When will you sell your X5?

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by nick325xit 5spd

If you use the ETK or look at, say, RealOEM, you will see which cars have been moved to the Classic catalog. The E39 has actually been moved to Classic. (RealOEM can be slow to update this, but that will show up.) Weirdly, the E38 doesn't appear to have been moved yet. But I would expect that the E53, E46, and E38 will all moved to the Classic catalog relatively soon.

And what I'm trying to convey is that BMW Classic used to be very different and much better. Somewhere a little over 10 years ago, BMW issued a press release declaring that they would reorient Classic around increased profit vs. preserving heritage, and everything went downhill.

Edit: It used to be called BMW Mobile Tradition. It was the replacement of Mobile Tradition with Classic that marked both a decline in quality and a dramatic increase in prices.

This is the first time you have mentioned Classic parts as the issue. E53 parts, according to you, are not considered classic parts so it isn't applicable to the E53.

It is not unusual the new old parts are redesigns of the original part. Sometimes it is due to new technology, sourced from a new vendor or to keep the cost in line. One reason a classic part might cost more is the production runs are often smaller. Smaller production runs often increase the cost of a part dramatically. Again, finding parts that don't meet your standards does not mean "EVERYTHING went downhill from there". The same standards for quality apply. IMO since this is an E53 forum, your experiences don't necessarily apply to our X5s.

[nick325xit 5spd]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

This is the first time you have mentioned Classic parts as the issue. E53 parts, according to you, are not considered classic parts so it isn't applicable to the E53.

It is not unusual the new old parts are redesigns of the original part. Sometimes it is due to new technology, sourced from a new vendor or to keep the cost in line. One reason a classic part might cost more is the production runs are often smaller. Smaller production runs often increase the cost of a part dramatically. Again, finding parts that don't meet your standards does not mean "EVERYTHING went downhill from there". Regardless, the same standards for quality apply.

You've literally said in this thread that you doubt that BMW would redesign an old part. Now you're saying the exact opposite?

And Classic is VERY relevant to the E53. Why? Because the E53 is likely to end up in the Classic catalog within the next few years. Under the Mobile Tradition regime, BMW did a much better job of maintaining parts availability at original quality levels (or at least close). Under Mobile Tradition, I could trust that a part that came over the BMW counter was as likely to be decent as any other Genuine part. Under Classic, I can't.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by nick325xit 5spd

You've literally said in this thread that you doubt that BMW would redesign an old part. Now you're saying the exact opposite?

And Classic is VERY relevant to the E53. Why? Because the E53 is likely to end up in the Classic catalog within the next few years. Under the Mobile Tradition regime, BMW did a much better job of maintaining parts availability at original quality levels (or at least close). Under Mobile Tradition, I could trust that a part that came over the BMW counter was as likely to be decent as any other Genuine part. Under Classic, I can't.

No, I said MFGs don't redesign old parts. When volumes get low MFGs often put the part out for bid to several new potential vendors. They may require a quote as per original design or leave that open for vendor to determine what the design will be. MFGs will test sample parts to see if it meets their standards before they place an order.

We have gone from quality issues with all BMW parts, to specifically classic parts to speculation that the quality will decline when the E53 parts become classic parts. Nevertheless, I respect your opinion.

[nick325xit 5spd]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

No, I said MFGs don't redesign old parts. When volumes get low MFGs often put the part out for bid to several new potential vendors. They may require a quote as per original design or leave that open for vendor to determine what the design will be. MFGs will test sample parts to see if it meets their standards before they place an order.

That's factually incorrect. I'll give a positive example of the E30 heater valve, which was explicitly redesigned in house by BMW Classic. I'll admit that they did nice work on this one!

As for testing, well, who the hell tested the spark plug tool that couldn't fit in the S14 spark plug hole? They shipped it! It literally had one job!

We have gone from quality issues with all BMW parts, to specifically classic parts to speculation that the quality will decline when the E53 parts become classic parts. Nevertheless, I respect your opinion.

I can make a good argument that the average level of quality in newer BMWs is a lot lower. Just look at how well N20s/N54s/N55s are aging.

But it's a lot harder to make a statistical argument based on anecdata. I have hard evidence of BMW substituting low quality, or even completely unsuitable parts on the Classic side, and in a thread about the longevity of the E53, that is an absolute concern.

[Mr.Couch]

Couple things mentioned in here...

Realoem is dead in the water. It hasn't been updated after 2020 if I'm not mistaken. ETK is the only reliable, up to date, parts source which I have a dealer login for. I stopped using Realoem 2 years ago due to it's constant ads & issues with new model parts.

In regards to the E53 being relegated to BMW Classic. My opinion is they will keep producing parts like they currently are due to the high demand of parts needing availability. This is due to due the high number of these cars still on the road across the world. While it might be difficult to get specific unique parts, the common ones will be around for a long long time. The same applies to the E46 as well. Regardless, this back and forth about parts quality is going in circles. BMW OEM parts are still the highest quality parts you can buy for your BMW. There are excellent examples of OE or Aftermarket parts being produced & while they are cheaper and sometimes work just as good, you should always consider BMW OEM first when you want high quality.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by Mr.Couch

Couple things mentioned in here...

Realoem is dead in the water. It hasn't been updated after 2020 if I'm not mistaken. ETK is the only reliable, up to date, parts source which I have a dealer login for. I stopped using Realoem 2 years ago due to it's constant ads & issues with new model parts.

In regards to the E53 being relegated to BMW Classic. My opinion is they will keep producing parts like they currently are due to the high demand of parts needing availability. This is due to due the high number of these cars still on the road across the world. While it might be difficult to get specific unique parts, the

common ones will be around for a long long time. The same applies to the E46 as well. Regardless, this back and forth about parts quality is going in circles. BMW OEM parts are still the highest quality parts you can buy for your BMW. There are excellent examples of OE or Aftermarket parts being produced & while they are cheaper and sometimes work just as good, you should always consider BMW OEM first when you want high quality.

[carbob]

I've always used genuine BMW parts, may be the reason my repair costs may be higher than some. My experience has been that the quality is high and they fit as they are supposed to, and they support their warranty.
I agree that with so many vehicles made worldwide the typical parts should be available for quite some time. The real concern is those few critical parts, very unique, that if they fail there is a significant functional loss of the vehicle- such as DME, other computer parts or electronics. I don't have much experience with BMW Classic covering the "whole" catalogue of parts for a model, but if they do that would decrease my anxiety and allow me to keep it longer.

[X5only]

Originally Posted by Mr.Couch

I run one of the largest independent repairs shops on the east coast & spend 30+ thousand with BMW OEM, 18+ thousand with OE parts each month. I have not seen any specific decline in BMW OEM parts in the past 7 years at this facility. I can tell you this, with experience I know which aftermarket or OE parts to buy vs BMW OEM. Example, I have had multiple OE valve covers for M54 & N52 fail sub 1,000 miles since install & would only go with BMW OEM valve covers for any car that comes through our shop. This is just one example of hundreds but you get my point. In that same breath, for the GS7D36SG DCT transmission, URO & other OE transmission pans w/ gaskets are on par if not better than BMW OEM. I wouldn't expect most hobbyists to have the similar experience with this as someone who works at a repair facility but OE aftermarket parts should not be thrown to the side as lesser quality / value than BMW OEM.

Mr Couch, I think your above experience could be highly valued by a DIY-er . I'm curious, what's your take on OE suspension components relative to BMW OEM? How about the OE cooling system components? I maintain my family's four bimmers myself and we're soon adding a fifth one - my maintenance costs are nothing to sneeze at . Your input would be very valuable. Over the years I discovered Mahle Behr radiator to be as good as BMW OEM radiators, at least on the M52, N54 and N62 engines. I also tend to stay clear of OE electronic components but I'm wondering if I'm making a mistake here by making a swiping dismissal. One strategy I use to keep costs down is to leverage FCPEuro's lifetime replacement guarantee even if their prices tend to be on the higher side due to their business model.

[Mr.Couch]

Originally Posted by X5only

Mr Couch, I think your above experience could be highly valued by a DIY-er . I'm curious, what's your take on OE suspension components relative to BMW OEM? How about the OE cooling system components? I maintain my family's four bimmers myself and we're soon adding a fifth one - my maintenance costs are nothing to sneeze at . Your input would be very valuable. Over the years I discovered Mahle Behr radiator to be as good as BMW OEM radiators, at least on the M52, N54 and N62 engines. I also tend to stay clear of OE electronic components but I'm wondering if I'm making a mistake here by making a swiping dismissal. One strategy I use to keep costs down is to leverage FCPEuro's lifetime replacement guarantee even if their prices tend to be on the higher side due to their business model.

I would be happy to help. I'll answer here your question but to not cloud or misdirect the thread my email is [email protected].

In most cases, Lemforder, TRW, Corteco (in that order) are fantastic choices for OE suspension components across BMW models. All three of those companies provide their services to BMW OEM to build suspension components for them. While the standard of testing or QC of those companies isn't maybe the same standard as branded BMW OEM parts I can say it's not very far off.

In regards to cooling system components, depending on what parts you are replacing, Graf, Pierburg, Geba have high quality / BMW OEM supplied parts for lets say waterpumps & such. If speaking about hoses, I have very good experiences with Gates but usually stick to BMW OEM unless the price difference is outlandish. Expansion tanks, ALWAYS BMW OEM. Radiators, Behr, Mahle, or OEM as I've had a few QC issues with Nissens even though I believe they are a BMW OEM supplier for some models.

I usually run BMW OEM electronics. In regards to FCP Euro, we have an account with them but rarely use them. I understand the comfort level with their warranty on parts as a hobbyist but as a repair facility we don't use them often. I will say, FCP Euro has a fantastic wholesale department & sales team.

I always use OEM gaskets unless we are on a budget. For instance, I've used 4 different companies offerings for OFHG's as well as cooler gaskets & they ALL leak prematurely. BMW OEM QC crushes the competition when it comes to very small margin for error parts like a rubber gasket or seal.

Oil filters, Sometimes Mann, Mostly Mahle, Rarely OEM (Unless it's part of one of our larger services like crank hub or rod bearings or if requested.).


I hope this helps

EDIT: Sorry if I missed a company or two that make quality parts. There are so many out there and these stand out to me off the top of my head.
Notable mentions - URO, Textar, SHW, VNE, LUK, Continental, Dayco, Sachs, Bilstein, Hengst

[Henn28]

Clearly many, many parts are being made still for our E53s, and others are not. As of this past Wednesday I'm sporting a cool Trifecta of lights and have been researching causes and fixes. Thankfully there is lots of great info on this, and other sites. Much of what it could be is very much available new, but it doesn't seem that the DSC module and compressor are being manufactured any longer. I've managed to find a few in stock, but they are crazy money now.

it seems strange to me that so many parts on our cars have multiple manufacturers, but a few don't seem to be supported at all any longer. Fortunately, if I'm lucky enough it will be a wheel speed sensor, or steering angle sensor, both of are still made by several mfrs.

That said, it is a pretty standard Bosch DSC unit from that era and I wonder if I can get the same model from audi, porsche, etc. and flash it. Assuming someone still mfrs these things.