Why does Germany dominate the used parts market?
Whenever anyone in the region looks for a used car part, Germany is the first country that comes to mind. That is no accident. Germany is Europe's largest car market, has the strictest rules on technical inspections, and Germans generally take better care of their cars than the average driver in our part of Europe.
But what does that actually mean for you when you need a used part? It means that in Germany there is a huge supply of quality used parts from vehicles that have been regularly serviced, have a documented maintenance history, and often end up at scrap not because they are in poor condition, but because a repair is not economically worthwhile by German standards and labour costs.
A car that goes to scrap in Germany because the repair costs EUR 3000 would be fixed in the region for EUR 800 and would run for years more. And the parts from that car are in excellent condition and can serve someone else. That is the essence of why importing parts from Germany is so popular.
How does importing parts from the EU work?
In practice, the process looks like this: you find the part you need, agree the purchase and organise delivery. If you buy online, most German dealers offer delivery via courier services like DHL, DPD or Hermes. Delivery prices for standard parts (bumpers, headlights, electronics) range from EUR 15 to 50, depending on size and weight.
For larger parts like engines, gearboxes or complete doors, courier delivery is not practical. In those cases, freight forwarders or specialist transport firms are used. The cost of shipping a larger part from Germany to the region ranges from EUR 80 to 200, depending on dimensions and weight.
For EU member countries (Croatia, Slovenia), there is no customs duty. For non-EU countries (Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, North Macedonia), you need to factor in customs and VAT, which usually adds 15-25% to the part price. Even so, importing from Germany is often cost-effective for more expensive parts.
Where to look for used parts in Germany?
There are several main channels for finding used parts in Germany, and each has its pros and cons. Here is an overview of the most important:
Online platforms
eBay.de is by far the largest platform for buying used car parts in Germany. The offer is huge, prices are competitive, and the rating system gives a good picture of seller reliability. Most professional scrapyards in Germany have an eBay shop where they offer their parts.
Mobile.de and AutoScout24 are primarily vehicle sales platforms, but also have sections for car parts. Here you will more often find larger parts like engines and gearboxes.
Specific platforms like Teilehaber.de, Autoteile-Markt.de and similar are dedicated exclusively to car parts and offer advanced filters to search by make, model, year and OEM number.
German scrapyards (Autoverwertung)
Germany has a developed network of professional scrapyards that dismantle vehicles, catalogue parts, test them and sell them with a warranty. These scrapyards are not like the classic ones you might picture, they are organised companies with databases, online shops and a professional approach.
The advantage of buying directly from a German scrapyard is that parts usually come with a short warranty (14 to 30 days), and you can get information about the mileage of the donor vehicle. The downside is that sometimes they do not ship outside Germany, so you need to arrange a forwarder or use a parcel forwarding service.
PoDi platform
The simplest way to get a used part from Germany or any other EU country is to post a request on PoDi. Our network includes sellers from across Europe, including Germany, Austria and other western European countries. You just describe what you need, and we find you the best offers.
What to watch out for when importing parts?
Importing parts from Germany is generally safe, but there are a few things to watch out for to avoid problems:
Part compatibility
This is probably the most common issue when buying parts at a distance. The car can be the same model, the same year, but with a different engine, equipment level or facelift, and the part simply does not fit. That is why the part's OEM number is your best friend.
The OEM number (Original Equipment Manufacturer) is the unique identifier of every part. If you know the OEM number of the part you need and compare it with the OEM number of the part you are buying, the risk of incompatibility is minimal. The OEM number can be found on the part itself, in the service book, or your mechanic can read it for you.
Condition of the part
Always ask for detailed photos. Serious sellers will have no problem sending several photos of the part from different angles. If you are buying an electronic part, ask for confirmation that it has been tested and is functional. Some sellers even record a video of testing before shipping.
For mechanical parts (engine, gearbox, turbocharger), ask about the mileage of the donor vehicle. A part from a vehicle that has done 80,000 km is as a rule in better condition than a part from a vehicle that has done 250,000 km, regardless of how it looks on the outside.
Returns and warranty
When buying from professional traders within the EU you have the right to 14 days to return the goods without giving a reason (right of withdrawal). That is a legal right that applies to all online purchases from traders. However, the cost of return shipping is usually borne by the buyer, so be careful not to order "on the off chance" because the return can cost you as much as the part itself.
When buying from private individuals this right does not apply, so be extra careful and check all the details before purchase.
Delivery and packaging
The way the part is packed is very important, especially for sensitive parts like headlights, bumpers or electronics. Good sellers know how to pack car parts properly for transport, but it does not hurt to stress that you expect safe packaging, especially for fragile parts.
Bumpers are particularly tricky to deliver because they are large and fragile. If you order a bumper from Germany, expect the delivery to cost more than for a standard parcel, and check with the seller how they plan to pack the bumper for transport.
Price comparison: Germany vs. the region
Generally, used parts prices in Germany are lower than in the region for the same parts. That sounds counterintuitive because Germany is a richer country, but the reason is simple: the supply in Germany is many times larger.
Here are a few price comparison examples (approximate prices, may vary):
- Turbocharger for VW 1.9 TDI - region: EUR 200-350, Germany: EUR 120-250
- Headlight for BMW E90 - region: EUR 100-200, Germany: EUR 60-150
- Gearbox for Opel Astra H 1.7 CDTI - region: EUR 350-500, Germany: EUR 200-400
- Front bumper for Golf 7 - region: EUR 80-150, Germany: EUR 50-100
- Instrument cluster for Mercedes W211 - region: EUR 150-300, Germany: EUR 80-200
When you add delivery to the German price (EUR 15-50 for standard parts), you are still usually cheaper than buying in the region. For larger and more expensive parts, the saving can be significant.
Imports from other EU countries
Although Germany dominates, other EU countries should not be ignored as sources of used parts. Here is a quick overview:
Austria is an excellent source of parts for premium brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) because the share of those brands in the fleet is large. Austria's proximity is an advantage too, so delivery is faster and cheaper.
Italy is the logical choice for parts for Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia models, but also for French brands popular on the Italian market. Prices are usually a bit higher than in Germany, but delivery is faster.
Poland has a very developed used parts market with competitive prices. Quality varies, but for simpler parts (bodywork, glass, interior) Poland can be an excellent option.
The Netherlands and Belgium have a similar market to Germany, but smaller. Prices are comparable, and the offer is concentrated on popular brands.
Practical tips for a successful import
Here are a few practical tips that will help your used parts import go smoothly:
- Always use PayPal or a similar protected payment method when buying from unknown sellers. That gives you extra protection in case of problems.
- Communicate in English or German with sellers. Most professional traders speak English, but if you can manage in German, that sometimes opens doors to better offers.
- Check seller ratings before buying. On eBay.de, look for sellers with at least 98% positive ratings and at least 100 sales.
- Save all communication with the seller as evidence in case of dispute.
- Photograph the parcel on collection so you have proof in case of damage during transport.
- Check the part as soon as it arrives because the complaint period starts from the day of delivery.
Importing from the EU is legal and worthwhile, just prepare well
Importing used car parts from Germany and the EU is fully legal, relatively simple and financially worthwhile. The key to a successful import is in preparation: knowing exactly which part you need (OEM number), finding a reliable seller, arranging safe delivery and using a protected payment method. If you do all that, the saving can be significant, especially for more expensive parts.
If organising an import sounds like too much work, the PoDi platform can make your life easier. Send a request for the part you need, and suppliers from the region and beyond send offers. No stress, no complications.