Since tariffs (and courier companies) can add unwanted excitement and additional cost when ordering Mini parts from our familiar UK suppliers like MiniSpares and MiniSport, I've been looking at alternative sources. Of course we can't count on MiniMania or Seven anymore.
Earlier this month I purchased Mini parts from WildChild and Moss, both based in the US, to avoid drama and bogus charges from a shipping company like UPS not knowing what they're doing regarding import fees with an international shipment. Using a US based company is a lot smoother and both of them delivered the orders promptly.
But, Moss doesn't carry every Mini part, and WildChild seems to be pretty low on inventory right now.
As I'm currently working on refurbishing my Mini's fuel tank, I decided I might as well put in a brand new sender unit. WildChild was out of stock, and Moss wanted over $105 for that part.
Then I found a Mini fuel tank sender unit for $50 at Engel Imports located in kalamazoo, Michigan. They specialize in Jaguar parts but their website said they had the Mini part I wanted available, so I ordered it yesterday.
Today I got an unusual email from them (See below) where they explained they are actually part of a German parts company and the fuel sender unit I ordered from Michigan would be shipped from Germany (!), but I shouldn't have any problems with having to pay any tariffs or import fees. Hmmm.
So I guess I'll see if UPS actually agrees to that when delivery day comes.
I've done business with Engel and had forgeten about them - their prices are pretty reasonable too. I've also heard of Limora tho I haven't bought anything from them. This will be interesting to see what happens.
I tried to get Clancy's master cylinder from Wild Child (Nate is easy to deal with too) but he was out of stock.
My package from Engel is still in Germany according to the UPS tracking, but it is scheduled to be delivered in four days, this coming Monday. I'm going to give the guy who wrote me the email a call tomorrow to make sure together we understand that I will not be giving any money to UPS – should they request it – to secure the delivery. I'm still pissed off from the last stunt UPS pulled in September for my delivery from Belgium.
I have received a copy of the order invoice that was generated in Germany by the parent company and it does not have any HS codes on it to classify the items as auto parts, so I am unsure of how customs duties and fees will be addressed and paid on the vendor side.
I looked to order a steering rack from Wild Child but instead of doing it online, I had a question so I called their phone line. It went to voicemail over a week ago, I left a message requesting a return call and to date I've not heard back. In the meantime, I ordered one from Mini Spares and received it within five days. Tariff equated to 27.5%.
Did you try BPNW ?
Quote from: Scargo on November 13, 2025, 08:34:10 PMI looked to order a steering rack from Wild Child but instead of doing it online, I had a question so I called their phone line. It went to voicemail over a week ago, I left a message requesting a return call and to date I've not heard back. In the meantime, I ordered one from Mini Spares and received it within five days. Tariff equated to 27.5%.
Did you try BPNW ?
What amount of that was DHL adding $17 to the bill for the admin fee and what was the tarrif amount?
I didn't know BPNW carried any Mini parts, I know Don uses them for Sprite/Midget and GT6 parts.
I've used Steveston in Canada for some accessory type stuff and it was cheaper to go to them than Japan or England at the time, but that was before the tariff things went crazy.....I have no idea what the tariff is for Canada right now.
Howard, I'm surprised you didn't get anyone at Wild Child, I called the other day and Nate answered right away.
So I called Engel Imports today to learn more about the car parts delivery process from Germany that I've been promised does not involve me having to pay separate customs duties or tariffs charges.
Basically the bottom line is Engel is covering all the import fees themselves rather than pass them on directly to the customer. So from the customer's viewpoint it's the same as having an order fulfilled by a vendor completely within the US.
Obviously, "there's no free lunch" and somebody ultimately has to pay these charges, but for me personally not having to deal with UPS or DHL or whatever carrier collecting customs fees/tariffs is sure going to make things easier. And Engel's price on the fuel sender I ordered was only half the price of one from Moss, so they don't seem to be treating tariffs as an additional profit center like UPS does with their bogus $12 customs broker charge.
My package is expected to be delivered in three days and if anything changes, I will update things here.
In the meantime, you may want to check out this company as a potential source for Mini parts: engelimports.com
Just scrolling around the website for Mini parts, some things seem really expensive, some seem really reasonable....overall probably only a bit more than Spares time you factor in exchange rate.
My turn to join this thread.
I am giving British Parts Northwest a try.
I needed to order some rear brake parts (rear brake shoes and cylinders). I used to be able to get them through the local parts stores using a 1973 MG Midget as a cross reference, but none of the stores are carrying them anymore.
BPNW had them listed as in stock and at prices comparable to Mini Spares or Mini Sport (factoring in the exchange rate). Shipping will be about $19 via UPS ground.
I will report on how well the order process turns out.
Dan,
In answer to your question, on an invoice amount of $160.07 including shipping:
Regulatory Charges $1.34
Import Export Duties $25.45
Duty Tax Processing $17.00
TOTAL = $43.79 (27.4%)
They're still over charging then on the actual import portion.
On Clancy's $155 master cylinder, they charged $48 just in duty, plus the $17 and $1.34. When I questioned them about it they said they'd send me an email explaining the charge as I thought it was excessive. After a week I did get an email saying they were still reviewing the case and I would hear from them shortly. Another week went by and they sent an email saying they were refunding - but they didn't say how much.
I still haven't seen anything of a refund, and it's been another week.
From DHL....
Dear Valued Customer,
Due to the current delays, we are issuing a courtesy adjustment/credit for the invoice currently in dispute. This action is being taken solely as a gesture of goodwill and does not serve as an admission of error by DHL.
At this time, no action is required on your part. As the invoice has been paid in full, we will issue a refund back to the Credit Card that was used to pay the invoice.
We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your continued partnership with DHL.
Kind regards,
Query Handling Team
You'd think it would be easy for them since they're in the import export business to know what % goes with which HS codes. I mean...they're charging us $17 to know what to charge us! And I somehow got by not being charged a dime on my big panel order.
Going by what Blaked posted in his thread about panels he ordered, looks like 15% was what he got hit with on the tarrif line also. They include shipping cost too.
Dave, DHL not responding promptly to you does not surprise me. It's been two full months since I filed a dispute with UPS on the unexplained "government fees" they charged me. And not a peep from them. And when I originally filed the dispute, they cautioned me not to contact them again and just be patient. That didn't fill me with confidence so I took a different approach.
I got a completely different result by creating a dispute on the UPS charge with my Visa card. I was preparing detailed documentation to help explain to Visa why the UPS import fee calculation was incorrect, but Visa didn't even want to see it. They just credited me (within 2 days) the roughly $80 amount I told them I was overcharged and they said the matter is closed.
Dan, you make a very valid point about these shipping companies charging us money in some sort of "expert" capacity to know what to charge us but failing miserably. Honestly, it all seems like they're just using smoke and mirrors around import fees as an excuse to profiteer.
Yeah it's a money grab. We already pay for their services and now we're paying them a 2nd time for worse/inconsistent service. And I guess the google answer of 10% isn't exactly correct because 15 seems to be what's being applied the most.
This is right off DHLs website. I cut out the portion on car parts from the UK. It's supposed to be 10%.
Also there's this...
https://chimicles.com/ups-dhl-import-fee-overcharge-class-action-investigation/
An option for tires from Japan. Import fees and shipping included. They have different sizes and compounds.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/325193676386?itmmeta=01KA7A3Q7Q67RQ5N01B22XWSFV&hash=item4bb70db662:g:PpUAAOSwAiRihEuI
https://www.ebay.com/itm/325485370517?epid=21065166421&itmmeta=01KA7A3Q7Q2KQM7CW6R1X4TSSB&hash=item4bc8709c95:g:Mm8AAOSwbKxlU0AI
A PC hobbyist says he was hit with a $684 tariff bill on a $355 shipment of retro computing parts, in what appears to be a growing pattern tied to changes in federal import rules. The case, described in a blog post published November 15 by the writer behind OldVCR, involved a vintage parts order from Germany. UPS, the courier, later reduced the charge after the recipient disputed the tariff classification.
The point of the article are to make sure the seller puts the correct HS designation on their invoice, because getting a refund later is difficult and time consuming, if possible at all. This article was in a computer forum, but the same applies to our parts, especially if there's a variety of things you're getting. I don't know how to do this with say, Mini Spares or one of the other Mini parts suppliers, I guess an email immediately after you place the order? I mean, it's not their fault that our rules have gotten all wacky.
Article (https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/semiconductors/pc-hobbyist-charged-684-in-tariffs-on-355-shipment)
And I haven't seen a dime of the refund DHL said they were supposed to be sending me - over a week ago - I don't think Bruce has seen his either.......As it's been 9 days since DHL sent me an email telling me they were refunding me the tariffs on the master cylinder I bought I sent them a follow up email today, I'll see if they reply.
Update: My Mini fuel sender unit which I purchased from Engel Imports (in Michigan) last week just arrived at my door from Germany via UPS and it was exactly as promised: no tariff/customs fees were due upon delivery. So it really was just like it was shipped to me from Michigan.
Kudos to Engel for doing it right. When I spoke to them last week they explained that they get a single monthly customs invoice from UPS for all of the shipments that month that were imported, instead of involving the customer to pay tariffs/fees on each shipment. And then Engel just pays that one consolidated invoice. I'm sure that cuts down on UPS profiteering by charging things like a separate brokerage fee on each individual shipment.
All companies should do it this way. You see a price for an item, decide whether to purchase it, and then you figure out the shipping charge. And that's all you pay. No surprises. It would really cut down on uncertainty, frustration, and blatant tariff/custom fee overcharges. And it sure makes for a satisfying customer experience too.
Dave, have you considered disputing the DHL charge with your credit card company? I'm very happy I did that to resolve my problem with UPS. I was told there is a 60 day window from the date of the charge to file a credit card dispute. So, that 60 day time limit may expire well before these courier companies internally address, or act upon a complaint. And then it's a unilateral decision on their part.
Should I ever hear back from UPS on the dispute I filed with them in September, I'll have to let them know the matter has already been taken care of by a partial refund on my Visa card. But honestly, I don't think I'm going to hear back from them on it.
The link to those tires includes shipping and tarrifs it says too.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_ssn=transporter_jp_goods&store_name=tapjapanusshop&_oac=1&_trksid=p4429486.m3561.l49496
Quote from: 94touring on November 17, 2025, 01:54:00 PMThe link to those tires includes shipping and tarrifs it says too.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_ssn=transporter_jp_goods&store_name=tapjapanusshop&_oac=1&_trksid=p4429486.m3561.l49496
Great, if true. Always a little touchier to deal with a foreign eBay seller rather than a traditional established business website. Especially with a language barrier. Still, the deal could easily be everything it purports to be. Who's gonna break the ice?
I just go by the seller rating, longevity, and number of sales. If I needed tires right now I'd buy a set. I tend to buy everything online anymore and even buy off ebay from the local VW shop...why drive and waste my time when I get free shipping to my door 2 days later.
In "See full description" in the tires from Japan link it says:
"International Buyers Please Note:
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.
Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges."
Does it say the opposite elsewhere?
The tires don't appear to have DOT markings. Fine for track days but I wouldn't run them on the street (insurance). Others may disagree.
In the shipping description section. Though whatever is in the full description that counters this should be addressed. I emailed asking for clarification.
Bruce, if I don't get something from DHL within another week, I will do the dispute thing. I've never done that so I don't know how to go about it for only a partial refund, since I did get the m/c. And I don't know how much to dispute since there would be some kind of a tariff due on it.
Quote from: MiniDave on November 17, 2025, 04:42:24 PMBruce, if I don't get something from DHL within another week, I will do the dispute thing. I've never done that so I don't know how to go about it for only a partial refund, since I did get the m/c. And I don't know how much to dispute since there would be some kind of a tariff due on it.
It's 10% coming from the UK. They add in shipping to that number. If it cost $50 and shipping was $50, you owe $10 in tarrifs.
Quote from: MiniDave on November 17, 2025, 04:42:24 PMBruce, if I don't get something from DHL within another week, I will do the dispute thing. I've never done that so I don't know how to go about it for only a partial refund, since I did get the m/c. And I don't know how much to dispute since there would be some kind of a tariff due on it.
Dave, as Dan points out above the calculation is pretty simple and you can determine it yourself. Or... at least get pretty close to what it should have been.
Alternatively, you could put your customs query - with all the details like a good old "word problem" from math class - into an AI like ChatGPT or Grok or one of the other ones and get a detailed calculation back. But I doubt your credit card company will require you to show them any of your homework calculations. If they're like mine (Citi Visa) they just wanted to know what I claimed the charge should have been versus what the vendor charged me. Then they promptly credited me the difference and very clearly said the matter was closed. Whether or not they went back to UPS or anything else I have no idea, but they had no interest in seeing my calculations or hearing what UPS told me. Basically they did not want to get into an arbitration process between me and the vendor, they just wanted the matter over with.
Off on a tangent regarding DOT markings on tires...
I did a little research with an AI on one of the tire models shown on eBay (from Japan) for Minis which Dan previously linked.
Here is more than you ever want to know:
:grin:
"Overview of DOT Stamps on Tires
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires a Tire Identification Number (TIN)—starting with "DOT"—to be stamped on one sidewall of every tire manufactured for sale or use on public roads in the U.S. since 1971. This code includes the plant code, tire size, optional manufacturer specifics, and a four-digit date code (e.g., "4525" for week 45 of 2025). However, DOT stamping is a global standard for compliant tires, even those produced outside the U.S. for export or international markets, as it ensures traceability and safety certification under FMVSS No. 109/139. Tires without a DOT stamp are typically not legal for highway use in the U.S. and may face import restrictions.
Research on Dunlop Le Mans BB490 Tires
The Dunlop Le Mans BB490 is a summer tire model primarily produced by Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) in Japan under the Dunlop brand (SRI holds the Dunlop license in Asia). It's commonly sized for kei cars and minis (e.g., 165/60R12), with a focus on low noise, lightweight design, and wet grip.
These tires are often marketed in Japan (JDM) but are frequently imported to the U.S. via e-commerce for vehicles like Mini Coopers or Suzuki Altos.
To determine if Japan-made BB490s have a DOT stamp, I conducted targeted searches across web results, eBay listings (common import source), tire databases, and forums. Key findings:
• Evidence of DOT Presence:
• Multiple eBay listings for new BB490 tires shipped from Japan explicitly reference a DOT number, noting it "varies depending on the product" and is "within two years of manufacture." One listing clarifies: "Please note that in some cases the DOT cannot be confirmed because the tires are delivered directly from the manufacturer." This implies the tires bear a DOT stamp, but sellers can't always specify the exact code pre-shipment due to direct factory sourcing.
No listings warn of missing DOT or non-compliance for U.S. imports.
• Sumitomo's Japanese plants (e.g., Izumiotsu, Kodaira) use DOT plant codes like "1VW" (Izumiotsu) or "UT" (Tonami) for Dunlop tires exported globally, including to the U.S. A 2025 recall of Sumitomo-made Dunlop motorcycle tires cited DOT codes from these plants, confirming standard stamping.
General Dunlop tire guides state all modern Dunlop tires (post-2000) include the DOT TIN on the lower sidewall, with the date code adjacent.
• Tire databases and decoders (e.g., NHTSA-linked lists) assign Sumitomo/Dunlop Japan codes (e.g., "A" for Kyoto Japan Tire Corp., "1R" variants for SRI facilities), and examples of similar Dunlop models (e.g., SP Winter Sport 3D, made in Japan) show full DOT codes like "U28KEM1R4508."
• Import and Compliance Context:
• BB490 tires are routinely imported to the U.S. via platforms like eBay and Croooober, with no reported CBP holds for missing DOT. U.S. import rules require DOT certification for tires (via manufacturer letter or sidewall stamp), and JDM tires like these must comply if sold for highway use. Forums (e.g., PakWheels, Reddit's r/tires) discuss BB490 performance but don't flag DOT issues—users treat them as standard imports.
• No results indicated these are "JDM-only" without DOT; instead, listings emphasize "100% genuine" Japan-made products suitable for U.S. shipping. If DOT were absent, sellers would likely note it to avoid returns, as non-DOT tires can't be registered or used legally.
• Potential Variations:
• Older BB490s (pre-2000) might use a three-digit date code, but current production (2015–2025 listings) follows the four-digit standard.
• Sidewall photos are scarce in listings (eBay images focus on tread), but general Dunlop sidewall guides show the DOT near the maximum load/flation specs. No visual evidence of missing stamps was found.
Conclusion
Yes, Dunlop Le Mans BB490 automobile tires made in Japan have a DOT stamp. This is standard for Sumitomo/Dunlop production to meet global safety norms and facilitate U.S. imports. While exact codes vary by batch (e.g., plant-specific like "1VW"), the presence is consistent across sources. For a specific tire, check the lower sidewall for "DOT" followed by 12–13 characters. If importing, verify via the seller or NHTSA's DOT decoder for compliance.
Confidence: 95% (based on consistent references in sales data and plant code lists; minor uncertainty from lack of public sidewall photos for this exact model, but no contradictory evidence)."
Some of those tires are what minispares sell too. A032R are specifically DOT tires which I run because of the soft compound. I bought 8 of them a few years ago right before prices went nuts on them. I don't put enough miles on my mini to need another set anytime soon.
Your spare set will age out before you use them, unless you do another drive like the last one! :grin:
I think you said you wore about half of the tread off the fronts?
Well Jim got 4 of them when he bought the 74, because those got worn down good from various drives we did. The Inno isn't driven as hard so it should be awhile. I've got 4 new 008s off the inno too that have maybe 50 miles on them. Haven't decided what to do with them. I should probably sell them since it will likely be years before they see pavement.
Quote from: 94touring on November 18, 2025, 09:05:29 AMWell Jim got 4 of them when he bought the 74, because those got worn down good from various drives we did. The Inno isn't driven as hard so it should be awhile. I've got 4 new 008s off the inno too that have maybe 50 miles on them. Haven't decided what to do with them. I should probably sell them since it will likely be years before they see pavement.
I might be interested in purchasing a set of 165/70R10 tires, if that's the size you're referring to.
Quote from: scalpel_ninja on November 18, 2025, 11:56:20 AMQuote from: 94touring on November 18, 2025, 09:05:29 AMWell Jim got 4 of them when he bought the 74, because those got worn down good from various drives we did. The Inno isn't driven as hard so it should be awhile. I've got 4 new 008s off the inno too that have maybe 50 miles on them. Haven't decided what to do with them. I should probably sell them since it will likely be years before they see pavement.
I might be interested in purchasing a set of 165/70R10 tires, if that's the size you're referring to.
Yes 165/70r10. Yokohama 008s.
Ebay has some other parts and list shipping and duty charges.
Nice to see it broken out like that on eBay. Wonder if it's the seller doing that or a policy/feature of eBay itself?
Quote from: BruceK on November 19, 2025, 07:14:41 PMNice to see it broken out like that on eBay. Wonder if it's the seller doing that or a policy/feature of eBay itself?
I browsed some other sellers from the UK and not all listed the shipping and import chargers. So it must be an option the seller has to select.
I forgot to post yesterday. My parts order from BPNW arrived just fine yesterday. I apparently got my order in soon enough that it was prepared for shipment the same day. It came UPS ground, so took some time to arrive, but that gave me time to get the rears fully disassembled and cleaned - ready for assembly when the new parts arrived.
The service from BPNW was fast and easy. Their website seems to do a good job of indicating what is actually available versus what is out-of-stock.
I got everything installed today. I just need to finish refilling and bleeding the system tomorrow or Sunday.
I ordered an ignition coil from BPNW Wednesday, it came today! And that was USPS.....musta caught a jet stream or sumthin..... :grin: :great:
Quote from: MiniDave on November 21, 2025, 04:25:07 PMI ordered an ignition coil from BPNW Wednesday, it came today! And that was USPS.....musta caught a jet stream or sumthin..... :grin: :great:
Now to see if it fixes that problem you've been having.
The ebay tire guy finally responded. The import fees are included in the sale price.
I'm going to need tars on the green car come spring I think, they still have plenty of tread and even tho they've lived in the garage they ARE 9 years old now.....
I've been running the Yokomama A539's and I like them just fine - they've sure worn well, I must have close to 30K on them now - but I wonder if a set of Falkans or Nankangs might be worth a try - they are half the cost of the Yoko's....
I see Spares lists a 205/60-13 Yoko A 539 vs the 175/50-13 that's on there now.....those could work for the hot rod. But they cost as much as the tires I just put on my Audi, which were 245/45-18's!
Quote from: MiniDave on November 21, 2025, 04:25:07 PMI ordered an ignition coil from BPNW Wednesday, it came today! And that was USPS.....musta caught a jet stream or sumthin..... :grin: :great:
I've used them for years, great for me as they're right here in Oregon. Also northwest import parts for engine stuff is good. They have a few other mini items if you call.
Also here in Oregon is Jet. I've had good service from them as well.
Quote from: MiniDave on November 17, 2025, 04:42:24 PMBruce, if I don't get something from DHL within another week, I will do the dispute thing. I've never done that so I don't know how to go about it for only a partial refund, since I did get the m/c. And I don't know how much to dispute since there would be some kind of a tariff due on it.
Any update?
NADA......I sent them yet another email asking for the disposition and got nothing back, so on to the dispute with the CC company.
Bought some spares and see the shipping notes duties paid.
Better breakdown. They went with 15%
Glad to see the vendors are taking this on, just like with shipping costs, so the customer gets one-stop shopping and no surprises.
And no $17 admin fee.
Zac (White 89 Mini Italian Job) ordered a bunch of suspension stuff from MiniSport, no fees or tariffs charged at all...shipped Fed Ex.
Quote from: 94touring on December 10, 2025, 06:46:47 PMAnd no $17 admin fee.
Yeah, UPS is just profiteering with that charge for "brokerage fee".
By the way, it's been almost 3 full months since I filed my dispute with UPS over their "government fees" on my Land Cruiser clock package from Belgium, and I haven't heard one thing back from them. They don't know that I resolved everything with the credit card company regarding their bogus charges – and I'll tell them that when they ever get back to me. If that ever happens. But they sure aren't in any hurry to resolve customer issues.
Are there any American based companies that I could get a new carpet from?
You could probably get something from Moss Motors
Cheapies
https://mossmotors.com/116-019-cp-mini-carpet-sets
Spendy
https://mossmotors.com/116-087-cmi-cp-early-carpet-sets-thru-1972
Late model
https://mossmotors.com/116-086-cmi-cp-late-carpet-sets-1973-00
You could try Wild Child. Site shows out of stock but he posted that he just got a huge shipment in. https://www.wildchildclassiccars.com/product-page/carpet-with-two-foot-pads-black-set-with-edge-beading
No question Moss will be higher than anyone else now - they seem to have put themselves in the niche that Mania was in, of overcharging as much as they can! But I've always gotten good, quick service from them, and they are in the US.
Quote from: MiniDave on December 12, 2025, 04:07:03 PMYou could probably get something from Moss Motors
Cheapies
https://mossmotors.com/116-019-cp-mini-carpet-sets
Spendy
https://mossmotors.com/116-087-cmi-cp-early-carpet-sets-thru-1972
Late model
https://mossmotors.com/116-086-cmi-cp-late-carpet-sets-1973-00
What the heck is the difference between $115 carpet set and a $578 carpet set?!
Holy price chasm Batman!
Sewn bound edges and a much thicker, heat molded carpet that's shaped to fit over the tunnel. I think it includes more parts as well...includes the $142 sound deadening kit for example.
The one guys car in the shop had axles shipped from spares to me this week. I opened the box and one axle fell out. No 2nd axle. Didn't notice right away but it says on the tape opened and resealed by customs. Did they forget to put it back in? Did DHL tape a hole after the axle fell out? What happened!?
Is it the long one? can you use one of the old ones to get the car together?
That's the short one and no they won't interchange either way.
Boot2Bonnet in Woodland California is now a Mini parts supplier. Nick Upton is a great person to deal with and has vast knowledge of the cars and parts.
I thought he sold his stuff and got out of the biz? Seems I remember he was having issues with the owner of the property?