GROUP BUY: Stabilus Damper/Struts for Center Console Lid (Armrest Shock Replacement)

[a777fan]

If you look at my HOW-TO, you'll see I had pretty much ZERO "brim" on the ivanned strut I modified. And as I mentioned previously, you can probably have a slightly wider brim on each side (say 0.5mm each side) if you take a file and slightly widen the plastic slot in the arm rest into which the brim passes through where it's pinned. Again ... if folks file the plastic slot (and NO ONE WILL EVER SEE THIS) they can get away with a little more material left to CYA on the brims.

You have to be VERY careful not to take off too much brim, you take off a bit at a time, slowly. You don't want to cut into the threads. It's not hard, and I'd think you could do them on an assembly-line basis with a grinding wheel in about 5-10 minutes each strut. Again, I'd charge a few bucks for your time and labor and keep them at $50 a pop to cover everything.

Whatever the final count is on the struts, make sure you order some extras. As I mentioned, some will see your GROUP BUY post too late for the initial shipment, and will want them. Then you can hike the price for the late-comers to cover the extensive warehouse space and electrical/HVAC costs needed to properly store the extras.

Also, same with the plastic limiters ... say the final count is 5 sets of limiters. Order 8-10 sets (they're what, $2.50 apiece?) so you have a few extras for the stragglers. Also, you KNOW you will be needing at least one extra set for your burgeoning parts hoard....as with all good 500Eboard members.

Also, as I've found with GROUP BUYs, you will have about 20% of people drop out when it comes time to front the $50 (or whatever the final cost is). So you may want to have a few alternate folks (again if they come late and you don't order any extra struts) on hand to replace the dropouts.

If it matters, and you are close to the 25 needed......sign me up for a second strut if needed.

Cheers,
Gerry

thx Gerry! Yeah, the modifications don't seem like they are that complicated, even if the strut 'brim' has to be modified. I'm going to wait a bit to see if there are any upfront back outs, and then make the determination as to how realistic we can be about getting to the 25 level. Thanks for your offer of getting an additional strut to get us there!

 

[gsxr]

For a 30% price drop, I think it won't be too much trouble to hit the 25 level.

I have a feeling they won't be willing to modify the part, which is a shame, as 669233 is *not* functionally equivalent to 285611. I'm also guessing they are not willing to do another production run of the correct 285611 unless it was for yuuuge quantities.

 

[a777fan]

For a 30% price drop, I think it won't be too much trouble to hit the 25 level.

I have a feeling they won't be willing to modify the part, which is a shame, as 669233 is *not* functionally equivalent to 285611. I'm also guessing they are not willing to do another production run of the correct 285611 unless it was for yuuuge quantities.

That's my gut feeling too Dave. I have asked Mike though, juuuuust to absolutely confirm any/all possible options.

 

[JC220]

Ok I'll take 2x now of we hit 25! I can PayPal anytime no problem just shout when needed. Postage to me will be higher too I'm aware of that

 

[Matin]

Did you add me to the list? I don’t see my name.

2x strut and 1 strap

 

[a777fan]

Did you add me to the list? I don’t see my name.

2x strut and 1 strap

Will do now! Wanted to make sure you were OK with the int’l shipping costs before I put you down.


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[Ralph]

I will take two struts and four straps please. Thank you for doing this.

 

[a777fan]

And we have 25!

 

[Blessed88]

Other than the center console, are there any other applications ?

 

[a777fan]

Other than the center console, are there any other applications ?

Hmm. I don’t think any w124 ones. Otherwise they might be a little bit easier to source.


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[sprnova]

Put me down for 1 strut and 1 pair of straps. Thanks!

 

[darek_u]

More I read this thread more I feel the need of having one more strut as a spare... This is sick to have double spares for most of the parts... I got this sickness for the first time when I finished my P car ad it looks like it got me again with MB. Sooo I contacted the company in Poland that sold me the 285611 strut and they can supply more. I ordered one - price is 32,8 EUR net per piece. I asked the seller if he's ok to ship the parts within EU - he has no problems with shipping overboard.
I have no intention to hijack or spoil this thread but I thought that for EU located guys it could be easier to purchase within the Europe to save on shipping and customs fees. I have no affiliation with the company and can post the details if it is ok with admins and thread starter, just let me know.

 

[gsxr]

Darek, can you confirm the 285611 available is genuine Stabilus? And how many are available? Might be easier to source from Poland!

 

[darek_u]

This is what I got last year:



I guess they still sell the same?

 

[gerryvz]

 

[a777fan]

This IS getting interesting.

Given the confusion around the availability of the 285611, (all of which is in direct conflict with the information I have gotten from Mike at OrrOrr, btw) I have had reached out to a different supplier located here in the US (not OrrOrr), who has sent me a quote for the Stabilus 285611. I have asked him directly to confirm that he can in fact STILL procure the 285611, and I have not gotten a definitive response from him, despite my specific inquiry.

The only thing I am left with is the information that Mike at OrrOrr has provided; that Stabilus is changing manufacturers for the mini strut they provide, and have decided that the 699233 is 'functionally equivalent' to the old 285611. Even though, as GSXR has pointed out, that is not technically true per the diagrams. Mike has indicated that he has checked and that 285611 is not longer available from Stabilius. This in addition to the lack of a solid commitment from the other supplier that he can in-fact deliver the 285611 leads me to believe that this is the case.

I will see if I can reach out to Stabilus directly to get to the bottom of this. Its driving me nuts a little bit!

 

[rinconmann]

Not sure my post flew yesterday but I would like in as well................will take 1 strut and 2 straps and thanks in advance. Let us know how to pay.

 

[a777fan]

Small update.

I reached out to Stabilus USA on Friday, but was only able to leave a message. I hope to hear from them Monday.

I want to get all of this info regarding what struts are actually available settled first before monies start exchanging hands.

Thanks all for your patience!


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[Kip]

Add me to the list:
2 struts
4 straps

 

[a777fan]

Another small update, with not much to report.

Mike at Orr Orr is still checking with Stabilus to see if they would be willing to modify the 699 PN on their own to fit our application.

I have not heard back from Stabilus themselves. I will attempt to call again either today or tomorrow.


Again, thanks for your patience.

 

[ghm]

I hope it's not too late to join the Group Buy. 1 strut plus straps. Thanks!

 

[a777fan]

Definitely not too late.

I’ll put you down. Still waiting to hear back. Mike thought it would be a couple more days.

Thanks yet again everyone.


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[Dbreid]

I’ll take two sets of dampers and two sets of straps. Let me know where/when to send money?

 

[a777fan]

Back with another small update.

Mike indicates the series of price breaks are as follows:

10 - $50.95 each
25 - $38.75 each
50 - $18.90 each
100 - $13.80 each

We're currently at 32units and the $38.75 price point. At this time I'm offering to cover the additional 18 to get us to 50 units. My offer does assume that all individuals that got us to 32 actually follow through when the time comes to collect funds though! As has been pointed out, I'm sure others will see this in the future and be interested in obtaining one. If not, we'll all have a nice little strut stockpile in Seattle to draw on should the need arise.

Side note: Mike is now advertising a 6 week lead time on this order, and this is from when he receives the funds. I'll then need additional time to make the required modifications, and package up and send out the items.

I am very close to being ready to send out my PayPal address to start collecting money. I have one last lead to hear back from before I do so. I hope to have that information by tomorrow morning.

Thanks all!

 

[gerryvz]

I’ll up my ante to two of them, for karma. Basically if you’re ordering one, you may as well get two for roughly the same price and you’ll help everyone get the lowered price break at 50 units.

Like I said, Trip, you should keep 5-10 units for folks who don’t see this and want them...or advertise in a post in the 124 section over at TFTSNBN.

 

[gsxr]

Jon, I assume this is still for the non-100%-direct fit item, that will need minor modification? If we can get the old 285611 plug & play, I'd definitely be in for multiple units. Even if not I might still spring for one or two!

 

[nocfn]

Might be a good idea to
Repost the name and tally for orders. Using the phone app makes hard to scroll 36 Pages on the fly. I agree with gsxr and Gerry, 2 for one at the next so I will up my order if it is at 1 currently, this way I can replace hoard armrests [emoji123]

 

[a777fan]

Jon, I assume this is still for the non-100%-direct fit item, that will need minor modification? If we can get the old 285611 plug & play, I'd definitely be in for multiple units. Even if not I might still spring for one or two!

That is correct Dave! I have one last holdout that I am checking which will hopefully get back to me tomorrow, but it appears as if the non-100% direct fit PN is the only thing available any longer from Stabilus.


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[a777fan]

Might be a good idea to
Repost the name and tally for orders. Using the phone app makes hard to scroll 36 Pages on the fly. I agree with gsxr and Gerry, 2 for one at the next so I will up my order if it is at 1 currently, this way I can replace hoard armrests [emoji123]

Thanks, i’ll do some re-arranging when I get the info from my last hold out tomorrow. Hopefully make it a bit easier to read.

 

[JC220]

Is there any chance we can get to the 100 price break? I'd buy 8x at that!

And up my order to 4x at the 50 price break we are at currenly please. The cost of shipping to my location makes it a no brainer to order more up front and have plenty of spares to hand for years to come

 

[Ntrepid]

I'd double my order as well.


Robert

 

[gerryvz]

10 - $50.95 each
25 - $38.75 each
50 - $18.90 each
100 - $13.80 each

If folks are buying one strut at the 25 units price of $39, then it is a complete no-brainer for everyone just to double their order to two of them, and that will increase the price break to 50 units, so you're essentially getting one for free at the higher price point.

The price break to 100 units isn't so large (unless you can get Jono to buy a bunch , so IMHO the "50 units" price is going to be the best possible price.

Look forward to your updated list, and PayPal details, Trip......

 

[sheward]

Change my request from 1 to 2.

drew

 

[Klink]

Put me in for three, please.
Thanks!

 

[samiam44]

Got it- 2 please

 

[luckymike]

I'm in for one strut and two straps. Thanks, a777fan!

 

[Maui]

I will take two.

 

[a777fan]

I have launched the order process, please refer back to post 1, (Sorry Louis, but it was the easiest way to keep things in one spot), and let me know if you have questions!

-Jon

 

[nocfn]

^^^^

No Problem!

 

[gerryvz]

Trip seems underutilized if he's only having to buy six struts. A good group buy coordinator is almost obligated to take a bath on the deal, and end up getting stuck with significant sunk-costs.

So I say we should up the order to 100 for the optimal price break, and then Trip can purchase the requisite amount of extra units that he should be.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[Maui]

Is paypal going to wonder why all these relatives are suddenly sending you money especially the same of ball amounts?

 

[gerryvz]

why aren't Jono and 5SR/Leistung buying these things for their parts stocks?

 

[ZombieBranz]

I’ll double my order if needed to get to 50 price break.

 

[a777fan]

Trip seems underutilized if he's only having to buy six struts. A good group buy coordinator is almost obligated to take a bath on the deal, and end up getting stuck with significant sunk-costs.

So I say we should up the order to 100 for the optimal price break, and then Trip can purchase the requisite amount of extra units that he should be.

Cheers,
Gerry

Spousal suspicion is already at defcon 2. I’ll have to start interior decorating with these bad boys if any more show up.


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[a777fan]

Is paypal going to wonder why all these relatives are suddenly sending you money especially the same of ball amounts?

Lol. Pushing F&F to the limit!


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[a777fan]

why aren't Jono and 5SR/Leistung buying these things for their parts stocks?

Good question Honch...




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[a777fan]

I’ll double my order if needed to get to 50 price break.

I’d be happy to up ya if your actually in need of more than 1. We’re already at 50, so you’d be lessening the PNW strut stock, which is appreciated but not necessary. Let me know!


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[gerryvz]

No yoink?!?

 

[a777fan]

No yoink?!?

Chuckle.


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[a777fan]

No yoink?!?

Apologies... is this yours???

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