Weathertech vs. BMW OEM Floorliners

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by z2g

From that picture of the BMW liners, the medial wall/side only goes up as high as regular all-weather mats. I wonder if the WT liners for the X5 are similar.

The picture on the Weathertech website shows higher sidewalls to the liners than the BMW OEM ones:

WeatherTech Automotive Accessories - FloorLiner? DigitalFit ® - 2010 BMW X5 - WeatherTech FloorLiner - car floor mats liner, floor tray protects and lines the floor of truck and SUV carpeting from mud, snow, water and dirt

(To get the pictures #1 and #2 I am referring to, you need to select "1st Row" under the "select an item" pull-down menu)

Note that picture #2 with the higher sidewalls is labeled "BMW X5," while picture #1 with the lower sidewalls is labeled "Representative Fit." From the pictures I have seen, it seems like Weathertech went for more protection, but perhaps poorer appearance, while BMW went for the appearance by having the sidewalls lower. It certainly looks like BMW is sourcing their OEM liners from Weathertech (they have in the past); however, they probably insist as part of the contract that the ones Weathertech sells under their own name be somewhat different.

[LPMM]

I'd be very surprised if they do not come from the same source. They look identical except for the stick/glue on logo. Here is a pic of the E53 version and the side does come up relatively high. I think on the other pics it may appear lower due to the angle.