Suspension refresh and maintenance/refresh items to buy

[bmw m3 s50]

Looking at making a large purchase through FCP euro before the new lifetime warranty kicks in. I was looking at doing a full suspension refresh. There are 8 piece kits that covers most of the front suspension with either Lemforder or Genuine BMW. The Genuine BMW is almost double the price of the Lemforder. Is the Genuine BMW kit worth getting or is Lemforder good?

Anyone use the Lemforder with good results?

Also ordering a Genuine BMW rod bearing kit, filters, fluids, etc.

Any parts that should be considered for maintenance or refreshing the m3?

[K-Dawg]

The FCP kits don't save anything over buying the parts individually, and often include unnecessary parts like bolts and whatnot that don't need to be replaced (although that doesn't appear to be the case for that particular kit). I wonder why they include Meyle sway bar links instead of Lemforder. IMO, the kits can also make the return or warranty process slightly more confusing.

I would also consider whether you really need to replace some of that stuff... I recently replaced all those suspension parts at about 76k miles and the old parts were in surprisingly good condition.

[bmw m3 s50]

It does say the Lemforder was OE supplier but didn't know if there was any advantage to buying the Genuine BMW parts over the Lemforder.

[bmw m3 s50]

The FCP kits don't save anything over buying the parts individually, and often include unnecessary parts like bolts and whatnot that don't need to be replaced (although that doesn't appear to be the case for that particular kit). I wonder why they include Meyle sway bar links instead of Lemforder. IMO, the kits can also make the return or warranty process slightly more confusing.

I would also consider whether you really need to replace some of that stuff... I recently replaced all those suspension parts at about 76k miles and the old parts were in surprisingly good condition.

It isn't really to save it's just to take advantage of the warranty in case you need to replace the part again. Even if the parts are still in good condition, I would think replacing everything while your under the car would safe time and money in the future.

[01SG]

You can see on the Lemforder arms where they ground off the BMW logo. Same thing on my ATE calipers. Sometimes genuine parts are required or preferred, but I cannot think of a suspension application where that is the case.

[bmw m3 s50]

You can see on the Lemforder arms where they ground off the BMW logo. Same thing on my ATE calipers. Sometimes genuine parts are required or preferred, but I cannot think of a suspension application where that is the case.

That's what I was thinking, I am getting involved in a restoration project and want the car to be perfect. Figure while I am under the car, replace most wearable item so the car is feeling like a brand new car.

[K-Dawg]

It isn't really to save it's just to take advantage of the warranty in case you need to replace the part again. Even if the parts are still in good condition, I would think replacing everything while your under the car would safe time and money in the future.

I meant that the kits don't save any money over buying the parts individually, and sometimes the kits include parts that definitely don't need to be replaced, like nuts and bolts.

[Slideways]

I meant that the kits don't save any money over buying the parts individually, and sometimes the kits include parts that definitely don't need to be replaced, like nuts and bolts.

They probably include the hardware because the cars they see have some level of corrosion.

[Tbonem3]

They probably include the hardware because the cars they see have some level of corrosion.

I'd wager it's to sell more, since they're a business.

[R1pilot]

Looking at making a large purchase through FCP euro before the new lifetime warranty kicks in.

Is their lifetime warranty changing?? If so, I need to order some parts.

[Norocehcap]

I agree with buying all the parts separately since its the same price, it keeps the warranty returns simple and also keeps my spreadsheet organized since every item has its own line, price, order #, date purchased, warranty date if the part has been swapped , etc. Also you can change part decisions made by FCP for example using Lemforder instead of Meyle for the swap bar bushings like K-Dawg said.

[maw1124]

Looking at making a large purchase through FCP euro before the new lifetime warranty kicks in. I was looking at doing a full suspension refresh. There are 8 piece kits that covers most of the front suspension with either Lemforder or Genuine BMW. The Genuine BMW is almost double the price of the Lemforder. Is the Genuine BMW kit worth getting …?

Links to the kits by chance?

I’d probably be buying the OEM parts. I’ve seen the difference between OE and OEM too many times to count, so I know that “made by the same supplier” and “made by the same supplier to OE spec” are two very different things.

That’s usually limited to plastic and rubber parts, and I’m told it’s because the supplier can make the same shape part with less resin in it for cheaper — resin being the cost and strength driver in the part. I haven’t confirmed that (I’m no scientist or car parts manufacturer), but (1) the people who tell me this would know; and (2) I have seen the OE part fail almost immediately and the OEM last like OEM should. Engine and transmission mounts, pulleys, ball joints, etc. are the main culprits. I imagine the same thing could happen with all those bolts they’re including in the kit — dunno.

But typically that is NOT the case where you see the OE logo ground off and put in a different box, etc. Those are typically warranty parts called for by the OEM contract that have stock overruns from the applicable warranty period.

Not wanting to do the job twice, I just default to the OEM part. If you’re paying for labor, that typically eats any “savings” you would reap anyway.

maw