Rant: M roadster/coupe differential bushing BMW price increase

[rightcoastbias]

The OEM solid rubber differential bushing from the Z3 3.2 M roadster / M coupe is a great, affordable OEM option for stiffening up the rear end of our E30's.

Well, I just placed an order with BMW of South Atlanta for a list of parts including the Z3 M diff bushing as listed below:
1 Rubber Mounting 33172228425 $38.81

About ten minutes after placing the order, I get a call from their internet sales. "On the 1st of every month, BMW sends out a price list... yadda yadda. The bushing you ordered has increased in price to $150." I cancelled the order.

Are they playing "bait and switch" or should we get em while they're hot from non-BMW USA vendors?


TL;DR: As of 5/1/2012, the BMW USA price for a Z3 3.2 M roadster Differential bushing went from $30 to $150.

[rightcoastbias]

Update:
ECS Tuning:
From $31 to $129.78
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-Z3-M_Ro...ounts/ES56732/

Pelican:
Still $40.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...g_description=

DDM Tuning:
Still $33.68

http://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/33172228425.RUBBER-MOUNTING331020

And quite a few google'd vendors have already changed to >$150.

Edit: Pelican now shows $165.

[M-technik-3]

No place I show had it that cheap. My cost at dealer 109.50 vs 150.74 msrp.

[rightcoastbias]

Well, I just ordered one from DDM $33.68 and it went through.

No place I show had it that cheap. My cost at dealer 109.50 vs 150.74 msrp.

Thanks for confirming this. That sounds like a nice discount.

I should mention the internet sales rep at BMW of South Atlanta mentioned this may be a temporary or erroneous price.

Edit: Just noticed this is my 318th post. Lucky price, lucky number.

[nando]

damn. glad mine came with the diff cover.

[Wanganstyle]

how do you know this is a legitimate performance "upgrade" over the OEM e30 item? the genuine e30 item has very similar durometer and less void; the z3m unit is filled with holes to eat NVH and move around. Z3 was known for rear end noise and tearing out the sheet metal of floor holding up the diff; probably from worn diff bushing and heavy right foot.

I would say the z3m diff bushing would be a LUXURY upgrade yes. will make the e30 feel more expensive and luxurious with reduction in NVH