Quote:
Originally Posted by Effduration
Last year, I replaced my E39 (M54) fuel filter with a new Hengst brand from FCPEuro.
Hengst is a reputable German brand. And my filter was not made in Asia....
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Speaking about reputable German brands (or formerly American brands)...who knows anymore?
Of course, my go-to replacement parts for my General Motors vehicles remains A/C Delco and Delphi brands (from wherever?), for spark plugs Bosch & NGK, O2 sensors Bosch-only, and for filters A/C Delco, Wix, Bosch, and Fram (in that order, with Fram's best rated dead last). OIl and additives were always Castrol, Valvoline, Royal Purple (race car), and Mobil 1 (all depending on age & application), with Lucas for additives.
But, for my X5, I'm trying to get OEM quality parts, not necessarily with BMW stamped on them, but I'm willing to search for "good enough" parts that will not cost as much, but are made under ostensibly German standards of quality, for the most part.
I replaced the exhaust cam sensor with a VEMO part, which I researched about first. It's made in Germany, too, which was reassuring. Works fine. If I can follow that example, then other "German"-designed, made, production overseen by, etc. parts should be worth a shot, while seeing who's who out there for aftermarket "German" parts these days.
So, though I put a Chinese plastic intake bellows on the X5, all more critical parts will be at least German brands, or known to be reputable associates of theirs (i.e. Castrol 5w-40 oil, LL-1, Euro-formula, and a Bosch Premium oil filter bought specifically for my next oil change on the X5...I've always trusted and used those brands). In the possible case of a MAF replacement, though leaning towards Siemens-VDO, isn't HELLA a trusted German brand (for less than half the VDO price, why not?)?. I'll have to rely on this forum for brands like Hengst, Meyle, Mahle, Lemfoder, etc., that are new to me (I haven't owned European cars since '77).