OEM vs aftermarket parts?

cojomo2

need a wheel bearing for a cooper s - is it advisable to go with oem parts only? Can get 'oem quality' after market ones on ebay starting at about a third of the price..should I stay away from aftermarket ones?

Its hit and miss with ebay bearings,
If I was buying some again I recon I'd go oem

cojomo2

urbanledge wrote: »

Its hit and miss with ebay bearings,
If I was buying some again I recon I'd go oem

cheers. was on micks garage there.. they offer 3 brands , SNR, QH and Blue Print, ranging from 111 euro to 278euro.. but none of these are OEM, are they? Then ebay ones start at about 50 euro.. Sorry, I'm new enough to this..

so should I stay away from the ones on micks garage too?Wheres best to get oem parts at the best price?thanks

The only way is to find out the hard way,
I bought some steering bearings for my bake off ebay recently and when I went to fit the dust overs were different and I had to reuse an old one,
Dont think I'd ebay them again.

Buy cheap buy twice.At least you might have a comeback off micksgarage if it craps out in 6 months

Green Diesel

Also check your local motor factors for a price. Mine is consistently cheaper than micks garage.

cojomo2

Green Diesel wrote: »

Also check your local motor factors for a price. Mine is consistently cheaper than micks garage.

ok will do- but when asking do I specify that I want an oem part, or is there just a certain brand I should ask for? thanks

wildefalcon

Take the old bearing into a bearing supply company, they'll sort you out with cheaper and better - good brands are "timken" SKF, Toyo/NTN.

A good old school motor factor is also great - I'd recommend Bradshaws in Portlaoise, from experience.

You could also try some of the mini specialists on the net - again, go for the good brands and you'll be fine.

djimi

Ive been told that a lot of those Blueprint parts are actually OEM but just not badged as such (by a parts manager from a main dealer). Not sure how true that is but Ive used them in the past and had no problems.

Personally I wouldnt buy any parts from eBay. Wouldnt have a problem with Micks Garage but as has been said shop around.

Gurgle

I'd think it matters less who made the bearing than who's putting it in.

djimi

I just saw that youre in Naas; check out Bradshaws in Newbridge as Ive bought from them before and have gotten decent prices.

Also if your car is under warranty its worth checking what parts you can and cannot use; some warranties specify that OEM parts must be used or the warranty is deemed to be invalid.

Technoprisoner

wildefalcon wrote: »

Take the old bearing into a bearing supply company, they'll sort you out with cheaper and better - good brands are "timken" SKF, Toyo/NTN.

A good old school motor factor is also great - I'd recommend Bradshaws in Portlaoise, from experience.

You could also try some of the mini specialists on the net - again, go for the good brands and you'll be fine.

idont think a bearing company will be able to help in this case. From what i remember on the mini the bearing is a complete hub with abs unit....im not 100% on that but this is why it is so exspensive.

cojomo2

Technoprisoner wrote: »

idont think a bearing company will be able to help in this case. From what i remember on the mini the bearing is a complete hub with abs unit....im not 100% on that but this is why it is so exspensive.

that is correct.

well, I rang tallaght auto parts and they quoted me 100 all in on a QH (Quinton Hazell) part..exact same part is 121 on micks garage- that price is including a 20% discount, ending this month- usually 152 euro

This brand have a good rep? The guy says it was every bit as good as oem, but no surprise there!

msg11

Blueprint stuff is excellent..

cojomo2

msg11 wrote: »

Blueprint stuff is excellent..

it would want to be, close to 300(micks garage) for a front bearing- can't afford it...know anything about QH?

msg11

cojomo2 wrote: »

it would want to be, close to 300(micks garage) for a front bearing- can't afford it...know anything about QH?

Have you tried e-mailing camskill ?

enquiries@camskill.co.uk ..

They are good for part sources, they do blue print stuff only it would be cheaper.

As they say, buy cheap buy twice and all that.

Technoprisoner

give gsf car parts a try..they specialize in parts for bmw

Neilw

If you want part numbers and diagrams this site is good.
http://mini.sewellparts.com/accessories-catalog/JCW/R53-2005.html

Real oem site will also give part numbers.

richardsheil

QH are fine. Buy the one you have been offered.

Green Diesel

I'd recommend Matt Reillys in Lucan

Sounds like a decent price in Tallaght.

Damien360

djimi wrote: »

I just saw that youre in Naas; check out Bradshaws in Newbridge as Ive bought from them before and have gotten decent prices.

.

+1 on that.

He is very good. Easy to find. Turn left at main bridge in town from Naas side. When you come to next junction go straight on and he is on your left at that junction.