Re: Brush/Regulator Kit (was parts discount)

["Osman Parvez" <oparvez1@nycap.rr.com>]

{snip..snip}
> > >  90A alternator, P/N 068 903 803D, Retail = $59.90, Qlist = $47.92
> > >
> > > 110A alternator, P/N 034 903 903, Retail = $146.25,  Qlist = $117.00
> > >
> > > Qlist discount prices include FREE UPS ground shipping. Please
respond with
> > > credit card and shipping information via fax, phone, or e-mail.
Thanks for
> > > your request. Please let me know if I can be of further service.
> > >
> > > Sincerely,
> > >
> > > Bill Banks
> Sounds high to me.  I just bought the Bosch brush/regulator kit for my
> 1990 200 TQ (110 amp) and paid approximately $30. The brushes in the old
> one were fine, but there was corrosion around the rivits that attach
> the regulator to the brushes, so I was getting intermitant operation.
> Sometimes almost 14v,other times only 11.5 -12 volts.  The new unit
> had a dab of epoxy over each of the rivits to hopefully minimize
> corrosion.  I've been able to repair the old set, so I now have a
> spare.

(snip)

Okay, 
         When I originally went to Bill last year to set up the discount I
came armed with my invoices from Carlsen (Linda). What we discovered was
that Linda uses a widely varying discount on her parts and often times is
using aftermarket sources. To compete, we employed a flat discount on all
parts and then offered free UPS ground. We figured that in most cases this
would result in an advantage for Q-listers over Linda. 

          In cases where OEM parts aren't used, a cheaper price can be
found because you have cut out one loop of the "middle men" dealing in
parts. The part might be exactly the same, but it doesn't come in a Audi
box. So using Langan for parts can be an advantage for many parts
(depending on the amount you save on shipping), but not always. I encourage
everyone on the Q-list to shop around for parts for instances such as this.
Langan should prove to be less expensive for many OEM parts then local
dealers for Q-listers, but not for all parts. YMMV, but at least you have a
Q-lister and enthusiast on the "inside" to try to help out when needed. :)

          I'll take my Audi hat in Green please....


Osman Parvez
Albany, NY
89 200q, TAP Chip, 171K