 items. Several mechanics advised me to fit only genuine BMW parts to ensure the fault lights don't keep coming on. What should I do? – CM Dear CN, Normally, I'd say there shouldn't be an issue with using non-genuine parts, especially in a car of this age. However, there are a couple of caveats and it's these to which the mechanics may be referring. Firstly, it pays to be cautious when buying parts purporting to be OEM from the internet. Unless when they arrive they're stamped with BMW logos (not all original parts are), there's no telling where they've come from, even if the packaging appears genuine (unscrupulous sellers will see no harm in putting non-genuine parts into a box with a BMW logo, or even sticking one on). Secondly, many cars – including BMWs – can be sensitive to non-genuine sensors; if the electrical signal sent to the control unit (ECU) isn't quite right, or the connections aren't perfect, the ABS light could indeed flash from time to time, or even stay on permanently. Even if it doesn't, a poorly made sensor won't have the service life of a good-quality item, and will probably fail relatively quickly, making it something of a false economy. With all that in mind, I'd avoid the unbranded parts at well-known auction sites, as well as the cut-price sensors purporting to be OEM, and instead look for good-quality non-genuine sensors available through well-regarded motor factors such as Euro Car Parts and GSF. In fact, I have a feeling the X3's OEM sensors were originally produced for BMW by Bosch and, if that is the case, a Bosch sensor should be identical to one you'd get from BMW. These parts won't be quite as affordable as online cheapies, but you should still be paying far less than){kind=link}
Our reader wants to know which cheap motor will cause the fewest problems. Our expert weighs in
My 2005 BMW X3 needs two new ABS anti-lock wheel sensors – one front, one rear. A BMW dealer quoted £114 and £109 respectively for the parts alone, but online I’ve found wheel sensors for a fifth of that price, including original equipment manufacturer (OEM) items.
Several mechanics advised me to fit only genuine BMW parts to ensure the fault lights don’t keep coming on. What should I do?
– CM
Normally, I’d say there shouldn’t be an issue with using non-genuine parts, especially in a car of this age. However, there are a couple of caveats and it’s these to which the mechanics may be referring.