Changing Ignition Switch! BMW wants my Vin Number, WTF?
 

Hi all

I'm changing my Ignition Switch soon, waiting for 1 to come over from UK.

While waiting for the arrival of the Ignition Switch, i went into one of the local BMW dealer to find out how much do they want (out of curious). They quoted me $150 AUD and they also required the Vin Number.

Why? Is it standard security procedure?

When i change the new one over, do i need to do anything with the computer like register it in order for the ECU to regconize the switch?

Thanks

Is this your first time talk to dealer? LOL

Nothing wrong to ask for your VIN#. When they have your VIN#, they provide you more accurate parts information/prices. This is very normal.
Normally they ask for your X5 last 5 numbers after LU... numbers

Damn!

Ebay costed me around $50 aud landed while BMW wants $150+ ...... i'm a bit worry here.

Either BMW set their margin up to 200%+ or i'm buying a Taiwanese made switch on Ebay :D.

Correction:

What i bought on Ebay was a used one ...... but from a seller that has 1000+ 100% feed back so it can't be so bad :)

Worry what? Everything has it own price. Go with ebay if you think dealer rip off :) If i were you, i better pay more $ to get OE or Genuine pars rather than pay for copy cheat from Chinese.

These ignition switches have a fairly high failure rate, not sure it I would want install a used one. It is already part way though it's limited life.

Sent from my SGH-i917 using Board Express

True.

I was desperate and hit BUY button without reading the description carefully. Electrical on the X5 has been giving me a lot of headaches.
Once i pull the old one out, i'll compare it with this one first and then i'll make my decision to see if its worth installing the Ebay one or just get a brand new from BMW.

Mate,

The dealer wants your VIN because if you tell them what you need and it ends up being the wrong part they've wasted shipping costs to get it to you so they just want to get it right to start with (Not a bad thing I think).

Secondly we get ripped off for genuine parts in Aus so buy your parts O/S and get them shipped down. Genuine parts are still much much cheaper O/S than in Aus especially with the dollar so strong.

I just got $500 worth of parts from ECS which would've cost me easily three times that much (All genuine parts). Shipping paid for itself and then some.

If you need a part quick then go to the dealer but if you're happy to wait definitely buy O/S.

The dealer will take the VIN number to ensure they get you the correct part and also to track for warranty purposes. All the OEM or OE parts they sell will carry some type of warranty.

Funny they gave me a part number, then i provided them with a different number and then they were like uh uh ..... that is a correct part number as well.

FAIL lol.