OEM branded parts exclusive for most?

[eksigned]

Herro,

Inquiring and asking random questions as I continue to search for my M3 (you guys weren't kidding - BMW Bellevue and Seattle SSSUUCCKKK!). Despite, I've noticed that the majority of you guys use OEM BMW exclusive parts. Out of curiosity, is there really a superior value, or benefit, that the majority are seeing, that I'm not? For example, saw a rant in one of the discussion threads about a gentleman complaining about a $500 BMW battery; I'd grab a lightweight Braille battery and call it good! Oil seems to be BMW oil exclusive as well. No Amsoil fans eh (assuming you're out of warranty - then again, if the car had been using BMW oil exclusively till the end of the maintenance warranty, I'd continue to use it for the remainder of its life).

Thanks,
Eric

[IFX]

It seems you're looking for an M3, but thinking about the upcoming costs.

I'll tell you right now, think about another car if you think you can slap non OEM stuff on this car.

Maintenance isn't even that bad on the m3, imho. I see no reason to skimp.

Of course you can buy aftermarket springs, shocks, or whatever for track use to actually "enhance" performance. But don't go thinking you can buy different oil, discount auto parts spark plugs.. you get the picture.

[LucWerkz]

I've always done a half and half thing when it comes to parts. Batteries, brake pads, bulbs, air filters have always been third party because they'r a lot cheaper than OEM. Oil filters and oil have always been OEM because it gives me peace of mind. In my experience third party parts haven't been bad to me at all and all my cars have lasted 100+ plus miles. Just don't go around trying to find 20 dollar brakes pads and 2 dollar quarts of oil and you'll be fine.

[DrSeuss99]

Stick with OEM parts. The M3 is not a cheap car so you can't expect the maintenance costs on it to be on par with a Honda. Quality matters a lot. Be prepared. Search and you'll find many online sites that sell OEM parts at fairly decent prices. DIY is key....if you can't find a good indy shop but you'll still be paying $$$

you gotta pay to play

[eksigned]

Originally Posted by IFX

It seems you're looking for an M3, but thinking about the upcoming costs.

I'll tell you right now, think about another car if you think you can slap non OEM stuff on this car.

Maintenance isn't even that bad on the m3, imho. I see no reason to skimp.

Of course you can buy aftermarket springs, shocks, or whatever for track use to actually "enhance" performance. But don't go thinking you can buy different oil, discount auto parts spark plugs.. you get the picture.

i think you may have misunderstood my impression. i don't mind paying to play; however, in my experience, aftermarket parts (i suppose i'm mainly considering oil) have always seemed to be "better." i'm not talking brake pads, etc. more mainly EA oil filters and such. i was just intrigued by this fad for OEM parts.

Originally Posted by DrSeuss99

Stick with OEM parts. The M3 is not a cheap car so you can't expect the maintenance costs on it to be on par with a Honda. Quality matters a lot. Be prepared. Search and you'll find many online sites that sell OEM parts at fairly decent prices. DIY is key....if you can't find a good indy shop but you'll still be paying $$$

you gotta pay to play

absolutely. i'm pretty handy with a wrench. diy's are the name of my game! working on my own cars has always been a must. again, not looking for "cheap oem replacements" but rather questioning this "need to have" mentality that some guys seem to have for OEM goods.

thanks for your input fellas!

[Z K]

The oil in the M3 is a rare synthetic 10w-60. You'll find very few oil companies make that oil. AMSoil, Mobil 1 and most mainstream brands do not make it. That's why most people stick to factory oil. Redline and Lubro Moly does make 10w-60 for the M cars as an alternative.

You'll find a lot of people stick to OEM not only because it is good and readily available but that there are few alternatives available. Maybe some companies will step up in the future with more parts and replacement parts.

[eksigned]

Originally Posted by Z K

The oil in the M3 is a rare synthetic 10w-60. You'll find very few oil companies make that oil. AMSoil, Mobil 1 and most mainstream brands do not make it. That's why most people stick to factory oil. Redline and Lubro Moly does make 10w-60 for the M cars as an alternative.

You'll find a lot of people stick to OEM not only because it is good and readily available but that there are few alternatives available. Maybe some companies will step up in the future with more parts and replacement parts.

exactly what i wanted to know. thanks Z K!

[nbennettksu]

Plan on visiting a shop (the dealer) when you put your non-OEM battery in there. Inccorect voltage will earn you: a trans light/ battery light/ airbag light

[THE TECH]

A Braille battery won't last in this car.

While I would normally agree with you on the aftermarket being better on some areas, this is not one of them.

[Lorde]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

A Braille battery won't last in this car.

While I would normally agree with you on the aftermarket being better on some areas, this is not one of them.

Seriously, OP wants to put a Braille battery... in a street car??

[DrSeuss99]

Everyone here recommends OE parts because it actually is higher quality than most aftermarket items. We don't like to throw away money if we don't have to....trust me, we're not dumb. In the end OE parts are a better "value". But again, find the best prices online otherwise you'll be paying too much.

www.thebmwpartstore.com

www.getbmwparts.com

www.bmwmercedesparts.com

[SirSpeedy]

The Mini battery has worked flawlessly for my application and costs about $150ish.

[ES_TRADER]

I use OEM parts on my 15yo M3. keep it original...like someone above said, "DIY is Key" for sure

[weaksauce]

Originally Posted by IFX

It seems you're looking for an M3, but thinking about the upcoming costs.

IMHO, no matter how wealthy you are, it's a good idea to consider maintenance when considering any purchase.

[///Montreal3]

Originally Posted by Snig

Seriously, OP wants to put a Braille battery... in a street car??

I'm sorry, I don't understand what you're getting at. I've been running a Braille LWB in my STi for many years and I've never had one issue with it, not even when starting her up every few weeks in the middle of Canadian winter. Never left me stranded or without power.

Could you expand on your comment?

[THE TECH]

Originally Posted by ///Montreal3

I'm sorry, I don't understand what you're getting at. I've been running a Braille LWB in my STi for many years and I've never had one issue with it, not even when starting her up every few weeks in the middle of Canadian winter. Never left me stranded or without power.

Could you expand on your comment?

People have tried the Braille batteries in the M before with less than optimal success.

[///Montreal3]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

People have tried the Braille batteries in the M before with less than optimal success.

Fair enough. I wouldn't know as I'm still using the OEM batt on my M.

I'm guessing the Braille just can't handle all the electronics (nav, sound system, etc) of the M3?

Disappointing to hear this.

[THE TECH]

Originally Posted by ///Montreal3

Fair enough. I wouldn't know as I'm still using the OEM batt on my M.

I'm guessing the Braille just can't handle all the electronics (nav, sound system, etc) of the M3?

Disappointing to hear this.

With how intensive the electronics are on this car and cars these days, you have to be careful with what you use.

[persian54]

Plus, the M3 has a lot more gizmos than a STI. So I can see why it would work on a STI and not a M3

Hell my OEM M3 battery is crap. it's already died on my several times. Thus, it can't hold a full charge anymore and the car is dead if I don't drive it for 2 weeks.
Sad

[oldmarco]

I would stick with OEM stuff for the important parts as others have stated. Saving money now may cost you more money in the future.

[e1000]

For me I always try to be objective about the parts I'm buying regardless of OEM or aftermarket. For example, TWS was developed in conjunction with M engine builders and is generally regarded as an excellent motor oil, and the only one recommended by BMW M for our engines. Pretty simple decision.

Generally speaking, I've found that parts on an M car are already engineered that much better than other cars. That's not to say there's no room for improvement, but the criteria to go aftermarket is just that much higher.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by ///Montreal3

Fair enough. I wouldn't know as I'm still using the OEM batt on my M.

I'm guessing the Braille just can't handle all the electronics (nav, sound system, etc) of the M3?

Disappointing to hear this.

It is not so much the battery load. The "intelligent" charging system in the M3 will have issues recharging that Braille battery.

My suggestion is to consult this forum before going aftermarket. There is a 99% chance that whatever you want to do has been already done at least once, and at least by one forum member, in the last 4 years or so here.