BitterSC
Member
Hi!
I have just signed up for this forum for a specific reason. I normally run a parts business for the Bitter SC but my local independent BMW shop has made me aware that E9 turn signals, rear lights and the panel between the tail lights are not available anymore. I have done reproductions for certain Bitter parts and when I heard about the E9 situation I took samples to the SEMA/AAPEX to see if those could be reproduced.
I have spoken to manufacturers and it is in fact possible to have them made. However, the investment I'd have to make is eye-watering. Let's say it would be the choice between making E9 lamps or buying a small house. Before I take that plunge I would need to know if there is enough interest for that in the E9 community. With lights and turn signals I am talking about housing, lense and gasket(s), the complete assembly, not just the lenses.
The lamps would come without Hella and BMW branding but with DOT and the European E numbers. The lenses for the turn signal would be the lower European profile. Of course they would have to be made in China as American or European manufacturers don't even touch such projects or if they do we are talking 5 houses.
The way the numbers work out would put the sales price of a pair of tail lights in the vicinity of $ 600.00, the pair of turn signals around $ 180.00 and the metal trim panel around $ 150.00. These are all preliminary numbers and I might be able to sell them at a lower price. This is a decision I can only make once I have all the numbers including import and shipping costs.
I would appreciate if I could get some feed back on this issue. For example are complete lights needed or is it more lenses and gaskets. Is the trim panel needed or can originals be restored to satisfactory condition. Or is there any other issue that I am overlooking.
Please have lots of opinions so I can make an informed decision whether or not to pull the trigger on this.
Thanks to everybody in advance,
Achim
I have just signed up for this forum for a specific reason. I normally run a parts business for the Bitter SC but my local independent BMW shop has made me aware that E9 turn signals, rear lights and the panel between the tail lights are not available anymore. I have done reproductions for certain Bitter parts and when I heard about the E9 situation I took samples to the SEMA/AAPEX to see if those could be reproduced.
I have spoken to manufacturers and it is in fact possible to have them made. However, the investment I'd have to make is eye-watering. Let's say it would be the choice between making E9 lamps or buying a small house. Before I take that plunge I would need to know if there is enough interest for that in the E9 community. With lights and turn signals I am talking about housing, lense and gasket(s), the complete assembly, not just the lenses.
The lamps would come without Hella and BMW branding but with DOT and the European E numbers. The lenses for the turn signal would be the lower European profile. Of course they would have to be made in China as American or European manufacturers don't even touch such projects or if they do we are talking 5 houses.
The way the numbers work out would put the sales price of a pair of tail lights in the vicinity of $ 600.00, the pair of turn signals around $ 180.00 and the metal trim panel around $ 150.00. These are all preliminary numbers and I might be able to sell them at a lower price. This is a decision I can only make once I have all the numbers including import and shipping costs.
I would appreciate if I could get some feed back on this issue. For example are complete lights needed or is it more lenses and gaskets. Is the trim panel needed or can originals be restored to satisfactory condition. Or is there any other issue that I am overlooking.
Please have lots of opinions so I can make an informed decision whether or not to pull the trigger on this.
Thanks to everybody in advance,
Achim