When OEM suppliers produce parts for a vehicle manufacturer (for production vehicles & OE parts supply) they manufacture the parts using materials/processes/tolerances specified by the manufacturer, these are defined as OE parts (AKA, Genuine BMW). BMW has actually changed the material specs for the VC gaskets (from the original material when the M62 & M54 engines where built). The new OE gaskets are made of Viton (much more resistant to heat/oil/solvents/degreasers......and more costly!)

When OEM manufacturers produce products for sale as OEM parts/products, they produce to their own defined materials/processes/tolerances (in almost EVERY case, far below the specs set by the manufacturer).

The takeaway here is, OEM parts are produced with ZERO consideration to manufacturer standards (and minimum per unit cost/maximum profit driving the production process).

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'03 X5 4.4 Sport, last of the M62s (8-03 build date)
I believe in deadication to craftmanship in a world of mediocrity!