Thread: Suspension lifetime

Just FYI - Ordered a full set of the BWI Air spring/Damper from AF, $1834.16, Bank fees for international transaction $55.02 and then Customs via DHL $356.09 so $2245.27 or $561 per corner. Did not investigate sending 2 orders to potentially get here under the customs limit, I figured the 2 x freight would be more anyway and will fit myself soon.

Originally Posted by PeterJ

Just FYI - Ordered a full set of the BWI Air spring/Damper from AF, $1834.16, Bank fees for international transaction $55.02 and then Customs via DHL $356.09 so $2245.27 or $561 per corner. Did not investigate sending 2 orders to potentially get here under the customs limit, I figured the 2 x freight would be more anyway and will fit myself soon.

The 2 freight orders were only $30 aud more expensive when I did it.. No extra tax

2 separate orders, no GST applicable and arrived within a week of each other.
Interestingly, the bwi units delivered for the rears had the same part numbers as per the island 4x4 site, so could've saved a few bucks there if they are the same unit. No labels or other markings on them. Fitted the rears on Sunday, will do fronts this week. Getting that bottom bolt to 300Nm make sure youve had your weeties. You will need a 24mm deep socket for the nut and a 21mm std socket for the bolt head. Torque up the nut, not the bolt.


A couple of photos , note the bottom eye bush is worn, and the unloaded height difference between old and new.

20210110_131915.jpg20210110_131924.jpg20210110_131924.jpg20210110_124006.jpg20210110_124011.jpg

Originally Posted by PeterJ

Just FYI - Ordered a full set of the BWI Air spring/Damper from AF, $1834.16, Bank fees for international transaction $55.02 and then Customs via DHL $356.09 so $2245.27 or $561 per corner. Did not investigate sending 2 orders to potentially get here under the customs limit, I figured the 2 x freight would be more anyway and will fit myself soon.

Just FYI - I ordered TWO sets of the BWI Air spring/Damper along with 12 additional items (two filters, some bolts, gaskets and clips) that I needed from Brit-Car < Land Rover Parts and Jaguar Spares | Britcar UK Ltd > for $3,105.95 delivered via TNT Express - that's only $900.00 more expensive for a whole second set - or under (as need to consider that there's 12 other parts in the other) $388.24 per corner.

The only reason I didn't go Island4x4, who are even cheaper, is that they are out of rears at the moment and not due stock until March.

I said it earlier and will say it again - AF seem to be one of the more expensive options to source from.

Originally Posted by PeterJ

...Did not investigate sending 2 orders to potentially get here under the customs limit, I figured the 2 x freight would be more anyway and will fit myself soon.

What's this about be under customs limits? I thought all overseas order were now subject to 10% tax regardless of the $ ammount.

Purchased a drive shaft the other day from Rimmers ~$600. They charged 10% tax at the time you place an order. Where or how they hand that 10% over to Aus customs I don't know but you can't avoid it being added when you place an order.

Originally Posted by Ferret

What's this about customs limits? I thought all overseas order were now subject to 10% tax regardless of the $ ammount.

Purchased a drive shaft the other day from Rimmers ~$600. They charged 10% tax at the time you place an order. Where or how they hand that 10% over to Aus customs I don't know but you can't avoid the added when you place an order.

Yes, that is correct. But two relevant things to note about that:
1. Orders above AUD $1,000.00 (including freight costs) are also subject to Import Duties - this is charged on the both the items purchase price and freight costs, and as an extra kicker GST applies to the import duty amount. Orders below the threshold are only subject to GST.
2. The method of GST being collected varies. With a number of sub AUD $1,000.00 purchases the GST component is being collected via the freight service and is frequently included in the freight cost. With above AUD $1,000.00 the item may instead be held in customs (meaning delays to being delivered out to you) while you are contacted to pay GST, import duties and usually slogged with additional admin or brokerage fees.
So anyone separating orders into sub AUD $1,000.00 orders is likely not saving on GST, they are likely paying the GST within the freight costs but are possibly saving on import duties and hold ups in customs.

Originally Posted by Ferret

Purchased a drive shaft the other day from Rimmers ~$600. They charged 10% tax at the time you place an order. Where or how they hand that 10% over to Aus customs I don't know but you can't avoid the added when you place an order.

Many online retailers are doing this - e.g. eBay, Amazon etc. The important thing for you is you've paid and your receipt/invoice will mean you don't need to be again.

My understanding is that all retailers are now obliged to collect and remit GST to ATO and to collect it at checkout. This has been the case on all my transactions in the last 12 months at least.

Yes import duty still applies on orders over $1000 and I understand is collected by the freight company.

Ok thanks. Didn't understand how that side of the tax system worked. Will probably be placing orders for air struts myself in the near future.