I am reading that Denso was the OEM compressor manufacturer - or at least one of them.

The FCPEuro site shows a Nissens compressor with an IDENTICAL picture as the Genuine BMW compressor..However, the Nissens is made in China.

Several online outfits (although not FCPEuro) sell a Denso Compressor for the E53 for approx $300. I would do the following:

- Try to confirm that Denso is OEM
- Try to find out where a new Denso compressor is made
- If not China, I would buy a Denso compressor for E53