I am relatively new to the BMW world and a strong believer in preventative maintenance. I have a 2004 525i with 55k miles. Due to the age of the vehicle I think its time for some cooling system preventative maintenance (water pump, expansion tank and hoses). On my Honda and Toyota I have found that the OEM parts seem to fit better and last longer, you get what you pay for! Now, with BMW, I am finding vendors that claim their parts come directly from the same manufacturer that makes the BMW part which suggests they are the identical part without the BMW stamp. So, my question, what has been the collective experience with replacement parts for your BMWs?

 

It is difficult to say for it depends so many factor.But regularly car care is need.If you still worried about,you can got a BMW Scanner V2.20 K+DCAN just like me,then you can diagnostic you car any time.

 

That tool above is junk and is just solicitation. You're asking about parts so we'll talk parts. It depends on what kind of part you're talking about. There are many manufacturers that do produce OEM parts like Bosch, Mann, Castrol, Pentosin, etc. many can add to the list but it's best to stick around the forum and ask certain questions from those that have experience with certain parts. OEM is not always better. For example the OEM plugs that come in a lot of BMW are bosch and are single prong maybe even dual...but they also sell 4 prong and I would recommend those. I have an 04 530 with 127k mi. on the clock, there is no difference in the 525 and 530 except for the intake manifold, adjuster and software. Your car shouldn't need much maintenance at all except at around 75K mi or if something comes up