[helloelectro]

Just wondering if this is a good deal for Texas area? This is with OEM parts.

[khj24]

Originally Posted by helloelectro

Just wondering if this is a good deal for Texas area? This is with OEM parts.

I think it would be around $700 for the parts(genuine BMW, both sides), and very minimal labor for RWD, factor in $200 for an alignment and with 200/hr labor I think it makes sense, but this is one of those jobs that if you have an impact and some jack stands could be done for less than half the cost if you go OEM rather than genuine BMW.

Control Arms are about 60-80ea on Rockauto depending on the brand, FCP Euro has a tension strut kit for both sides at $145. How many miles are you at? This seems crazy early for a 2018 going by your sig.

[helloelectro]

Originally Posted by khj24

I think it would be around $700 for the parts(genuine BMW, both sides), and very minimal labor for RWD, factor in $200 for an alignment and with 200/hr labor I think it makes sense, but this is one of those jobs that if you have an impact and some jack stands could be done for less than half the cost if you go OEM rather than genuine BMW.

Control Arms are about 60-80ea on Rockauto depending on the brand, FCP Euro has a tension strut kit for both sides at $145. How many miles are you at? This seems crazy early for a 2018 going by your sig.

I'm doing the M3 LCA upgrade so it's for the performance perk. I'm only at 17k miles.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by helloelectro

I'm doing the M3 LCA upgrade so it's for the performance perk. I'm only at 17k miles.

If this is for daily enjoyment and not tracking, you don't need the thrust arms. I did this mod several years ago with just the LCAs. Slight change of position of wheel/tire in opening, but of no significance. Check out the kit on Turner Motorsports.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by khj24

... if you go OEM rather than genuine BMW.

Unless some aftermarket company has somehow co-opted the BMW name, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) means the same as "Genuine BMW". By definition, the entire car is made from OEM parts, many of which BMW oursourced to their supply base.

[MLJR235]

I think what KHJ24 is getting at is something like what FCP Euro offers on their site....
They list the Geniun BMW part which will be stamped with BMW logo. They also offer the "OEM" Part from the company that supplied said parts but will NOT have the BMW logo. I can't see any reason the parts would differ if they are indeed the OEM fabricator and supplier of said parts, right?

This is per FCP site regarding "M3 lower control arm" search;

BMW 2-Piece Control Arm Kit (1M M3) - 31102283577/78
1 Series M, M3
*Genuine BMW
$356.98+

OE
BMW 2-Piece Control Arm Kit - 3110228357778
1 Series M, M3
*TRW
$136.32+

[helloelectro]

Appreciate the links!

I plan to track eventually and do some auto cross.

I don't want to do it at home because I've heard the alignment is so off after doing it you can't reasonably drive it to a shop for the alignment. I don't mind paying the extra to have it done.

[khj24]

Originally Posted by LMLLOPEZ

I think what KHJ24 is getting at is something like what FCP Euro offers on their site....
They list the Geniun BMW part which will be stamped with BMW logo. They also offer the "OEM" Part from the company that supplied said parts but will NOT have the BMW logo. I can't see any reason the parts would differ if they are indeed the OEM fabricator and supplier of said parts, right?

This is per FCP site regarding "M3 lower control arm" search;

BMW 2-Piece Control Arm Kit (1M M3) - 31102283577/78
1 Series M, M3
*Genuine BMW
$356.98+

OE
BMW 2-Piece Control Arm Kit - 3110228357778
1 Series M, M3
*TRW
$136.32+

Yea, that's what I'm getting at...

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by LMLLOPEZ

I think what KHJ24 is getting at is something like what FCP Euro offers on their site....
They list the Geniun BMW part which will be stamped with BMW logo. They also offer the "OEM" Part from the company that supplied said parts but will NOT have the BMW logo. I can't see any reason the parts would differ if they are indeed the OEM fabricator and supplier of said parts, right?

This is per FCP site regarding "M3 lower control arm" search;

BMW 2-Piece Control Arm Kit (1M M3) - 31102283577/78
1 Series M, M3
*Genuine BMW
$356.98+

OE
BMW 2-Piece Control Arm Kit - 3110228357778
1 Series M, M3
*TRW
$136.32+

I consider that a misuse of the term OEM. How do we know that the metallurgy of the part is the same? How do we know that the cycle time for molding is the same? The heat treating, etc? BMW has a standard that the supplier must follow. Freed of that, the supplier could sell a non-BMW branded part that might just be dimensionally similar, but with whatever cost reductions they wish, under their own brand name.

That doesn't mean there is necessariliy any difference or any problem. It also doesn't mean you can be certain of meeting/matching BMW specs, if that is important to you. And, for that, you do pay more. Your choice, of course!

Here is the kit I used:

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-5...m-upgrade-kit/

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by helloelectro

Appreciate the links!

I plan to track eventually and do some auto cross.

I don't want to do it at home because I've heard the alignment is so off after doing it you can't reasonably drive it to a shop for the alignment. I don't mind paying the extra to have it done.

The only difference in the alignment was +1 degree of negative camber. All else is to factory specs.

It's a great mod, by the way...best single thing I've done to enhance the driving enjoyment.

[MLJR235]

Just to be clear, I am not advocating nor promoting one over the other. I was merely trying to point out where I have seen the different terms used. I do admit the use of the term "OE" is a bit misleading but they do offer and specifically sell Gen BMW parts as well.
I suppose we won't know the true difference between them unless the supplier were to give some sort of explanation, doubt it....

Me personally, any suspension bit, I would recommend using Gen BMW. I know there are tight specs/requirements to be met and for all we know the "non-stamped" OE parts are second-grade batches that weren't quite up to par? Anyway, the info is out there, we can all make educated decisions for the better or worse lol.