Febi Bilstein parts any good?

sean1141

As above.. Are they any good or best avoided? Looking at drop links from them

maceocc2

They're good, The Bilstein brand in general is pretty good. Febi are their OEM standard replacement parts.

Neilw

I was told never to use febi as they were cr@p and didn't last long.

Matt Simis

Neilw wrote: »

I was told never to use febi as they were cr@p and didn't last long.

Who told you that!? Febi/Bilstein are effectively the de-facto benchmark for parts. They supply many OEM original parts.

Now there are claims that some Febi stuff in certain regions (ie the US) are sometimes produced to a lower quality than the brand standard, claims I would tend to put some faith in. But in general terms, all cars, all parts, this is as good as it gets for mass produced pattern parts.


Did your source give a tip to what a good brand is in their opinion?

sean1141

Seen them on micksgarage. They are under half the price of genuine ones. I had heard of bilstein before somewhere but cant remember where.

George Dalton

Matt Simis wrote: »

Who told you that!? Febi/Bilstein are effectively the de-facto benchmark for parts. They supply many OEM original parts.

Now there are claims that some Febi stuff in certain regions (ie the US) are sometimes produced to a lower quality than the brand standard, claims I would tend to put some faith in. But in general terms, all cars, all parts, this is as good as it gets for mass produced pattern parts.


Did your source give a tip to what a good brand is in their opinion?

I have used lots of their parts and I don't rate them. In particular their rubber bushes don't seem to last at all.

I would rate TRW and Lemforder higher than Febi. As an example if you compare a BMW suspension arm made by Febi to a TRW or Lemforder part it is clear that the Febi part is not at the same standard as the others.

When it comes to anti roll bar links nothing lasts like OE parts. I know that is not a popular view among lots of members on here but that is my experience and I have tried every aftermarket brand out there.

Neilw

Matt Simis wrote: »

Who told you that!?

George Dalton wrote: »

I have used lots of their parts and I don't rate them. In particular their rubber bushes don't seem to last at all.

I would rate TRW and Lemforder higher than Febi. As an example if you compare a BMW suspension arm made by Febi to a TRW or Lemforder part it is clear that the Febi part is not at the same standard as the others.

When it comes to anti roll bar links nothing lasts like OE parts. I know that is not a popular view among lots of members on here but that is my experience and I have tried every aftermarket brand out there.

^^He told me

mickdw

Ha ha Classic!

Who are good for audi control arms etc? Ive not had to replace anything yet suspension wise after 5 years and 75k miles but no doubt something will crop up soon.

sean1141

mickdw wrote: »

Ha ha Classic!

Who are good for audi control arms etc? Ive not had to replace anything yet suspension wise after 5 years and 75k miles but no doubt something will crop up soon.

A mate was recently doing work on an A6 2.7tdi. He had to replace two drop links as part of it. Local motorfactor was pricing them at near 90 each retail and audi were 55..

bmstuff

sean1141 wrote: »

A mate was recently doing work on an A6 2.7tdi. He had to replace two drop links as part of it. Local motorfactor was pricing them at near 90 each retail and audi were 55..

55 euros for control arms from Audi?
No way

sean1141

sean1141 wrote: »

A mate was recently doing work on an A6 2.7tdi. He had to replace two drop links as part of it. Local motorfactor was pricing them at near 90 each retail and audi were 55..

bmstuff wrote: »

55 euros for control arms from Audi?
No way

:P:cool:

tossy

bmstuff wrote: »

55 euros for control arms from Audi?
No way

He says drop links you think control arms

Matt Simis

George Dalton wrote: »

I have used lots of their parts and I don't rate them. In particular their rubber bushes don't seem to last at all.

I would rate TRW and Lemforder higher than Febi. As an example if you compare a BMW suspension arm made by Febi to a TRW or Lemforder part it is clear that the Febi part is not at the same standard as the others.

While Im surprised you rate TRW so highly, I absolutely agree on Lemforder. My point being though, Febi Bilstein are the "standard" for parts. That doesnt make them the best part. But to say they are "crap" would be (IMO) woefully ignorant of the fact the majority of no-name to semi no-name parts (ie mostly whats on offer) are undoubtedly vastly inferior quality to Febi.

sean1141

What about Delphi parts?? This is what my local crowd supply

bmstuff

tossy wrote: »

He says drop links you think control arms

Sorry I was forced out of my bed way too early today

mickdw

sean1141 wrote: »

A mate was recently doing work on an A6 2.7tdi. He had to replace two drop links as part of it. Local motorfactor was pricing them at near 90 each retail and audi were 55..

To be fair to audi, alot of parts appear to have dropped massively in price over the last while.

sean1141

He also got sub frame bushings. Priced two main dealers. One was 5euro dearer than the other per bushing!!!

OldmanMondeo

Febi buy most of their parts in and make little or nothing. As George says TRW or Lemforder would be the best. TRW would be a bit cheaper than Lemforder.

The Pontiac

How about Bilstein B8 dampers? Have 4 ready to go on my car.

Did a lot of research and not sure what better brand I could have bought. Also got Eibach springs.

George Dalton

sean1141 wrote: »

What about Delphi parts?? This is what my local crowd supply

Complete and utter sh1te!

George Dalton

Matt Simis wrote: »

While Im surprised you rate TRW so highly, I absolutely agree on Lemforder. My point being though, Febi Bilstein are the "standard" for parts. That doesnt make them the best part. But to say they are "crap" would be (IMO) woefully ignorant of the fact the majority of no-name to semi no-name parts (ie mostly whats on offer) are undoubtedly vastly inferior quality to Febi.

I absolutely agree with you. Febi stuff is not bad. It is superior to the other assorted scrap that many factors sell. It is just not on the same level as the TRW or Lemforder stuff in my experience.

Matt Simis

George Dalton wrote: »

I absolutely agree with you. Febi stuff is not bad. It is superior to the other assorted scrap that many factors sell. It is just not on the same level as the TRW or Lemforder stuff in my experience.

Ill move TRW up a notch mentally then.. Ive never had a bad experience with them, but for some reason placed them as middle of the road (prolly as they arent priced badly either). Lemforder I find usually priced at near OEM prices, so you expect the quality.

Hal1

I've febi engine and gearbox mounts on my car . I don't fancy changing them twice...

sean1141

So lemfordor is the best I will get?

The Pontiac

What are FAG parts like?

Need a wheel hub/bearing kit for my car. Prices vary a lot, but from what I gather FAG were OEM for my car. Don't want to but a crap brand on, as I heard of people having trouble with the abs sensor.

The Pontiac

Any of these brands good?

enumbers

have had only one fag bearing fail in 3 years would consider them pretty good

Technoprisoner

The Pontiac wrote: »

What are FAG parts like?

Need a wheel hub/bearing kit for my car. Prices vary a lot, but from what I gather FAG were OEM for my car. Don't want to but a crap brand on, as I heard of people having trouble with the abs sensor.

you will find that most bearing kits and even in some bearings in timing belt kits are made by koyo. If i remember correctly this is the case for fag. You should have no problem with a fag wheel bearing

TRW and lemforder are o.e suppliers to most manufacturers..... but sometimes even these fail.... but in general the quality is far superior to the rest. the only problem is the price, and most people dont want to spend on a quality part.

Technoprisoner

The Pontiac wrote: »

Any of these brands good?

what brands?

turbostan

Febi parts are very highly rated within the car parts business mainly because they are an OE supplier for many premium car brands, esp German cars.
There's a good chance that if you buy Febi replacement parts for say a BMW or a VW that you'll be getting the original parts without the original wrapper/box.
Same goes for TRW (Lucas) as mentioned earlier.
Personally I would also consider MOOG to be on the upper end of the quality spectrum, whereas the likes of Firstline or Delphi would be on the lower end..

Technoprisoner

turbostan wrote: »

Febi parts are very highly rated within the car parts business mainly because they are an OE supplier for many premium car brands, esp German cars.
There's a good chance that if you buy Febi replacement parts for say a BMW or a VW that you'll be getting the original parts without the original wrapper/box.
Same goes for TRW (Lucas) as mentioned earlier.
Personally I would also consider MOOG to be on the upper end of the quality spectrum, whereas the likes of Firstline or Delphi would be on the lower end..

are you sure ?....i dont think febi are o.e suppliers.... where as most suspension parts are either Lemforder or TRW in a lot of cars out there

turbostan

Technoprisoner wrote: »

are you sure ?....i dont think febi are o.e suppliers.... where as most suspension parts are either Lemforder or TRW in a lot of cars out there

I have definitely seen OE bushes from Mercs and VW with the OE number printed on them and also carrying the Febi part number

Technoprisoner

turbostan wrote: »

I have definitely seen OE bushes from Mercs and VW with the OE number printed on them and also carrying the Febi part number

the part itself or on the box? most suspension parts that are produced by TRW and Lemforder aren't allowed to have the oe part number on them ...and that is why you usually see a mark on the part where they got a grinder to the part number to take it off. I remember a few years ago a big recall of bmw parts because they left the factory and onto our shelves with the bmw badge and part number on them.

turbostan

Technoprisoner wrote: »

the part itself or on the box? most suspension parts that are produced by TRW and Lemforder aren't allowed to have the oe part number on them ...and that is why you usually see a mark on the part where they got a grinder to the part number to take it off. I remember a few years ago a big recall of bmw parts because they left the factory and onto our shelves with the bmw badge and part number on them.

eh, good question, though I thought it was on the actual part, you have me thinking now!!
I've seen parts with the numbers grinded off alrite surely, wasn't always sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing because I sometimes suspected that it was an inferior part that was tryin to be disguised as a better one, but maybe I ws just being overly suspicious.

Technoprisoner

turbostan wrote: »

eh, good question, though I thought it was on the actual part, you have me thinking now!!
I've seen parts with the numbers grinded off alrite surely, wasn't always sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing because I sometimes suspected that it was an inferior part that was tryin to be disguised as a better one, but maybe I ws just being overly suspicious.

no....usually it is ground off for trademark reasons. Next time you get a lemforder or trw part check.. or even sometimes you see it on siemens vdo and bosch air mass meters.

corcaigh1

sean1141 wrote: »

As above.. Are they any good or best avoided? Looking at drop links from them

I have fitted a set of febi bilstein (€16 each) drop links to my 07 caddy and already one of them is knocking with only 2 miles on them. I should have known better not to use cheap shi*e..grrr! :mad:

rex-x

Febi are certainly not up to OEM standards, liking Miele suspension products at the moment, great quality and an unbeatable 3 year warranty even on trade.

CJhaughey

Febi Bilstein have bought a lot of part companies, I see their name on lots of different stuff now, Blueprint for one.
I too am liking the Meyle HD range of droplinks, heavy duty heads that are about a 1/3 bigger than the previous stuff (that had Febi bilstein on the packet) They are strongly made items and not badly priced.
I got a set from micks for reasonable money.

Chimaera

I tried Meyle HD control arms on my Passat a few years ago: ended up getting a refund under the warranty. The balljoints were total crap: made from cheese instead of metal. I had rattles from 2 or 3 balljoints within a few thousand km of fitting them and after 20000 km most of them were done. The rubber bushings seemed to be ok, so maybe if you're getting parts that don't have balljoints they might do, but I won't be making that mistake again.

George Dalton

I agree. That Meyle stuff is pure sh1te.

JohnBoy26

Some blueprint stuff(Not all) are original oem parts, just in a blueprint box and for usually less money than the exact same part in the car manufacturer's box from the main dealer.

rex-x

accident

rex-x

Strange, I have fitted hundreds of Meyle parts and never has a single one back for issues, its all I use now when possible as it has proved to be the most reliable for me from all the aftermarket manufacturers, even comparing side by side they are so much more beefy and quality feeling than Febi or even TRW

quadrifoglio verde

Are meyle had the same as meyle?

I've only heard good things with regards to meyle hd droplinks on alfas....and they give 4 year warranty on them.

George Dalton

The warranty isn't really worth much when it doesn't cover labour and only involves throwing you out another example of the same sh1t part across the counter, thereby just kicking the can down the road another short while.

We get guys in regularly trying to sell us various brands of parts. They always trot out the old 2/3/4 year warranty spiel. I tell them to come back to me when the warranty will cover my labour charge as well as the part itself. They never come back....

CJhaughey

I can't speak for their control arms but I do think the Meyle droplinks are good strong items IMHO.

pred racer

If you have an Alfa159 don't buy Febi upper control arms;)
Lasted less than 2 weeks on mine before they started knocking again.
The GSF part (dunno who makes them) lasted less than 10k km.

Rowley Birkin QC

Which way did you end up going OP?

Also in need of replacing this wishbone. I can get Febi with bushing for €175 today or Lemforder with bushing for a bit more but I'll have to wait until the middle of the week.

Rowley Birkin QC

Ended up buying OE directly from BMW. They're doing a value-line of 2x OE wishbones & bushings for €248 ex VAT.

liptonvillage

George Dalton wrote: »

I have used lots of their parts and I don't rate them. In particular their rubber bushes don't seem to last at all.

I would rate TRW and Lemforder higher than Febi. As an example if you compare a BMW suspension arm made by Febi to a TRW or Lemforder part it is clear that the Febi part is not at the same standard as the others.

When it comes to anti roll bar links nothing lasts like OE parts. I know that is not a popular view among lots of members on here but that is my experience and I have tried every aftermarket brand out there.

I've read a good few of your posts. I trust your judgement. You know what your talking about Sir :-)

I'm buying drop link stabilizers. I'm trying to seperate Lemforder from TRW. Who would you go for if you had a choice between the two ? I've Peugeot partner van.

I go along with you about all the other parts. I've used First line, Febi, FAI. and fitted a MOOG a while back (okay so far but I know the moog part is going to nose dive). I got 6 years out of OE parts give or take.
The pattern now is that the replacements parts are lasting approximately 2 years give or take. It's taking me 9 years to learn what the **** parts are.
I have the same van from new. I've written in my service book the brand of the part, what part went in and where and when so I know what the **** parts are. Your completely right what you say as regards these parts. Spurious parts last 1/3 or 1/2 the time. Its false economy.

Mintoe

Mood steering & suspension parts are as good as anything else out there and prices are fair, used to sell them in factor I worked for for 4 years and rarely had returnd