Why I hate FCP

[AV8R4AA]

With the purchase of my new-to-me Standard Transmission E53, I am slowly going through all the items that I feel need to be replaced due to time in service. With that notion, I ordered several hundred dollars of parts from FCP.
I wanted to replace the Pierburg secondary Air pump. It was a little noisy compared to my same vintage E39 wagon.
So My order finally showed up. The Air pump not to be found. It was in another order delivered several days later. Anyway I decided to do EGR and Secondary air pump replacement. When Inopened the package containing the air pump I noticed something. The box had a label from WORLDPAC and had been previously opened. Seeing as how it took close to 2 weeks to show up, I can’t wait a month to get this X5 moving. Even though the box had been opened, the unit looked reasonably new(ish) Ok, let’s get this installed.

After installing this used pump I started the engine. To my dismay, the pump was MUCH LOUDER than the already 21 year old Pierburg air pump I just replaced. It vibrated noticeably and was very noisy.

I called FCP And explained to them that the pump was used and defective.
HERE IS WHAT THEY TOLD ME TO DO:

I need to get a “certified” shop with a “certified “ mechanic to fill out a form stating that the part was defective.

I asked my FCP representative if he was joking. He said no.
So if you ever have a problem with a defective part with FCP.
be fully prepared to be accused of and called a liar.
And, bust out your Visa card to get someone else to clear your name.


NEVER AGAIN avoid FCP unless you want to be treated as a criminal.

[80stech]

They have gone backwards. I think they overdid it with the lifetime warranty and now need to swing the other way to make up for it. ;(

[andrewwynn]

That's insane. I've done numerous swaps of broken and even DOA parts with FCP and never given crap.

[AV8R4AA]

That’s disappointing.
Been shopping there since last Century.

[RenaissanceMan]

Wow that is absolutely crazy! I agree they have gone downhill over time. I’ve spent a lot of money with them and most of my experience getting parts has been good but where I have noticed they are lacking now is with their customer support reps that you deal with on the phone. They often come across as inexperienced, not knowledgeable, and have less-than-professional communication skills. They really need help in that department.


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[Clavurion]

That same shit is here in Europe with for example Autodoc. With clearly failed or wrong part they want a statement from official mechanic shop to state the problem. Also one typical problem is that you for example order a part specifically made by let's say Lemförder and they send you the same part as their own Stark brand stating that it's equal or even better. That's one reason why I haven't used them in years. Motointegrator is cheaper and they haven't missed a single ordered part during the years.

[X5chemist]

Wow! In cold weather, my air pump sound like a F14 waiting to take off. Not being a super critical component, I ordered one from RockAuto.com. It set a code, went to another different brand and it set a code too. Finally went with their Hella and most expensive air pump. No codes or noises. Both first and second returns went without a hitch. I've been happy with purchases from them.

[AV8R4AA]

Where is a better online BMW parts? I love Amazon….. but not for critical car parts.
Too many counterfeit Asian parts .
Where you guys shop?

[Clavurion]

Originally Posted by AV8R4AA

Where is a better online BMW parts? I love Amazon….. but not for critical car parts.

Nowadays I wouldn't trust Amazon with any critical stuff.

[andrewwynn]

ECS tuning i used for my recent front brakes order.

I ordered rear brakes from FCP so i could use the rebate credit but it's definitely not useful like it used to be. They are insane to require you to pay a shop to confirm a part is bad.