The collaboration is the first time that a carmaker has teamed up with eBay officially, and BMW says that this is also the first time it will sell parts and accessories directly to owners, compared to previously where owners had to order them through BMW’s dealers.

“As a premium car manufacturer, we are always interested in understanding customer preferences when it comes to buying products,” said Carl Sanderson, BMW UK General Manager Aftersales Development.

“We recognise that there are customers who wish to buy BMW products but do not necessarily want to travel to a BMW dealer to make a purchase. As such we see eBay as the perfect solution for them. By embracing this modern retailing approach, we believe we can engage with and satisfy a number of additional customers through what is a new retail channel for BMW,” Sanderson added.

BMW Direct on eBay, as the service is called, will sell a variety of interior and exterior styling accessories, alloy wheels and replacement parts such as filters and brake pads/discs. All parts sold through the service are covered with a two-year warranty from the manufacturer, while BMW added that all items are offered with free postage and packaging.