Anyone ever use an aftermarket parking brake switch?

[Jarhed1964]

My lever finally broke. Been expecting that. Looking online I see a bunch are at $35 or less, but found OEM for $58. Just wondering if anyone has tried the Chinese made switches?

BMW 61319148508

[ard]

Reading the OP, I was surprised to read there ARE actually chinese versions...

But I cant find any. Links?

(For $20 I wouldnt blink)

[Jarhed1964]

Originally Posted by ard

Reading the OP, I was surprised to read there ARE actually chinese versions...

But I cant find any. Links?

(For $20 I wouldnt blink)

Here are a couple. And I agree, $20 is no reason to go Chinese.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/61319148508...haucb7&vxp=mtr

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Parking-Bra...dZ~Itd&vxp=mtr

I'm curious if the Chinese plastic is anywhere as low quality as the BMW plastic. I'm fairly certain their electronics are garbage, which would be my biggest worry. Seems like the Chinese copycats are getting deeper and deeper into "fakery" when it comes to making replacement parts.

[Bimmer360]

I would go OEM. Is the price issue here? $58 is not expensive.

[Jarhed1964]

Originally Posted by Bimmer360

I would go OEM. Is the price issue here? $58 is not expensive.

No, just curiousity really. I was also surprised that the Chinese were making parts like that. Was just curious to see if anyone had used them.

[ard]

huh. Only on ebay.

Now we have to worry that fly by night 'companies' might counterfeit a BMW box and label- claim it is OE.

Big issue in MAF sensors....crap asian sensors, non-linear outputs, etc,etc...but come in a proper BMW or Bosch box. Even 'name brand' BMW parts vendors have been fooled.

Im guessing any defects in the BMW part have been faithfully copied by the chinese...although Ive put ~150k on two different X5s, havent broken one yet.

Limp wrist perhaps?

[boostedX5SAV]

The price difference isn't much to make me want to try the Chinese parts. I found a genuine one $48 with option for best offer if you want to save a little more than the $58 you found.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-OEM-E70...3/253524331642

[Jarhed1964]

Originally Posted by boostedX5SAV

The price difference isn't much to make me want to try the Chinese parts. I found a genuine one $48 with option for best offer if you want to save a little more than the $58 you found.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-OEM-E70...3/253524331642

Yeah, thats even better than the other OEM listings.

[Jarhed1964]

Originally Posted by ard

huh. Only on ebay.

Now we have to worry that fly by night 'companies' might counterfeit a BMW box and label- claim it is OE.

Big issue in MAF sensors....crap asian sensors, non-linear outputs, etc,etc...but come in a proper BMW or Bosch box. Even 'name brand' BMW parts vendors have been fooled.

Im guessing any defects in the BMW part have been faithfully copied by the chinese...although Ive put ~150k on two different X5s, havent broken one yet.

Limp wrist perhaps?

Well, not sure if your limp wristed or not.... "Not that there's anything WRONG with that! - Jerry Sienfeld.

I remember seeing MAF sensors from China when I had two E39's. Sold through an American brand name, but obviously made in China. I also remember Chinese made counterfeit MANN-Hummel oil filters finding their way into MANN packaging and ending up in Autozone, Advanced Auto, etc....

I'd like to know where the Chinese are getting the electronics, or did they just dismantle an OE one, study it, and copy it?

[giaka]

Be careful, those Chinese parts have chips in them that track your location, hack your bank accounts and your facebook profile. ;-)