Lemforder Parts Fail
 

My impression from what I was told is that, the newer parts are not the same quality as the older parts. I would assume this is most likely due to a change in the manufacturer.


E53 RiPPeR
XOuTPoST jUNkiE
ReVELaTiON 22:21

That's unfortunately true. For example you might get the same part as older stock Made in Germany or newer stock Made in China.

Are we to the point where we have to buy genuine BMW suspension parts to get decent quality? I'll warranty these through FCP, but none of the other aftermarket parts available are likely to be any better. I've had "meh" success with using Meyle years ago. I've never tried any Delphi suspension parts, but I've never run across anyone online raving about them being good. I'll probably just keep warrantying Lemforders through FCP, I guess.

AM.

Before you go and exchange parts. What about play on the bushing and the balljoint? Are they still firm? Cause if it’s only the cover of the balljoint then we can just exchange that for something else!
Could be really valuable info :)

That's a good thought. Much easier to just push on a new boot if you can source one

You're making a big assumption that Genuine BMW is going to be better. BMW may have some back stock of higher quality older parts that lasts longer than the third party supply chain, but when that runs out, they'll frequently just buy aftermarket quality "good enough" parts and slap the Genuine BMW sticker on them.

For esoteric parts, that back stock can go a long time. I bought an E30 M3 gauge a few years ago that had three decades of updated parts stickers on it. Yes, it was "Made in West Germany."

For common parts, though, like major gaskets and suspension items, that inventory doesn't last long at all. Which is why you'll see things like "Genuine BMW Victor Reinz" where they literally have slapped their label on trash.

Eh. I keep a stock of boots from https://www.balljointboots.co.uk

It's handy to keep them around, and when it comes to more rare or expensive balljoints, they've really saved my ass. But I'll always prefer to replace the whole thing if it's not expensive.

All manufacturing has declined in quality since Covid hit. The whole supply chain is garbage. Probably from lack of quality workers.

It hasn't helped, but the parts quality decline started long before COVID.

I had some OEM lower control arms. NOS hilariously 2009 dated.

The rubber failed in short order. We aint winning anymore. :(

Despite my FCP warranty, Lemforder is a shat show, but hey, not my money for the last 50k miles.