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Browsing through the service history of my red 360 GLT, most of which was carried out an an independent Volvo specialist, I was astounded at the prices for the pattern parts:
Cambelt:
Pattern:
OEM from dealer:
Thermostat:
Pattern from independent:
OEM from dealer:
Moral of the story is next time you need a couple of bits, no harm in phoning the dealer, you know the parts will fit and work as intended - for instance the pattern thermostat had the wrong temperature stamped on it - and see, might be better value than you think.
I buy much from Bilia (biggest official dealer in here, 100% owned by Volvo's Finnish branch) because prices compared to bulk stuff aren't so big and sometimes the bulk part is even more expensive.
Or then I buy from this huge parts dealer called Motonet, because they sell every kind of brand, so you can sometimes get the original blue box parts from there too.. Usually when I buy, I go first to Motonet and I check if the parts are made by some good company (for example if I'm buying gaskets I'll check if the parts they have currently in stock are made by Elring or some other good manufacturer) if they have good parts and they are cheaper I'll buy there but if they don't have good parts at that time or the price difference isn't too big compared to a part from Bilia I'll buy there.
It's also a good thing that my cousin works at Bilia so I'll get the staff discount too.
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I can't think of many aftermarket parts I ever use on my cars. Service items....Volvo oil filters are better than any others (except MANN who are the OE for Volvo, of course) as they feature a non-return valve, the majority of bits and bobs I get aren't available elsewhere. I don't buy Volvo spark plugs I guess.
I do have aftermarket wheel bearings to go in the 360 (although I'm thinking twice about it, given the usage I give the car), and Nessy's clutch was a Valeo one, which isn't that great...but hey.
The more stuff you buy from the dealer, the more likely the parts are to remain available. Volvo will only keep stocks whilever demand remains, so I think it's well worth spending a few more quid, as one day you'll desperately need something that's dealer-only, and it'll be gone. We're definitely in 'the twilight zone' of parts supply.
I must admit, since a certain person (who is possibly the original poster...) has been on at me for getting oem parts, I have been surprised at the cheapness, and also the service I get. I used to only get very specific stuff from dealers, but now I do get almost everything (he says with a list ready for next week
Doesn't mean I still don't get scared by some of there prices sometimes, like the bonnet when I was after one, £300 from Volvo, £lots and lots less from a well known gent on here, both in orig packet. And it provided the judges proof that I use blue stickers in the BKV Definately worth a phone call before you go out and buy anything though
