Xoutpost.com - View Single Post - Rebuilding front end (suspension) 2004 e53

StephenVA · #2 11-14-2013, 12:35 PM

I understand your sister's driving skills and habits all too well. I spent over 20+ years in the auto industry as a factory rep for engine mangement systems. Driver comfort regardless of impact on vehicle life and safety. Time for a heart to heart conversation on "What happens to your car investment when you do that" talk. Parking by "sound" (Bang, cruntch, @^%!?) falls in to this catagory also.

I too am a long term user of Moog parts in older muscle cars. Great improvement over OE part construction and engineering. Moog sells parts for our cars also. Check the box as they are sourced and reboxed. For BMWs the OE parts are pretty good already. There are some aftermarket parts that are the BMW part less the logo.

There are also cheap knock offs that are world sourced by suppliers. Think "it fits so it must be OK". In the manufacturing world they are called "Commercially Acceptable". In other words, those who work on cars professionally, will accept them as a good part. Cheaper, not better.

Here are links to the exploded part views for BMWs. Type in model, year, build date, and your off.
Real OEM- RealOEM.com * Online BMW Parts Catalog
Penske Parts Penske Parts - Technical Diagrams & Parts Catalog

There are other sites out there but these work well enough. Look up the OE part number and go shopping. It really is that simple. To get the parts off and on correctly, pick up a Bentley manual from any reselling vendor listed below. Good stuff sometimes not specific enough and that is where Xpost.com comes in. Owners helping owners. Car guys offering up tips trick and pitfalls to avoid. This be us. There is a lot of insight and knowledge base here just search FIRST, then ask for help. People will respond.

Now, "Where do you Buy the stuff?"
Multiple vendors have the parts and multiple dealers sell online as well. Here are a few sources to get you started:
ECS OEM / Performance Parts for Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Porsche & Volkswagen - ECS Tuning
Bavarian Autosport BMW Parts and BMW Accessories | Bavarian Autosport
Fairfax BMW in Fairfax, VA | BMW of Fairfax
Get BMW Parts BMW Parts and Accessories at GetBMWparts.com
RockAuto RockAuto Parts Catalog

RUN FROM CHINA Knock Off PARTS which are over Ebay and Amazon. You will like the price but not the fit, finish, or life span.

Hopefully this all helps. Post again any time. Take a few pic and post your DIY projects.

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