What is OEM+?

[symphony-step]

I see OEM+ mentioned in a few threads, but can't search for the term.

What does this typically refer to? Using aftermarket parts while retaining the car's factory feel?

[Obioban]

I'd say OE+ is generally modifying with BMW, or BMW designed, parts from other models/markets.

For our car, that is overwhelmingly CSL bits (often to include aftermarket CSL molded body work). But, sometimes silly stuff like... back seat seat heaters, power folding mirrors, etc.

[oceansize]

I'll expand a little bit on that to include aftermarket parts that are accepted by the community at large and have minimal, and maybe zero, impact on NVH, but provide a noticeable improvement in feel. A few solid subframe bushings, ARCAs, and RTABs would fall into that category for me personally and I think a good percentage of others. There are some suspension setups that qualify as well but that can certainly get quite subjective and I wouldn't dare name them lol.

Obioban's definition is for sure the least subjective and as such will cause the least debate.

[symphony-step]

Thanks for explaining. I like the idea of aftermarket parts that improve reliability with minimal impact on the factory feel. Here's what I've gathered so far:

VANOS: Beisan
Subframe: reinforcement kit
Subframe bushings: solid
RTAB: monoball
ARCA: adjustable

What other OEM+ aftermarket parts can I look into? I'll stay out of the suspension debate as well since I'm happy with OE.

[oceansize]

Thanks for explaining. I like the idea of aftermarket parts that improve reliability with minimal impact on the factory feel. Here's what I've gathered so far:

VANOS: Beisan
Subframe: reinforcement kit
Subframe bushings: solid
RTAB: monoball
ARCA: adjustable

What other OEM+ aftermarket parts can I look into? I'll stay out of the suspension debate as well since I'm happy with OE.

That covers it. You don't want anything but factory for diff bushings or FCABs IMO and I think most others would agree. Once you exit this area of modifications you get into super expensive carbon fiber chassis bracing from Slon (russian). No doubt effective, but that really boils down to whether or not you want drop the big dollars.

[DJAM3]

I would consider a good set of seats and a Autosolutions SSK as OEM+

[Zajce46m3]

Ask 10 different people and you probably will get 10 different opinions. Ever watch Matt Moreman with Obsessed Garage? I like his interpretation of OEM +

[Halftim3]

I would do the rear topside reinforcement same time as bottom side as members consider doing just the bottomside is just a bandaid. I would consider Vincebar over other companies such as CMP because the Vincebar is hidden and retains factory trunk space.

[PetrolM3]

Thanks for explaining. I like the idea of aftermarket parts that improve reliability with minimal impact on the factory feel. Here's what I've gathered so far:

VANOS: Beisan
Subframe: reinforcement kit
Subframe bushings: solid
RTAB: monoball
ARCA: adjustable

What other OEM+ aftermarket parts can I look into? I'll stay out of the suspension debate as well since I'm happy with OE.

None of those are OEM+.... not a single one of those parts come from Original Equipment Manufacturers.

OEM+ example would be using OEM E90 M3 engine mounts on an E46 car because they are stiffer and more robust. Another one would be retrofitting F80 M3 brakes on an E46 M3. Catch my drift? They are OEM BMW parts but of higher caliber than the OE parts they are replacing hence the '+'

Modifying the car with aftermarket parts is exactly that... 'modified with aftermarket parts'... not OEM+

[ugaexploder]

OEM+ is a term that was created to categorize car builds that are focused on maintaining the factory feel as you mentioned, or improving it with modern solutions. I don't necessarily believe you need to use OEM parts to be classified as OEM+. I view the '+' as a case for restomod type parts which wouldn't have been provided under another chassis or from the factory per se, but of course this is where most viewpoints are going to be different from person to person.

[stephen]

I would do the rear topside reinforcement same time as bottom side as members consider doing just the bottomside is just a bandaid. I would consider Vincebar over other companies such as CMP because the Vincebar is hidden and retains factory trunk space.

Only true of the old CMP topside. Their new kit is hidden but also has the option for bolt in bracing.

[9kracing]

lol

It's something that again... started in the Honda world, and it was an answer to all the big-wing, extreme body kit, widebody, hella flush cars.

It basically means to modify your car in a way that the car could have come from the factory, both performance wise and aesthetically. IE no shaved bays, no roll cages, no body kits, no canards, nothing race oriented.

It actually has nothing to do with using OEM parts.

https://www.motortrend.com/features/oem-1993-honda-civic-hatchback/

[Epsilon]

None of those are OEM+.... not a single one of those parts come from Original Equipment Manufacturers.

OEM+ example would be using OEM E90 M3 engine mounts on an E46 car because they are stiffer and more robust. Another one would be retrofitting F80 M3 brakes on an E46 M3. Catch my drift? They are OEM BMW parts but of higher caliber than the OE parts they are replacing hence the '+'

Modifying the car with aftermarket parts is exactly that... 'modified with aftermarket parts'... not OEM+

Would using E36 rear diff bushings be considered OEM- ?

[PetrolM3]

Would using E36 rear diff bushings be considered OEM- ?

LOL! I would say so...

I personally don't mind slightly more 'compliant' components but E36 units are definitely softer than OE E46 ones. This could cause premature failure of the third (front) diff bushing...

I have a friend who owns a Z4M and he's been 'downgrading' many of his suspension components to non-M e46 parts because he wants a more compliant ride. Other than struts and maybe some bushings, I don't agree with this approach and definitely view this as 'OEM-'.... personally, I'd be getting a non-M Z4 instead.

[PetrolM3]

lol

It's something that again... started in the Honda world, and it was an answer to all the big-wing, extreme body kit, widebody, hella flush cars.

It basically means to modify your car in a way that the car could have come from the factory, both performance wise and aesthetically. IE no shaved bays, no roll cages, no body kits, no canards, nothing race oriented.

It actually has nothing to do with using OEM parts.

https://www.motortrend.com/features/...vic-hatchback/

Does this mean that depending on how many aftermarket mods this car has, this should be reflected in the number of pluses? Like if it's just a short shifter, it's OEM+. If you add aftermarket wheels, it's OEM++. Add aftermarket suspension and a big brake kit and it's OEM+++???

Joking...