37 PM   #11
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Great post. Started doing this about a year ago. Windshield wipers and going to do as much as I can like this!
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      10-26-2021, 08:08 AM   #12
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How/Why does FCP extend this replacement policy to wear items? This sounds like a huge money loser.
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      10-29-2021, 01:44 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stlb5 View Post
How/Why does FCP extend this replacement policy to wear items? This sounds like a huge money loser.
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade and don't ask questions.
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      12-07-2021, 07:31 AM   #14
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Does the returned item have to be the same as the one you bought? Obviously they'd never know the difference with fluids, but about with hardware like plugs? For example, if my car has Bosch on it right now, but I buy NGK from FCP, and then return the old Bosch back to them, will they care (or even notice)?

As for why they do it, I'm guessing it's b/c they get to market and promote the benefit, but they know that only a VERY small minority of ppl will actually go through the hassle of this. Hell, half the time I buy shit on Amazon Prime that has free returns, I'm annoyed that I have to package it back up and send it back...and that's not even something gross and messy like used engine oil!
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      12-07-2021, 08:27 AM   #15
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I've kept a detailed maintenance log on my old 2009 M3. Lasted about 176k before I sold it. The valve cover gasket was gone by the time that happened. Here's a pic of 100k maintenance done and parts bought/replaced from FCPEuro. I think it was around $1700, all refunded back once the parts were warrantied

Every car I have now, I keep a detailed record.
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      12-07-2021, 09:08 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LYTSOUT View Post
Does the returned item have to be the same as the one you bought? Obviously they'd never know the difference with fluids, but about with hardware like plugs? For example, if my car has Bosch on it right now, but I buy NGK from FCP, and then return the old Bosch back to them, will they care (or even notice)?
Yes, same item. They look.

I haven't heard of them testing fluids…
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      12-07-2021, 09:58 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LYTSOUT View Post
Does the returned item have to be the same as the one you bought? Obviously they'd never know the difference with fluids, but about with hardware like plugs? For example, if my car has Bosch on it right now, but I buy NGK from FCP, and then return the old Bosch back to them, will they care (or even notice)?

As for why they do it, I'm guessing it's b/c they get to market and promote the benefit, but they know that only a VERY small minority of ppl will actually go through the hassle of this. Hell, half the time I buy shit on Amazon Prime that has free returns, I'm annoyed that I have to package it back up and send it back...and that's not even something gross and messy like used engine oil!
Yes they check, and thoroughly. You must buy from them the first time, then on your second time, you send the old one back. That way they know it's a part you purchased from them and hold your money hostage if parts don't match. This also prevents you from defrauding them.
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      12-07-2021, 11:04 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WingZeroX5 View Post
Yes they check, and thoroughly. You must buy from them the first time, then on your second time, you send the old one back. That way they know it's a part you purchased from them and hold your money hostage if parts don't match. This also prevents you from defrauding them.
Ah, that makes a lot more sense.

I can see doing this with wear items like pads, belts, fluids, wipers, etc. But now I'm wondering about all the crap you have listed above like that suspension stuff, water pump, hub bearing, and the other non-wear items...how did you get that stuff refunded? Did you really keep the car so long that you replaced OEM parts with FCP stuff and then replaced all that stuff AGAIN?! I mean, even with 176k, I don't see most of that stuff wearing out TWICE, lol
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      12-07-2021, 11:14 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LYTSOUT View Post
Ah, that makes a lot more sense.

I can see doing this with wear items like pads, belts, fluids, wipers, etc. But now I'm wondering about all the crap you have listed above like that suspension stuff, water pump, hub bearing, and the other non-wear items...how did you get that stuff refunded? Did you really keep the car so long that you replaced OEM parts with FCP stuff and then replaced all that stuff AGAIN?!
Yes I kept the car for a while. As stated, I had the car until 176k miles. I drove it a lot, mostly road trips and commutes. I purchased the M3 used with 59K on it, and at that time, most of the maintenance were not done yet. I saw it as a fee to get what I had to get done with FCP. Suspension was replaced twice, so I got my money's worth. Maybe some items like wheel bearings, you don't have to go with them.

But yeah, you could skip some items. If someone really into its car maintenance schedules, an annual water pump change from FCP is more than worth it already.

How did I get it refunded? Buy from them once, at 100K, or whenever. Then at 150k, suspension refresh time so I bought from them again. This time however, you fill out the return form and select *warranty* in drop down boxes. Send them all back to FCP and wait a week. Money refunded. Easy! It's better if you can time your purchases all at once so it's simpler to manage, but you know, life happens and things may break randomly.
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      12-07-2021, 11:49 AM   #20
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I wouldn't bother with oil and wipers. We drive $40K+ BMW's... Are we really that cheap here. lol. Now something more expensive? Yes. I use FCP Euro for everything but oil and wipers on my 200k mile 330i.
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      12-07-2021, 02:14 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paulo_f80m3 View Post
I wouldn't bother with oil and wipers. We drive $40K+ BMW's... Are we really that cheap here. lol. Now something more expensive? Yes. I use FCP Euro for everything but oil and wipers on my 200k mile 330i.
I didn't bother with oil, just because it's a pain in the ass and messy. I wouldn't just buy wipers and send those back since shipping costs are already cost prohibitive. Like I said, I just time everything so it all comes in at the same time and with the fewest packages. Send everything back, including wipers. I've done it before and I have also done it once where I sent Genuine BMW wipers back as first class package.

If the car is going to be driven until it rots, then it makes sense to buy as much as possible from FCP. Heck, even then, makes even more sense to try to buy genuine BMW. Buy once and done...literally car parts for life.

But, FCP has such outstanding customer service, I always go there even though it might be more expensive.
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      01-05-2022, 08:18 AM   #22
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Lug nuts!

I always seem to round a corner off the factory fckers when hand torquing.
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