2002 BMW 330 Front axles left and right

IRINA

MEMBER
2002 BMW 330
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
60,000 MILES

Hi,
I need to replace both front axles. There are different parts that one can buy - Opparts, FEQ, Gkn Loebro. The difference in price is huge. I believe that GKN parts are made in Germany and are original OEM parts. The rest of the parts are a lot cheeper and made in Asia. My question is does it make sense to pay more to get GKN part? What is the difference?
Thanks for your help,
Irina

5 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

A lot of replacement axles are remanufactured, and as long as you buy ones with a lifetime warranty, go with the cheaper price, if no warranty, and you are keeping the car, get the better ones.

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Monday, February 15th, 2010 AT 4:00 PM

IRINA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks for such a prompt reply. The price for OPparts or feq axles run about $85 each and they are made in China or India. The price for the same axle made by GKN is about $340. So for two axles the difference in price in about $500. I am just wondering if paying that much more is worth it. All parts are brand new and there is warranty for a year on all of them. Would GKN part last longer?
Thanks,
Irina

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Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 AT 9:32 AM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

OEM parts are usually better quality. If you are keeping the car, You must weigh how many times you want to replace the axles? If money isnt a problem for you, and you are keeping the car go with quality over cost.

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Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 AT 3:44 PM

IRINA