technical Recommended aftermarket parts and suppliers

[GravityLee]

I've been maintaining my 2010 Q7 3.0TDI for the past 7 years with a trusted mechanic and GW sourced parts. I haven't paid much attention to the part brands, since they were sourced by the mech, but I did see the usual GW fare (Meyle, Pagid, etc) Car does very low mileage, and with annual servicing it's been very reliable.

With my 2015 X6 I wanted to go the route of OEM parts, but I am reconsidering this since there is a high likelihood of emigration on short notice within the next 12-18 month period, and I don't particularly care for WBC getting the benefit at no price premium to me... Having said that, there are a number of maintenance items coming up in the next 5000km (mostly brake/suspension related for now, but will probably be others too as the car is on 112k km now), and I am looking for trusted suppliers and brands to go with.

I see that GW also stocks the parts (at great prices) but the brands they quoted me were not something I have heard of, which makes me wary.

Any opinions/recommendations when it comes to non-OEM suppliers and parts?

 

[that_guy_Ettiene]

You can also try Incomex. Used them extensively in the past with good customer care and pricing.
They also stock quality brands such as Meyle HD and Lemforder.

 

[NtandoN]

Agree with Imcomex. Also get quotes with BMW Midrand, you will be surprised that their prices are reasonable with Fanatics discounts.

 

[Benji]

My experience with BMW (maybe not so much anymore due to fanatics discount being discontinued) is that OEM prices generally are very reasonable compared to Chinese crap from GW...We unfortunately have fairly limited supply of OE parts and when they are available, the premium doesnt make sense compared to OEM

 

[GravityLee]

My experience with BMW (maybe not so much anymore due to fanatics discount being discontinued) is that OEM prices generally are very reasonable compared to Chinese crap from GW...We unfortunately have fairly limited supply of OE parts and when they are available, the premium doesnt make sense compared to OEM

Currently there is a significant delta between BMW pricing and the pricing I’ve been quoted by GW.

My question is whether the quality of BMW parts supplied by GW is different to the quality of VAG parts supplied by GW (which have generally served me very well).

 

[Benji]

Currently there is a significant delta between BMW pricing and the pricing I’ve been quoted by GW.

My question is whether the quality of BMW parts supplied by GW is different to the quality of VAG parts supplied by GW (which have generally served me very well).

I would say so. I will not fit Topran, Febi or similar in my car.

Ive had Topran suspension arms last less than 2000km on my E34

My view point is that you are driving a car worth upwards of 500k, why try save 3 or 4k on non-OE parts?

 

[GravityLee]

I would say so. I will not fit Topran, Febi or similar in my car.

Ive had Topran suspension arms last less than 2000km on my E34

My view point is that you are driving a car worth upwards of 500k, why try save 3 or 4k on non-OE parts?

I agree 100% with your viewpoint, in this particular case the reason why is because I won’t own the car long enough to realize the benefit. However not completely set on that approach which is why I’m asking for opinions and experiences - your comment on Topran parts is exactly what I was looking for.

 

[///Maniac]

GW does keep OE.suspension parts as well. I recently bought TRW control arms from them. They were exactly like what came out of the car except that the "BMW" logo was filed off. Also bought SACHS shocks from Imcomex. So between GW and Imcomex you can get the exact same quality parts as the dealer at better prices.















But I do agree regarding staying away from the other brands that they stock. So in a nutshell, always ask what brands they have available and if they are OE brands, then yay otherwise nay.

 

[Holiman]

Agree with Imcomex. Also get quotes with BMW Midrand, you will be surprised that their prices are reasonable with Fanatics discounts.

Apprerently this discount is no more. Sadly :-(

Sent from my SM-S906E using Tapatalk

 

[Benji]

GW does keep OE.suspension parts as well. I recently bought TRW control arms from them. They were exactly like what came out of the car except that the "BMW" logo was filed off. Also bought SACHS shocks from Imcomex. So between GW and Imcomex you can get the exact same quality parts as the dealer at better prices.















But I do agree regarding staying away from the other brands that they stock. So in a nutshell, always ask what brands they have available and if they are OE brands, then yay otherwise nay.

I did not know that TRW was an OE brand, thank you Do you know which cars they are OE for? I know for E39 it is Lemforder

 

[///Maniac]

I did not know that TRW was an OE brand, thank you  Do you know which cars they are OE for? I know for E39 it is Lemforder

I did not know that TRW was an OE brand, thank you Do you know which cars they are OE for? I know for E39 it is Lemforder

TRW is one of the ZF brands. The others being Lemforder and Sachs. I'm not sure exactly which other brands they are OE for but im pretty sure most of the german brands use them and probably some of the asian manufacturers also.

TRW arms are fitted on the F2x and F3x. Probably other F-series as well but I'm not sure.