OEM or Aftermarket? Which parts are a must?

[NabsNabsNabs]

Hi all,

As I am embarking on a fair amount of work and ordering parts, would like to hear thoughts from members which part I must get OEM, and which it is alright to save and get aftermarket parts.
Whether there are certain aftermarket brands that people have found relatively reliable and quality as well would be interested to hear.

Cheers

E.g.
Sensors
Waterpump
Belt
Pulleys
Tensioners
Thermostat
Rubber part/ Boots O-rings
Suspension parts
Brake parts

 

[DrWong]

I think there's a fairly strong view that OEM sensors are best. For suspension, Meyle HD is well-regarded as better than OEM, and Monroe shocks are popular as a cost-effective solution. I replaced my belts with OEM Continentals and no problems.

On thermostats, AVOID the OEM Wahler as they've been known to leak from the electrical sensor connector (ask me how I know etc), and get the Behr one if going the OEM route.

 

[Althulas]

Meyle water pump with the metal impella comes recommended. I’ve bought that make as well as pulleys for my overhaul.

As for “o” rings depending on what application oem are the only correct sized ones well so I was told for the aircon but I usually look on oem now for the info and compare. Sometimes you have to swallow the cost for oem as some exhaust gaskets were completely the incorrect size despite correctly t equivalent part number and went back but you can make some savings at the cost of time For example nuts and bolts sometimes BMW is reasonably priced but sometimes there randomised pricing generator boggles why when you can buy a bunch of similar tensile spec far cheaper from bolt world or similar on eBay.

If you do go down the route in the future of changing the front control arms Lemeforder are oem

 

[NabsNabsNabs]

think there's a fairly strong view that OEM sensors are best.

How about brake pad sensors? Assume aftermarket ok here as less crucial?

 

[GazHyde]

How about brake pad sensors? Assume aftermarket ok here as less crucial?

Remove your existing ones carefully and clean them up and refit (don't lose the metal clip). Only needs replacing if the sensor has worn to the point it activates the warning light on the dash.

 

[NabsNabsNabs]

Remove your existing ones carefully and clean them up and refit (don't lose the metal clip). Only needs replacing if the sensor has worn to the point it activates the warning light on the dash.

I did have the pad warning light on mine, I did a code clear to test some other codes and it never came back tho...Brakes definitely need changing however, has been mentioned as and advisory for several years MOT...have gotten an aftermarket one (Pagid ~£11) from ECP incase

 

[DrWong]

How about brake pad sensors? Assume aftermarket ok here as less crucial?

I have no direct experience of replacing sensors, just reporting the views of others.

If it was me though, I would be keeping them BMW/OEM

 

[Dino D]

For sensors, if you have the time, it’s worth ordering from somewhere like ECP/GSF with easy returns- you may get lucky and get an OEM sensor with the BMW logo ground off at a lower price!

yes they do this - I’ve been into massive businesses who’s job it is to take parts out of OEM boxes and repack them into ‘aftermarket’ boxes and then ship them out!

If I’m short of time then I just swallow the BMW costs of their sensors (for me it was camshaft and crankshaft position sensors - the ‘BMW’ ones are made by Siemens in this case
Don’t forget that Sopers BMW in Lincoln give us 10% off and post out most parts (but not body panels).

 

[Delk]

Not many items on a car are actually built the OEM. And like everyone the manufacture is working to a budget, water pump is a good example.

With anything it takes time to shop. Personally I would not be adverse to using an aftermarket sensor as long as it was manufactured by a reputable supplier and not a dirt cheap copy artist. And sometimes you can be surprised that the OEM items are not over priced.

 

[NabsNabsNabs]

Love this forum for all the knowledge and advice. Very valuable!! Thanks all

 

[NabsNabsNabs]

Love this forum for all the knowledge and advice. Very valuable!! Thanks all