Copied from a thread on cutters for easy reference
https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...pliers.201717/

The thread gets edited and updated from time to time but here’s some of the stuff.

Thought I’d help fellow Cutters out with some links to commonly-replaced parts that can be bought from the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), rather than from BMW (OE). They’re the exact same parts, just without the BMW box / logo, at much lower prices.

I thought most people knew about this but you often see posts about buying the below parts from BMW. Note that there are some parts which the OEM does not make available other than through BMW, e.g. the M3 radiator and water pump, and of course this doesn't work for interior trim, body panels etc. For those you need to go to a dealer, and you can get 10% discount from Cotswold BMW by being a member of this forum.

I can’t promise that these are the absolute cheapest prices out there, so do your own research as well and triple check the part numbers on RealOEM.com

Note that BuyCarParts.co.uk, OnlineCarParts.co.uk, Autodoc.co.uk all seem to be the same platform and have frequent sales.

Hope it helps in some way!

Lambda probes – OEM is Bosch
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/bosch/1148904
(example only – check RealOEM.com for the right part number for pre and post cat sensors banks 1 and 2 as they are different lengths / have different plugs)


Ignition coils – OEM is Bosch
https://www.autopartspro.co.uk/bosch-1147804


Throttle position sensors – OEM is Hella
https://www.autopartspro.co.uk/hella-938307
2 on car – one on throttle actuator, another at end of throttle body rail, above oil filter housing


Radiator fan viscous coupling – OEM is Hella / Behr
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/hella/949863


Front suspension control arms – OEM is TRW / Lemforder
https://www.mister-auto.co.uk/suspen...61JTC1366.html

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TRW-Susp....aSmKMjhivKr3EA


Fuel filter – OEM is Mahle
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/mahle-original/1239024


Timing Chain Tensioner – OEM in INA
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/ina/9915129


Final Stage Resistor – OEM is Febi-Bilstein
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/febi-bilstein/1882025

https://www.mister-auto.co.uk/contr....a10131966.html

Front wheel hubs, bearings and ABS reluctor rings – OEM is FAG
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-Wheel-....c100284.m3505


Aux belt tensioner
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/skf/1364554


Adjusting pulley
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/skf/1364555


Deflection pulley
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/skf/1364555


Air con belt tensioner
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/skf/1364586


Alternator – OEM is Valeo / Bosch (confirmed?)
https://www.onlinecarparts.co.uk/valeo-1079973.html


Thermostat – OEM is Wahler
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/wahler/1719226


Oil level sensor – OEM is Hella
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/hella/937764


Coolant / water Temp sensor – OEM is Hella
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/hella/10117849


Auxiliary fan switch temp sensor – OEM unknown??
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/febi-bilstein/1886792
or
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/hella/937900


Clutch Slave Cylinder – OEM is FTE
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/fte/7820878


Tie Rods – OEM is Lemforder
https://www.autodoc.co.uk/lemforder/1264573

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/lemforder/1264571


Belt tensioner
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/bmw/3-...-v-ribbed-belt


Clutch kit – OEM is LUK
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Clutch-K....-/232414282132


Flywheel – OEM is LUK
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dual-Mas....-/232413994787


Engine mount – OEM is Lemforder
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/bmw/3-...?sort_supplier[]=35

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lemforde....0AAOSwjDZYesMr


Tie Rod End – OEM is Lemforder
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/lemforder/1256631

https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/lemforder/1256639


Head Gasket – OEM is Elring (confirmed??)
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/elring/985643


Idle control valve – OEM is Bosch
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/bmw/3-...lve-air-supply


Fuel Injectors
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/bosch/1150388

Control Arm Bush (front) - thanks to "crockett" "BMW logo and numbers ground off."
Control Arm-/Trailing Arm Bush LEMFÖRDER 27017 01
https://www.mister-auto.co.uk/contro...527017!01.html

Control Arm-/Trailing Arm Bush LEMFÖRDER 27016 01
https://www.mister-auto.co.uk/contro...527016!01.html

Accelerator pedal assembly (with sensor)
https://www.autodoc.co.uk/vemo/12249766

Throttle actuator
Photos of the OE part on ECS tuning show this is made by Pierburg.
https://www.autodoc.co.uk/pierburg/965034
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...r/13627840537/

Fuel Pressure Regulator
OEM is Pierburg
https://www.autodoc.co.uk/pierburg/189063
Last edited: