Hand brake actuator non genuine

[martin33100]

Hi, our E70 hand brake actuator has occasionally played up over the last 6 years, I think it was about 2-3 years ago I had it off last but it’s played up again today.
I know a new unit from the dealer is expensive but I see now a few people on eBay and Amazon are doing a non genuine part for around £250-£300.
I was wondering if anyone has had any success with these other ones?.

Thanks in advance.

[andrewwynn]

I have seen posts of success using the knock off.

I have a rule of only oem for "mission critical" engine operation but I will use knock off for crazy expensive OEM where I can find a much better price with high star reviews. Eg. My aux fan was like $450 OEM and $135 knock off. So far so good.

[martin33100]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

I have seen posts of success using the knock off.

I have a rule of only oem for "mission critical" engine operation but I will use knock off for crazy expensive OEM where I can find a much better price with high star reviews. Eg. My aux fan was like $450 OEM and $135 knock off. So far so good.

We plan to get the newer shape X5 or X3 so if I can get away with non genuine I will try.
In the past I have bought some non genuine bits for VW’s and BMW’s but you could tell they came from the same factory as it was the same parts manufacturers but with either the VW or BMW logo removed.

I changed the fuel pump recently on my VW, exact same Pierberg pump but with no BMW logo or part no., you could even see where it had been removed.

[andrewwynn]

That is OEM (vs. genuine or OE) and that's acceptable for mission critical just not copycat parts.

[byaru1]

Originally Posted by martin33100

We plan to get the newer shape X5 or X3 so if I can get away with non genuine I will try.

In the past I have bought some non genuine bits for VW’s and BMW’s but you could tell they came from the same factory as it was the same parts manufacturers but with either the VW or BMW logo removed.



I changed the fuel pump recently on my VW, exact same Pierberg pump but with no BMW logo or part no., you could even see where it had been removed.

I got a knock-off park brake actuator for the E70 3.0si from eBay, about 350usd. It did not last a year. Well that's my experience with the knock off, FYI.

All the knock off suspension parts I got also never lasted long.

[andrewwynn]

Concur on suspension. OEM is good though FCP = good prices.