Sourcing OEM parts for an E46

[sparks_E39]

Hi all. Picking up an E46 330ci Sport tonight. I want to carry out some preemptive maintenance on it, namely to replace some of the cooling system. Apart from me wondering down to my local dealer would anyone have any recommendations for outlets online or not for sourcing OEM parts? I have a chap who will do the lot for me for some beer tokens, so keen to get it done.

[helix402]

Are you after gen BMW parts or aftermarket? I’d only go for a gen BMW water pump if you want it to last. I can give recommendations for the other parts too if you like.

[SebringMan]

What Helix said.

Febi Bilstein have started putting Chinese stuff into a few boxes in both the Mercedes and BMW world, and IMHO Lemforder is better but not quite as infallable as genuine.

It hurts, but if you do the work yourself it can be overlooked.

P.S, if it were me I wouldn't change the lot. There is no guarantee as to when it will go, and even non-genuine isn't perfect; I've previously had two accessories fail on Nissen radiators, both accessories were supplied by Nissen too.

[sparks_E46]

Thanks, we’ll certainly I want good quality parts. The first thing I need is a thermostat as it doesn’t quite reach 12 o Clock on the needle so that will be done soon. Just from my experience with E39’s has taught me the cooling systems in these engines are a bit fragile!

[helix402]

Best thermostat for these is gen BMW, next best is Behr. Coolant is G48. 1 5l concentrate will do the job when mixed 50/59 with water.