Need help with genuine/aftermarket parts

[emin_shak]

Hey guys, My 2002 4.4 has to get its belt, steering pump and starter changed out because the ones i have right now have ware themselves out. Does anyone know any websites that sell good quality bmw parts in socal or any online links? that are cheep in price and reliable to depend on parts? Thanks alot guys

[absentmathis]

You'll probably get a different answer from everyone. Forum sponsors are usually a good starting point. ECS Tuning is highly recommended by many posters here and I've had good experiences with them. Furiousmethod.com is also a great tool, but you'll need part numbers from RealOEM.

[tmv]

^There's your answer. Get part# from realOEM, then put it into Furiousmethod.com - BMW Parts Price Comparison to find best price. You still have to decide on quality of the part by its manufacture.

Originally Posted by emin_shak

Hey guys, My 2002 4.4 has to get its belt, steering pump and starter changed out because the ones i have right now have ware themselves out. Does anyone know any websites that sell good quality bmw parts in socal or any online links? that are cheep () in price and reliable to depend on parts? Thanks alot guys

Pick one. You can't have both when it comes to bimmer parts, IMO.

[emin_shak]

Thanks alot guys.

[emin_shak]

Originally Posted by tmv

^There's your answer. Get part# from realOEM, then put it into Furiousmethod.com - BMW Parts Price Comparison to find best price. You still have to decide on quality of the part by its manufacture.



Pick one. You can't have both when it comes to bimmer parts, IMO.

Do you recommend saving some money and using after market parts like this ( Amazon.com: Continental 7PK1635 Accessory Drive Belt BMW E38 E39 X5 with 8cyl: Automotive) Or do you like to use oem? and will it make a difference in your opinion to use that belt for my engine belt? and this for my starter? Buy ToughOne Starter - Remanufactured 17200 at Advance Auto Parts

[X5SND]

Originally Posted by emin_shak

Do you recommend saving some money and using after market parts like this ( Amazon.com: Continental 7PK1635 Accessory Drive Belt BMW E38 E39 X5 with 8cyl: Automotive) Or do you like to use oem? and will it make a difference in your opinion to use that belt for my engine belt? and this for my starter? Buy ToughOne Starter - Remanufactured 17200 at Advance Auto Parts

Some have had issues with non oem belts squealing (despite the OEM belt being a rebranded conti). There's isn't much to be saved on belts as they are a relatively in expensive item to begin with. There should be 2 belts, one for the main drive (crank/water pump/alt etc.) and another for the a/c. IMO, go oem on both.

[emin_shak]

Originally Posted by X5SND

Some have had issues with non oem belts squealing (despite the OEM belt being a rebranded conti). There's isn't much to be saved on belts as they are a relatively in expensive item to begin with. There should be 2 belts, one for the main drive (crank/water pump/alt etc.) and another for the a/c. IMO, go oem on both.

can you send me a reliable site for both belts? if thats fine with you.

[X5SND]

My one stop shop...ECS!

[emin_shak]

Originally Posted by X5SND

My one stop shop...ECS!

my questions manly is, do you always buy OEM or do you sometimes try to get the cheeper after market items, Or is it a mix of both on the situation of the item you are trying to buy? like important items like the steering pump etc... alternator

[Ricky Bobby]

I always buy OEM parts, no matter the situation. As long as the OEM is a quality, respected brand anyways, it is usually cheaper than OE but on the same reliability standard so that is ok with me.

For example, suspension parts, brands like Lemfoerder, Febi, Meyle, are good, but there are cheap junk brands like Karlyn, Uro, and MTC.

Trust me, you'll know which are the truly junk brands, because if you compare a BMW part that is Genuine for 100 bucks, chances are the quality OEM part is 60 bucks, but the really cheap junk brands are like 20 bucks.