There was a SAF outlet in Lincoln but it didn't last long. They aimed at the used car market where sellers only needed a short life of parts to cover motor trade "warranty".
Tony.
Tony.
New Parts - do we care enough?
- Thread starter Brian James
- Start date
Absolutely right Tony, couldn’t have put it better myself, you have some good parts suppliers in Lincoln, Parker’s, GSF, MPD to name but a few.
Yes. Parkers bought out the parts side of Tanvic Tyres where I used to work. A young chap called James Greene worked in the parts and he went to SAF when they sold out to Parkers and he is now at ECP in Lincoln. I never could quite get why ECP who bought out Andrew Page had two competing stores in one city.
Tony.
Tony.
Hi Tony,
Did you work for the tyre side or the spares side, I seem to recall a Tanvic Spares Newark branch Near the A1.
trying to recall my memory now, I‘m sure I used to call here around the early to mid 1980’s, I worked for Moprod then QH at the time.
Hi John. I started at Tanvic (Lincoln) in 2001 in the service side. The company was started by 2 brothers, Nat and Vic Davey with their De-Mob money after the war ended so I was told. It is still a family business to this day although it is a big concern now, including "We sell Tyres" and other branches.
Nat used to live in a big house near Newark once owned by Trevor Francis when he became the countries first million pound footballer when he signed for Brian Clough.
Newark is still Head Office and there was a spares section there near to the train station at Newark. Of all the staff at Lincoln when I started there is now only 1 left still working at Lincoln branch.
Tony.
Nat used to live in a big house near Newark once owned by Trevor Francis when he became the countries first million pound footballer when he signed for Brian Clough.
Newark is still Head Office and there was a spares section there near to the train station at Newark. Of all the staff at Lincoln when I started there is now only 1 left still working at Lincoln branch.
Tony.
Hi Tony,
Thank you for the update.
Hi Brian, we were just about to order a Nissens rad. Was the problem with the one that you had the cap not fitting or something else?I deliberately left this run without my comment as I wanted to see if it would result in a missive of new information from all corners of the globe.
However, having let it run now for 10 days or so, I did not want it to pass into the archives without a final comment :Thanks guys for taking the time to respond and using this info I will apply it when I next need parts. Such expereince exchange is invaluable to me which I hope will help me and others enjoy our cars even more.
I have now bought and installed a MAHLE radiator which, when unwrapped, had BEHR stamped into it (on the plastic housing). My original one was a VALEO.
So far I am pleased with the fit i.e. the fan shroud fitted easily as did the round rubber support feet. In all I paid £30 more than the Nissen one but would have done this at the outset if I had hindsight (which I don't). Interestingly, MAHLE sell the radiator caps as well so bought one of these. I bought a new cap (EIS) but this did not fit the Nissen radiator. Having now run the car I am happy with the setup so feel more confident in the future.
I suppose a trick might be in the future is to check which cap the radiator suplier recomends or better still sells. In the case of Nissens their technical support guys were of little help.
Tony is quite right a bad egg should not be used to vilify the rest of the good (Nissen) ones that aalot of people have used and are happy with.
Once again, MANY MANY thanks for your contributions and I hope this is of value to others as well
Take care
Kind Regards
Brian
Hi.
Firstly the fit was not good - the 2 rubber support feet were loose in the plastic pegs which meant that they fell off easily (annoying when trying to install the rad), Secondly, the splash guard that fits around the bottom right hand side and locates through a hole to accomodate the drain outlet was also a sloppy fit, Thirdly, the fan shroud did not sit squarely on the back of the rad in its lugs meaning I had to make a spacer for the top lh side (where it attaches by means of a self tapper to the rad) as the plastic fan shroud would have been under stress as it needed to be twisted to fit the original fastening points. Finally, the rad leaked under pressure.
I did buy a new cap (EIS) but this would not fit the tank. Also to note the bleed screw on the Nissen rad was not the same size as the original BMW one so if you lose the Nissen bleed screw you will have to buy its replacement elsewhere. When I contacted Nissen regarding a cap they were not interested as the rads all come from China and they have sold so many without complaint. They could not advise on the cap to get.
I eventually bought a MAHLE which I now know is a BEHR which is stamped on the plastic side. My original BMW one was stamped VALEO. The MAHLE rad I bought was made in South Africa and I bought it on ebay from:
I hope this helps
Kind Regards
Brian
Firstly the fit was not good - the 2 rubber support feet were loose in the plastic pegs which meant that they fell off easily (annoying when trying to install the rad), Secondly, the splash guard that fits around the bottom right hand side and locates through a hole to accomodate the drain outlet was also a sloppy fit, Thirdly, the fan shroud did not sit squarely on the back of the rad in its lugs meaning I had to make a spacer for the top lh side (where it attaches by means of a self tapper to the rad) as the plastic fan shroud would have been under stress as it needed to be twisted to fit the original fastening points. Finally, the rad leaked under pressure.
I did buy a new cap (EIS) but this would not fit the tank. Also to note the bleed screw on the Nissen rad was not the same size as the original BMW one so if you lose the Nissen bleed screw you will have to buy its replacement elsewhere. When I contacted Nissen regarding a cap they were not interested as the rads all come from China and they have sold so many without complaint. They could not advise on the cap to get.
I eventually bought a MAHLE which I now know is a BEHR which is stamped on the plastic side. My original BMW one was stamped VALEO. The MAHLE rad I bought was made in South Africa and I bought it on ebay from:
MAHLE CR 330 000P RADIATOR ENGINE COOLING | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for MAHLE CR 330 000P RADIATOR ENGINE COOLING at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.
www.ebay.co.uk
Kind Regards
Brian
Hmmm. very disappointing, Valeo, Mahle, Nissens, BEHR all good quality manufacturers...........Hi.
Firstly the fit was not good - the 2 rubber support feet were loose in the plastic pegs which meant that they fell off easily (annoying when trying to install the rad), Secondly, the splash guard that fits around the bottom right hand side and locates through a hole to accomodate the drain outlet was also a sloppy fit, Thirdly, the fan shroud did not sit squarely on the back of the rad in its lugs meaning I had to make a spacer for the top lh side (where it attaches by means of a self tapper to the rad) as the plastic fan shroud would have been under stress as it needed to be twisted to fit the original fastening points. Finally, the rad leaked under pressure.
I did buy a new cap (EIS) but this would not fit the tank. Also to note the bleed screw on the Nissen rad was not the same size as the original BMW one so if you lose the Nissen bleed screw you will have to buy its replacement elsewhere. When I contacted Nissen regarding a cap they were not interested as the rads all come from China and they have sold so many without complaint. They could not advise on the cap to get.
I eventually bought a MAHLE which I now know is a BEHR which is stamped on the plastic side. My original BMW one was stamped VALEO. The MAHLE rad I bought was made in South Africa and I bought it on ebay from:
I hope this helpsMAHLE CR 330 000P RADIATOR ENGINE COOLING | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for MAHLE CR 330 000P RADIATOR ENGINE COOLING at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.www.ebay.co.uk
Kind Regards
Brian
I’ve have had the issue where the rubber feet wouldn’t stay in place but that is normally due to the old rubbers being worn/hard. Easily over come by a few laps of insulation tape around the “pegs”.
Tony.
Tony.
Apparently Nissens have two factories in Denmark and Slovenia but 'outsource' some rads to the PRC when they cannot meet demand. So, Chinese crap.
Pity.
"
> Dear Mr ??????
>
> What ********AZ supplied you was supplied by Nissens. Due
> to a production capacity issue with this part number we
> did utilize an outsource. This is not very common but can
> occur in the event of production or tooling issues. When
> we do outsource we go to great lengths to test the product
> for fit, function and durability. At the same time we
> stand behind the product with our standard warranty. We
> apologize for any misunderstanding or inconvenience.
>
>
> Med venlig hilsen / Best regards / Mit freundlichen Grüßen"
Righto then.
Pity.
"
> Dear Mr ??????
>
> What ********AZ supplied you was supplied by Nissens. Due
> to a production capacity issue with this part number we
> did utilize an outsource. This is not very common but can
> occur in the event of production or tooling issues. When
> we do outsource we go to great lengths to test the product
> for fit, function and durability. At the same time we
> stand behind the product with our standard warranty. We
> apologize for any misunderstanding or inconvenience.
>
>
> Med venlig hilsen / Best regards / Mit freundlichen Grüßen"
Righto then.
Hi,
Yes very disappointing and frustrating.
The MAHLE was an identical fit to the original old one I took out ( i.e. original BMW fitted at the factory) and had none of the issues I reported above. It cost £30 more than the Nissen one and bearing in mind the hassle and cost of antifreeze I would have paid this at the outset. .......
which I guess is why I started this thread so we can all learn and exchange without hurting ourselves in costs, time and increased blood pressures!!
Take care
Kind Regards
Brian
Yes very disappointing and frustrating.
The MAHLE was an identical fit to the original old one I took out ( i.e. original BMW fitted at the factory) and had none of the issues I reported above. It cost £30 more than the Nissen one and bearing in mind the hassle and cost of antifreeze I would have paid this at the outset. .......
which I guess is why I started this thread so we can all learn and exchange without hurting ourselves in costs, time and increased blood pressures!!
Take care
Kind Regards
Brian
Thanks very much Brian that's helpful.Hi.
Firstly the fit was not good - the 2 rubber support feet were loose in the plastic pegs which meant that they fell off easily (annoying when trying to install the rad), Secondly, the splash guard that fits around the bottom right hand side and locates through a hole to accomodate the drain outlet was also a sloppy fit, Thirdly, the fan shroud did not sit squarely on the back of the rad in its lugs meaning I had to make a spacer for the top lh side (where it attaches by means of a self tapper to the rad) as the plastic fan shroud would have been under stress as it needed to be twisted to fit the original fastening points. Finally, the rad leaked under pressure.
I did buy a new cap (EIS) but this would not fit the tank. Also to note the bleed screw on the Nissen rad was not the same size as the original BMW one so if you lose the Nissen bleed screw you will have to buy its replacement elsewhere. When I contacted Nissen regarding a cap they were not interested as the rads all come from China and they have sold so many without complaint. They could not advise on the cap to get.
I eventually bought a MAHLE which I now know is a BEHR which is stamped on the plastic side. My original BMW one was stamped VALEO. The MAHLE rad I bought was made in South Africa and I bought it on ebay from:
I hope this helpsMAHLE CR 330 000P RADIATOR ENGINE COOLING | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for MAHLE CR 330 000P RADIATOR ENGINE COOLING at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.www.ebay.co.uk
Kind Regards
Brian
Ian & Sue.
Increasingly difficult to know exactly what you are buying even from known brands.Apparently Nissens have two factories in Denmark and Slovenia but 'outsource' some rads to the PRC when they cannot meet demand. So, Chinese crap.
Pity.
"
> Dear Mr ??????
>
> What ********AZ supplied you was supplied by Nissens. Due
> to a production capacity issue with this part number we
> did utilize an outsource. This is not very common but can
> occur in the event of production or tooling issues. When
> we do outsource we go to great lengths to test the product
> for fit, function and durability. At the same time we
> stand behind the product with our standard warranty. We
> apologize for any misunderstanding or inconvenience.
>
>
> Med venlig hilsen / Best regards / Mit freundlichen Grüßen"
Righto then.
This will always be the case depending on supply and manufacturing issues.
It’s been this way for a long time, and sadly will only get worse. It’s a case of ,”The proof of the pudding is in the eating” but it can be a hard lesson to learn.
Tony.
Tony.
Mahle rad. ordered today. Thanks for the link.Hi.
Firstly the fit was not good - the 2 rubber support feet were loose in the plastic pegs which meant that they fell off easily (annoying when trying to install the rad), Secondly, the splash guard that fits around the bottom right hand side and locates through a hole to accomodate the drain outlet was also a sloppy fit, Thirdly, the fan shroud did not sit squarely on the back of the rad in its lugs meaning I had to make a spacer for the top lh side (where it attaches by means of a self tapper to the rad) as the plastic fan shroud would have been under stress as it needed to be twisted to fit the original fastening points. Finally, the rad leaked under pressure.
I did buy a new cap (EIS) but this would not fit the tank. Also to note the bleed screw on the Nissen rad was not the same size as the original BMW one so if you lose the Nissen bleed screw you will have to buy its replacement elsewhere. When I contacted Nissen regarding a cap they were not interested as the rads all come from China and they have sold so many without complaint. They could not advise on the cap to get.
I eventually bought a MAHLE which I now know is a BEHR which is stamped on the plastic side. My original BMW one was stamped VALEO. The MAHLE rad I bought was made in South Africa and I bought it on ebay from:
I hope this helpsMAHLE CR 330 000P RADIATOR ENGINE COOLING | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for MAHLE CR 330 000P RADIATOR ENGINE COOLING at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.www.ebay.co.uk
Kind Regards
Brian
Sue & Ian.
You are very welcome - please feedback also as I feel we are on a bit of a learning curve.
It is my intention to collate all this info ....just need a bit of time
Kind Regards
Brian
It is my intention to collate all this info ....just need a bit of time
Kind Regards
Brian
Hi,
As promised, I have tried to summarise the aforementioned comments in a simplified excel table that could be updated when new information on parts is obtained. I would be happy to do this if members found it of interest.
Obviously I am concious of crap in = crap out so it would be incumbant on us all to provide accurate and detailed info.
If so I could update the table say once per month - not sure where this would be located - a HOW TO Guide for example?
Parts are liste din alphabetical order and have a colour designated to facilitate reading.
However, please see the first DRAFT and let me know if you feel this would be of benefit.
I am aware (and realistic) that there will always be a difference of opinions, for example, in the allocation of red, amber or green (or even the resepective definitions) but hopefully we can present the details and let subsequent users decide what part they will buy from which supplier. To get the best benefit, it would be also be very benfeficial if the feedback for the "comments column" could also be given after the part has been installed and used. I sometimes get the opinion that the parts were OK but only to discover that the person has traded / sold the car so the true value of the replacement part has not been fully evaluated. Food for thought.
I guess also is to what parts do we include? - my main thought on this was to limit the info to more consumable items - it being argued that "specialist parts" might have to come from BMW as they are only available from them as no aftermarket manufacturer makes them??
There are limitations to its usefullness as I have only filled in data from the above responses and those are from the UK. Perhaps other members could take up the mantle for their country if so interested?
Please note, for some reason I was not allowed to upload an excel file so I have had to resort to a pdf so you may have to use the expansion button to facilitate reading.
Kind Regards
Brian
As promised, I have tried to summarise the aforementioned comments in a simplified excel table that could be updated when new information on parts is obtained. I would be happy to do this if members found it of interest.
Obviously I am concious of crap in = crap out so it would be incumbant on us all to provide accurate and detailed info.
If so I could update the table say once per month - not sure where this would be located - a HOW TO Guide for example?
Parts are liste din alphabetical order and have a colour designated to facilitate reading.
However, please see the first DRAFT and let me know if you feel this would be of benefit.
I am aware (and realistic) that there will always be a difference of opinions, for example, in the allocation of red, amber or green (or even the resepective definitions) but hopefully we can present the details and let subsequent users decide what part they will buy from which supplier. To get the best benefit, it would be also be very benfeficial if the feedback for the "comments column" could also be given after the part has been installed and used. I sometimes get the opinion that the parts were OK but only to discover that the person has traded / sold the car so the true value of the replacement part has not been fully evaluated. Food for thought.
I guess also is to what parts do we include? - my main thought on this was to limit the info to more consumable items - it being argued that "specialist parts" might have to come from BMW as they are only available from them as no aftermarket manufacturer makes them??
There are limitations to its usefullness as I have only filled in data from the above responses and those are from the UK. Perhaps other members could take up the mantle for their country if so interested?
Please note, for some reason I was not allowed to upload an excel file
so I have had to resort to a pdf so you may have to use the expansion button to facilitate reading.Kind Regards
Brian