Spotting fake/replica CSL parts

[Lee_Enfield]

Anyone have any good points to look for to differentiate genuine CSL parts form replica/fakes? Without removing them to look for part numbers or markings?

I have been browsing M3 ads and a few list genuine CSL this and that. There are some people who would knowingly try and pass off fake items as real, and some who might think they have genuine but actually don't, so want to be able to spot the difference. I am not vastly experienced in the E46 and for the most part, apart from pics and maybe cars in passing, I have never got a close up look at any CSL parts.

[Tbonem3]

That's gonna be tough. Some aftermarket parts are shit and it'll be obvious, but some are very good. Some genuine CSL parts aren't perfect either, which makes it more difficult to say with certainty.

I certainly wouldn't pay the premium unless there's proof. Sometimes the aftermarket part is both cheaper AND better (better sometimes depending on perspective or use).