Monroe strut on backorder til March!! WTF

[OkieM3]

You gotta be kidding me!!! I ordered Monroes for my 99 M3 a few weeks back. The rears came in and I installed them. The front right finally came in today after delays due to damaged shipping. Also found out that the front left strut...part #71541....is on backorder! I called at least 20 car parts places from the internet to see if anyone has it in stock. Nobody has it. 3 places swore to me that they had it in the warehouse, only to email me back saying it was on backorder. One guy told me he called Monroe and they are out of stock and won't be producing this part until March! What the hell am I gonna do with only one front strut.
Here's a partial list of out of stock: Autobarn, Rockauto, PickProParts, AutoPartsWarehouse, Pepboys, Sears......etc.
If anybody finds one locally anywhere, let me know please. My ride is gonna be on blocks for 3 months at this rate.

[CABimmer]

um, Monroe shocks? What are you thinking?

[BBB M3]

I started this same thread on M3forum.com a few days ago. Here was my post:

Monroe discontinued e36 M3 Struts!!!

I put in an order to Rockauto.com yesterday, and this morning I received an e-mail saying that the F/L strut is out of stock and Monroe doesn't know when they will have more. After alot of phone calls I finally got called back by a mechanic who contacted Monroe. He said that they are discontinuing the struts for the e36 M3. He said that they were having too many problems.

I don't have the $$$ for Koni right now so I am SOL.
__________________
I am returning my single front strut back to rockauto, and replaced the rears. Sucks for us :(

[OkieM3]

um, Monroe shocks? What are you thinking?
Read these 114 posts...
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=417590&highlight=monroe+struts
I wanted to get back to stock ride, and this is a quality and far less expensive way to get it....um...except for my little problem of only getting 3 of the 4 needed corners..

[Aradaiel]

Yep, same problem for me. I just bought another pair of stock struts to tide me over untill I can get some Bilsteins this summer.

[Realhotguy77]

Well get the money back and get different ones.

[deilenberger]

I emailed Monroe about the struts being discontinued. I received a reply from a young lady named Lisa - who confirmed they have discontinued them.

I inquired as to the status of the "Lifetime" warranty - which offers a replacement shock/strut if the item fails.

Lisa replied with a quote from their warranty and told me the warranty (on my 3 month old struts) was now void:

Tenneco Inc. warrants qualifying Monroe® products against defects and wear-out when used on private passenger cars and light trucks under normal operating conditions for as long as such purchaser owns the vehicle on which they were originally installed and TA continues to make the warranted product(s).

Bold added by me - the claim was made that the warranty is now void since they discontinued the strut. Needless to say - I was NOT a happy camper with this news, and told them so - politely - in a reply. I have not gotten a reply from them. I basically told them I expected my money BACK if there was any failure of the strut.

If you'd like to tell them what you think about this - the form to send them Email is at: http://www.monroe.com/tech_support/tec_email.asp

Their direct email address is: TTechline1@Tenneco.com and Lisa's email address is: "Lisa Thornberry" LThornberry@Tenneco.com

I'd suggest at least starting out politely - but use your own judgement.

I did look into Tenneco's info and found the following:
http://www.tenneco.com/overview/executive_bios/frissora.html

If I had to GUESS - using the same model that Lisa has for her email address, it is entirely likely that Mark Frissora - the CEO - could be emailed at mfrissora@tenneco.com - at least that is an email address I'm going to try.

I found a few other email addresses in browsing Tenneco's website:


Jane Ostrander
Director, Global Communications
jostrander@tenneco.com

James Spangler
Vice President, Global Communications
jspangler@tenneco.com

Royally pissed at Monroe/Tenneco..

[black_box]

i'm curious what kind of problems they were having, anyone have info on that? all i've read on here is that they were good stock replacements.

[EOSphoto]

I emailed Monroe about the struts being discontinued. I received a reply from a young lady named Lisa - who confirmed they have discontinued them.

I inquired as to the status of the "Lifetime" warranty - which offers a replacement shock/strut if the item fails.

Lisa replied with a quote from their warranty and told me the warranty (on my 3 month old struts) was now void:

Tenneco Inc. warrants qualifying Monroe® products against defects and wear-out when used on private passenger cars and light trucks under normal operating conditions for as long as such purchaser owns the vehicle on which they were originally installed and TA continues to make the warranted product(s).

Bold added by me - the claim was made that the warranty is now void since they discontinued the strut. Needless to say - I was NOT a happy camper with this news, and told them so - politely - in a reply. I have not gotten a reply from them. I basically told them I expected my money BACK if there was any failure of the strut.

If you'd like to tell them what you think about this - the form to send them Email is at: http://www.monroe.com/tech_support/tec_email.asp

Their direct email address is: TTechline1@Tenneco.com and Lisa's email address is: "Lisa Thornberry" LThornberry@Tenneco.com

I'd suggest at least starting out politely - but use your own judgement.

I did look into Tenneco's info and found the following:
http://www.tenneco.com/overview/executive_bios/frissora.html

If I had to GUESS - using the same model that Lisa has for her email address, it is entirely likely that Mark Frissora - the CEO - could be emailed at mfrissora@tenneco.com - at least that is an email address I'm going to try.

I found a few other email addresses in browsing Tenneco's website:


Jane Ostrander
Director, Global Communications
jostrander@tenneco.com

James Spangler
Vice President, Global Communications
jspangler@tenneco.com

Royally pissed at Monroe/Tenneco..


YIKES, good info. I just ordered and installed mine about 2 months ago and I'm going to be pissed if anything fails or goes wrong and I don't get my lifetime warranty or money equivalent. I know a lot of people ordered a set for the M3 after a post about them was started a while back so everyone should let Monroe know how we feel about their business practices.

[deilenberger]

YIKES, good info. I just ordered and installed mine about 2 months ago and I'm going to be pissed if anything fails or goes wrong and I don't get my lifetime warranty or money equivalent. I know a lot of people ordered a set for the M3 after a post about them was started a while back so everyone should let Monroe know how we feel about their business practices.
I wrote (email) to all the names on the message above (which includes the CEO of Tenneco - the mother company to Monroe), and received a rather quick email reply from Lisa.

The email reply was CC'd to all those names - and several others. I suspect I stired up a bit of poop...

Lisa now ASSURES me that we are covered. Her email to me was:


Dear Don,

We apologize for any inconvenience this issue has caused you or the BMW M3
community.

I've completed further research on the units required for your BMW and at
this time, your strut part numbers 71540 and 71541, have been discontinued
due to low volume. However, in the unlikelihood the units would need to be
replaced, Tenneco will stand behind the units 100%.

I would be happy to discuss this matter with you at your convenience.
Please contact me at my direct phone number which is (734) 243-8131.

Monroe Team Member,
Lisa

In my reply to this email - since I knew it was heading up the corporate ladder - I made the suggestion that it was perhaps foolish to discontinue an item that had only been available for a few months - and that with the right advertising (BMW CCA Roundel for instance) - there could be a viable market for some Monroe performance oriented products.

Haven't heard back on that suggestion - but if you need help with your shock - Lisa's direct phone number is right above.

[deilenberger]

i'm curious what kind of problems they were having, anyone have info on that? all i've read on here is that they were good stock replacements.No problem - just low volume sales - which was probably due to total lack of advertising anywhere that M3 enthusiasts would see it.

See my message right above this..

[black_box]

thanks for the update. they did seem like a good deal for those that just wanted stock replacements.

[custom32]

Thanks for all the work, it makes me feel better about my month old Monroe's.

[zrozof]

Thanks to everyone who emailed and made calls. I wonder where they're located because that direct line phone number is my local area code.

[deilenberger]

Thanks to everyone who emailed and made calls. I wonder where they're located because that direct line phone number is my local area code.

Monroe
Technical Assistance
1 International Drive
Monroe, MI 48161
U.S.A.

You could always stop by and say HI to Lisa for us..

:redspot

[DarkVader]

Monroe
Technical Assistance
1 International Drive
Monroe, MI 48161
U.S.A.

You could always stop by and say HI to Lisa for us..

:redspot

These things r still sitting in my garage. This post had my eyes:eek: I mean they're a good deal, but I guess I jumped @ the stock like ride & lifetime warrantee - also the very feasible price:D . This post is gonna b scanned & archived. Crazy they wouldn't honor a lifetime warrantee all cause they suck @ marketing...:rolleyes

[OkieM3]

Yes! Finally tracked down the front left strut #71541. Got it today. It looks like I may have another one early next week also....I ordered from two different places not expecting to get either. Sooooo...if anybody needs the out of production front left strut #71541, let me know since I've got an extra. It's not cheap....it cost me $150 (I can show you the invoice when I get it), so expect to pay me at least that plus shipping. Don't PM me. Email me at gmaj66@cox.net
I really should put this on eBay since it may honestly be the only new one left in the country.......oh the sacrifices I make for my bf.c brethren (pats self on back).

[SleepRM3]

Damn, no more Monroes for E36 M3s :(

[Kell]

I guess I got mine just in time back in December.

[deilenberger]

Damn, no more Monroes for E36 M3s :(A bunch of well worded, polite, spell-check, good grammar email to the CEO of Teneco might go a long ways towards putting these back in productions.

His email is: mfrissora@tenneco.com - and his name is Mr. Frissora.

If you do send one - please - check spelling, read it over a few times, don't use IM lingo - think of it as a BUSINESS letter. Make it polite. Point out that you intended to purchase these struts based on recommendations from friends and are disappointed that they are no longer available.

If he gets enough email like this - I'm sure this decision will get bounced back for reconsideration.

:)

[joey95m3]

A bunch of well worded, polite, spell-check, good grammar email to the CEO of Teneco might go a long ways towards putting these back in productions.

His email is: mfrissora@tenneco.com - and his name is Mr. Frissora.

If you do send one - please - check spelling, read it over a few times, don't use IM lingo - think of it as a BUSINESS letter. Make it polite. Point out that you intended to purchase these struts based on recommendations from friends and are disappointed that they are no longer available.

If he gets enough email like this - I'm sure this decision will get bounced back for reconsideration.

:)
im going to email him right now. what exactly did everyone say in their emails? we all need to write to this guy cause hes the one that can make things happen. its got to be a lot of people writing and bothering him with emails in order to get things moving. so everyone take two min and write this guy somthing:)

[deilenberger]

im going to email him right now. what exactly did everyone say in their emails? we all need to write to this guy cause hes the one that can make things happen. its got to be a lot of people writing and bothering him with emails in order to get things moving. so everyone take two min and write this guy somthing:)Good move - but PLEASE - use capital letters, correct punctuation, spell checker.. pretend you're applying for a job that requires some literacy.

A message done like your reply (which may -- or may not be fine for a forum) isn't going to impress anyone with the authority to make this happen.

Sometimes literacy counts.

[EOSphoto]

pretend you're applying for a job that requires some literacy.

A message done like your reply (which may -- or may not be fine for a forum) isn't going to impress anyone with the authority to make this happen.

Sometimes literacy counts.

:lol So harsh, but true.

[acastillo]

Greetings,

Just wanted to briefly comment on Monroe's decision to discontinue part #'s 71540 and 71541.

I recently purchased these struts and shocks for my 97 BMW M3. I was so impressed, I also purchased Monroe's for my 01 BMW 330i. Furthermore, I have seen many other BMW enthusiasts that have also gone this route as an OEM alternative, as indicated on several BMW forums I am a member of.

One thing I would like to address, I have never seen an advertisement marketing your struts for the E36 M3. All of the dozens of posts I have seen in the past 6 months praising the results of Monroe installations on the older model M3 have spread via grassroots, word of mouth advertising on internet BMW forums. I don't claim to be an expert in the profitability of manufacturing and marketing such an item, however perhaps you may consider to not discontinue part #'s 71540 and 71541 at this time, and make a small effort to inform the target consumer with an ad in BMW's Roundel Publication, or a post in several of the BMW enthusiast forums. I am sure there are many other E36 M3 owners who are not even aware that Monroe has a product for this application.

Thanks for a great product.

Best regards.


Arnel Castillo
Mortgage Professional
112 South York Road
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126
Main: (630) 993-2400 x 125
Cell: (630) 440-6646
Fax: (866) 881-2461
acastillo001@yahoo.com
www.americanhm.com/arnel.castillo

[deilenberger]

Greetings,

Just wanted to briefly comment on Monroe's decision to discontinue part #'s 71540 and 71541.


Arnel - VERY nicely done and professional looking. This is the sort of letter or email that will get attention and probably will be responded to. I also suggested they take the candle out from under the basket and ADVERTISE the struts in Roundel. Bet they'd sell a truckload..

Thanks!

[acastillo]

Arnel - VERY nicely done and professional looking. This is the sort of letter or email that will get attention and probably will be responded to. I also suggested they take the candle out from under the basket and ADVERTISE the struts in Roundel. Bet they'd sell a truckload..

Thanks!

Thanks Don. I will post any response they give.

[EricP]

Oh man this pisses me off.. looks like I have no choice but expensive ass shocks now.

[ChipM]

Bummer. I think these would have made a good street fitment.

[///AlpinePower]

dudes....I think everybody made a run on these based on the recommendations over the last year. Too bad, these were an excellent choice for people who wanted a stock, street ride and a lifetime warranty. The price merely sealed the deal.

[deilenberger]

Oh man this pisses me off.. looks like I have no choice but expensive ass shocks now.Once again - go back and read how to Email the CEO of Tenneco the company that owns Monroe.

A business like email - with good spelling and grammar expressing your disappointment in not being able to purchase the product is what they need to hear in order to realize there is a market for it.

Grousing here may make you feel better - but it does absolutely NOTHING to solve the problem.

[Balthazarr]

Greetings,

Just wanted to briefly comment on Monroe's decision to discontinue part #'s 71540 and 71541.

I recently purchased these struts and shocks for my 97 BMW M3. I was so impressed, I also purchased Monroe's for my 01 BMW 330i. Furthermore, I have seen many other BMW enthusiasts that have also gone this route as an OEM alternative, as indicated on several BMW forums I am a member of.


Don't use a preposition at the end of a sentence.
Otherwise, it's ok.

[manm3]

Check out autopartswarehouse.com
Just ordered and they have it stock!!

[acastillo]

[quote=acastillo]Greetings,

Just wanted to briefly comment on Monroe's decision to discontinue part #'s 71540 and 71541.

I recently purchased these struts and shocks for my 97 BMW M3. I was so impressed, I also purchased Monroe's for my 01 BMW 330i. Furthermore, I have seen many other BMW enthusiasts that have also gone this route as an OEM alternative, as indicated on several BMW forums I am a member of.


Don't use a preposition at the end of a sentence.
Otherwise, it's ok.

Thanks Ross Gheller :lol
I am many years out of school, and my occupation only requires limited written communication. It's a wonder that I can compose a short letter that is somewhat intelligible. :D

Did you send off a letter to Tenneco?

[deilenberger]

[QUOTE=Balthazarr]

Thanks Ross Gheller :lol
I am many years out of school, and my occupation only requires limited written communication. It's a wonder that I can compose a short letter that is somewhat intelligible. :D

Did you send off a letter to Tenneco?That's the real question. For this to work - they have to get a LOT of letters/email. It only takes a few moments, and with someone like Ross Gheller around to help compose literate and business-like email - we're on a roll here.

Ross - how about what you wrote? People could use that as an example..

:redspot

[Balthazarr]

Thanks Ross Gheller :lol
I am many years out of school, and my occupation only requires limited written communication. It's a wonder that I can compose a short letter that is somewhat intelligible. :D

Did you send off a letter to Tenneco?
No, I use Konis. Just trying to help.

[OkieM3]

Check out autopartswarehouse.com
Just ordered and they have it stock!!
Let me know when you get your email from them saying it is no longer available. I had four different places swear to me they had it in the warehouse (inluding these guys) only to get an email or call saying they goofed.

[custom32]

Off topic but I just got a friend to put Monroe's on his Explorer

[CMUZYY]

why not use the factory boge shocks, $388 for a set delivered, call to order. 215 348-3121

[acastillo]

why not use the factory boge shocks, $388 for a set delivered, call to order. 215 348-3121

I may have considered these, but was under the impression that they were much more expensive...unless your prices are really good:). Though the OEM's don't seem to last very long though and the Monroe's are still ~100 cheaper.

[joey95m3]

I may have considered these, but was under the impression that they were much more expensive...unless your prices are really good:). Though the OEM's don't seem to last very long though and the Monroe's are still ~100 cheaper.
And from what i have read, the Monroes are built to exceed the performance specs of the OEM's. and they have a lifetime warrantee on them.

And by the way if anyone is still wanting to get them, they are back at rockauto.com. i called and ordered another set for my bro on friday night. they said they have a lot of the rear shocks and right struts but only have 15 or so of the left strut. so if you guys still want them, u should make ur order soon before they run out again. oh and here is the discount code that worked for me on friday. 333806314761.

[Aradaiel]

why not use the factory boge shocks, $388 for a set delivered, call to order. 215 348-3121

Because a set of monroes runs approximately 250ish with shipping.

[arcticwolfm3]

Just ordered a set from rockauto (approx $295 shipped). I'll post a followup when I receive my boxes to describe if they were packed well or not.

Btw, is there a good DIY link somewhere for installing Monroes or Sachs/Boges?
I've only found the H&R PDF. Was hoping for something with more pics, etc.
Thanks

[cstang68]

I ordered a set of struts/shocks last week and got them today. A bud of mine w/ a 95 M3 did the same and just recieved his as well. I don't think they were discontinued if rockauto has them in stock again.

[zrozof]

They said in that email that they plan on honoring their warranty. With them ending production, I don't understand how they could honor their warranty even if they wanted to.

How exactly are they going to give us replacements when/if our current sets fail? Is it possible to rebuild shocks? Is that how they would honor the warranty?

[bobmw]

I just ordered and recieved a set from speedycarparts.com last week. They buggered up the strut mounts though, sent 2 left ones. Shipping is free with orders over $50. They cost $122.54 apiece.

[arcticwolfm3]

Update on my Monroes:
I received them about 2 weeks ago. Overall the packaging was fine, but one of the struts boxes had a small hole in it. I confirmed nothing was missing, so all was good.
Had them installed at Edge in Dublin today.

My impression?
Exactly what I was hoping for!
I only spent $300 and my M3's suspension is back to where it was when I first bought it. I did some spirited driving in the backroads home tonight after my workout, and during acceleration, cornering, etc..it felt GREAT!

I'm sure glad I decided to at least give the Monroes a shot. I was wrestling with the Koni vs Monroe decision for months. I can now recommend the Monroes to anyone who's looking to restore their E36 M3 to stock handling form!

[dapopa9]

I just checked and it appears a few different places online have these Monroes for about $300 shipped. Check out carparts . com or www.autopartsgiant . com ...both have free shipping offers, and also autopartsgiant appears to have 10% off entire order.

[weenerdog]

Yeah, well, rockauto cancelled my order last week (backordered), then I tried from autopartswarehouse and they cancelled (backordered). So, I ordered Konis, which is what I *really* wanted anyway!

[///AlpinePower]

Because a set of monroes runs approximately 250ish with shipping.

and when they wear out, you can return them for new ones at Sears. Easy.

[dapopa9]

I also noticed there is a $50 rebate from Moroe available:

http://www.monroe.com/promo/promotions.asp

[zrozof]

and when they wear out, you can return them for new ones at Sears. Easy.

They said in that email that they plan on honoring their warranty. With them ending production, I don't understand how they could honor their warranty even if they wanted to.

How exactly are they going to give us replacements when/if our current sets fail? Is it possible to rebuild shocks? Is that how they would honor the warranty?

[mobil1]

They said in that email that they plan on honoring their warranty. With them ending production, I don't understand how they could honor their warranty even if they wanted to.

How exactly are they going to give us replacements when/if our current sets fail? Is it possible to rebuild shocks? Is that how they would honor the warranty?


Probably by refund or credit.


Heres my letter to the president of tenneco:


WHAD UP MEH MAIN MANG!?!? HOWS BUZINASS DOIN UP IN THARRR?!?! I THINK U GUYS SHOULD START REPRESENTIN AND KEEP SLINGIN DEM SHOX!! WURD

Sincerely,
Just kidding.

[acastillo]

Heres my letter to the president of tenneco:

WHAD UP MEH MAIN MANG!?!? HOWS BUZINASS DOIN UP IN THARRR?!?! I THINK U GUYS SHOULD START REPRESENTIN AND KEEP SLINGIN DEM SHOX!! WURD

Sincerely,
Just kidding.

ROTFLMAO

"you fargin iceholes...you've voilated my fargin rights"

[zrozof]

Probably by refund or credit.


Heres my letter to the president of tenneco:


WHAD UP MEH MAIN MANG!?!? HOWS BUZINASS DOIN UP IN THARRR?!?! I THINK U GUYS SHOULD START REPRESENTIN AND KEEP SLINGIN DEM SHOX!! WURD

Sincerely,
Just kidding.

lol

[mikea128]

rockauto canceled my order today too - apparently only the left strut was available (no rears or right strut). Waiting to see if autobarn.com comes through for me now.

Do I need any additional hardware to install these? Already have Rogue RSMs. Anything else worth replacing while I'm in there?

[bliau]

Item-1-Description: mnr 71540
Item-1-Quantity: 1
Item-1-Unit-Price: $99.14

Item-2-Description: mnr 71541
Item-2-Quantity: 1
Item-2-Unit-Price: $99.14

Item-3-Description: mnr 39033
Item-3-Quantity: 2
Item-3-Unit-Price: $41.32

LookupTotal: (+280.92)
Vehicle: 1997 BMW M3 L6-3.2L 3152cc FI 280.92

Subtotal: 280.92
Shipping: 0.00*
Tax: 0.00
Total: 280.92

[mikea128]

well autobarn is now saying my order is both shipped and canceled, so pickproparts.com is next i guess once i get this sorted out.

btw, autobarn had them listed as in stock as well when I placed my order a week ago, but not any more.

[mikea128]

update for today - i have a refund on my credit card from autobarn, so I'm going to assume this hybrid cancel/shipped status thing is really canceled. It's pretty weak that they told me they shipped AND charged my credit card and then NEVER told me they canceled or responded to any of my inquiries. Thumbs down to autobarn.

pickproparts here i come...

[mikea128]

yet another update for those that don't care: ordered from picproparts, who called me today to let me know what was going on. the nice young lady first asked if i needed them immediately and if i would be doing my own install. i said no and maybe to those respectively. Then she told me that she had the rears and one of the front struts immediately available, but one of them was listed as obsolete. she called every monroe warehouse trying to get the last one for me, but no such luck. so she called monroe directly, who apparently said that they're bringing this part back and that they're in production right now. they should be available in about a month supposedly. She also asked me why I wanted these particular ones because apparently she's had 3 or 4 orders in the past couple of days alone....probably from the above post.

the lesson learned here - order from picproparts.com - good customer service, at least so far, and they're $20 less than autobarn or rockauto (even after discount). :)

[acastillo]

Greetings,

Just wanted to briefly comment on Monroe's decision to discontinue part #'s 71540 and 71541.

I recently purchased these struts and shocks for my 97 BMW M3. I was so impressed, I also purchased Monroe's for my 01 BMW 330i. Furthermore, I have seen many other BMW enthusiasts that have also gone this route as an OEM alternative, as indicated on several BMW forums I am a member of.

One thing I would like to address, I have never seen an advertisement marketing your struts for the E36 M3. All of the dozens of posts I have seen in the past 6 months praising the results of Monroe installations on the older model M3 have spread via grassroots, word of mouth advertising on internet BMW forums. I don't claim to be an expert in the profitability of manufacturing and marketing such an item, however perhaps you may consider to not discontinue part #'s 71540 and 71541 at this time, and make a small effort to inform the target consumer with an ad in BMW's Roundel Publication, or a post in several of the BMW enthusiast forums. I am sure there are many other E36 M3 owners who are not even aware that Monroe has a product for this application.

Thanks for a great product.

Best regards.


Arnel Castillo
Mortgage Professional
112 South York Road
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126
Main: (630) 993-2400 x 125
Cell: (630) 440-6646
Fax: (866) 881-2461
acastillo001@yahoo.com
www.americanhm.com/arnel.castillo


as promised to post back if I received any response from this letter...just got a phone call from Rick at Tenneco confirming that they resumed production. He also stated distributors may not stock them, and will likely have to be special ordered though.

I think it's nice that our efforts contributed to their decision to bring them back, and that someone at Tenneco actually took the time to respond to my letter, although a couple months later.

[zrozof]

Damn, I can't believe that they resumed production. Thanks to everyone who called and wrote an email.

[apollo322]

Hey thats great news! Thanks to all who had a hand in making this happen:buttrock

[Aradaiel]

Oh snap, this is good news.