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Thread: Genuine BMW sensors or not?

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Genuine BMW sensors or not?

    So i need to pick up a couple cam position sensors and a crank sensor. I have read thru a lot of threads about only using Genuine BMW sensors. I plan on replacing both my cam sensors and my crank sensor. If i buy all 3 from Napa, will they work correctly? I am just wondering if the reason everyone says to use the BMW ones is because they are only replacing one of them, hence communication issues? I am not worried about the price, they are only a few bucks cheaper. I can get the napa ones today but have to wait 3-5 days to get the BMW ones.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2016
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    Northridge
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    1977 Datsun 280z
    If you ask me, I go genuine parts all the way. Especially sensors. Non electronic parts I guess its ok like the thrust arm I bought, its not genuine but no issues so far.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    If you get the cheaper ones so you can get the car running get the OE ones and have them around. Non Genuine sensors tends to last about 6 months and that's if you're lucky.
    Diehard E39 driver.
    I'd rather die or take a walk before driving an E60 or any BMW made after Y2K.
    ​"Your momma's so ugly she makes Bangle cars look nice"

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    Omaha, NE
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    1998 528i 5-spd 102K
    Stick to BMW or VDO Siemens brand.
    Not fun getting stuck in the middle of nowhere.

    Aftermarket stuff is hit or miss.
    These sensors are crucial parts that can get you stranded if they fail.

  5. #5
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    Roger that: Stick to BMW or VDO or BOSH sensors...Any others, you are rolling the dice.

  6. #6
    Join Date
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    VDO/Siemens is the lowest I'd go. Bosch sensors sucks. Febi sensors suck. If you're going below Genuine/OE you might as well get the cheapest chinese ones, they work for about the same time and with the same level of reliability than Bosch, Febi or other lesser auality "OEM Supplier" brands.

    - - - Updated - - -

    And always, ALWAYS clean the contacts and use a dab of permatex dielectric grease or your favorite connectors goop.
    Diehard E39 driver.
    I'd rather die or take a walk before driving an E60 or any BMW made after Y2K.
    ​"Your momma's so ugly she makes Bangle cars look nice"

  7. #7
    Join Date
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    Sonoma Whine Country
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    E12, E12, E36, E39
    I'm not afraid to use aftermarket parts, but on a few things, such as those sensors, I open my wallet and buy BMW ones. As jicaino mentioned OEM might be ok, but I wouldn't go any lower. This is strictly from reading, I've only bought BMW ones, but from what I've heard.
    98 328is
    02 525ita
    80 528i
    81 528ia
    and decades of owning and driving BMWs

  8. #8
    Join Date
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    So I bought my sensors from F C P euro. They are not "genuine" BMW but they are oem and have the BMW markings as well as the proper part number on the sensors themselves. I will update this thread with my results for future peeps> Thanks for all the input!!

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by ilovehoops View Post
    So I bought my sensors from F C P euro. They are not "genuine" BMW but they are oem and have the BMW markings as well as the proper part number on the sensors themselves. I will update this thread with my results for future peeps> Thanks for all the input!!
    And if they fail you can keep sending them back. Save all the paperwork, case, bags, wrappers, all of it.
    Diehard E39 driver.
    I'd rather die or take a walk before driving an E60 or any BMW made after Y2K.
    ​"Your momma's so ugly she makes Bangle cars look nice"

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
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    AL
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    X5
    Remember that aftermarket sensors are always hit or miss.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
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    Quote Originally Posted by aaron07 View Post
    Remember that aftermarket sensors are always hit or miss.
    And if you miss, and get hit with the bill, you'd regret you have ever thought about buying aftermarket. On the bimmerfest board, there are a few horror stories caused by an aftermarket critical sensor..,,

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