HELP QUICKLY PLS !! OEM Condenser or not? $450 diff

larrysing · 08-30-2016, 06:03 PM

OK, I'm having an awful experience with a condenser issue on my 2011 335d.

I installed some air scoops (for decorative purposes) behind my kidney grills earlier in the year. Turns out the back of one of them was RUBBING A HOLE INTO MY CONDENSER !!! HOLY CRAP !!

So the repair estimate is ~$1100 including labor, with the OEM part being $598.

Problem is, this same part (non-OEM) can be had lots of places for less than $150.

Question:

Should I bust for the shop's expensive part (which includes 24 month/24,000 mile warranty for $0 replacement or repair if it has problems) OR should I order one for $150 and get NO LABOR WARRANTY (Labor $480) from the shop?

Does anyone have experience replacing your condenser with a non-OEM model and having good luck?

I need to make this decision TONIGHT folks, so please help !!!

Thecastle · 08-30-2016, 06:32 PM

I'd go non-oem. The oem and non oem parts are made by the same companies usually. Aka windshields. The difference is the BMW logo, and markup. Personally the warranty isn't worth much. A condenser failure for debris or rubbing won't be covered.

CvilleBill · 08-30-2016, 07:34 PM

I second the non oem. FCP Euro has it on sale for $115 and it is a Nissens. They must be the OEM supplier.

rulonger · 08-30-2016, 08:23 PM

Were the scoops RED?

OEM or non-OEM are probably made by same company in the same plant.

RollingCoal · 08-31-2016, 06:38 AM

Non-OEM will be just fine.

Iaro · 08-31-2016, 08:05 AM

I went with non oem two years ago, no problems

Hoooper · 08-31-2016, 02:27 PM

Id argue with them about no labor warranty. Just because its an aftermarket part doesnt mean they can install it with a sledgehammer and not pay the piper.

View Poll Results: Should I go with OEM part and big $$ & warranty, or cheap out?
Go Big or Go Home	1	14.29%
Cheap out, the non-OEM part will be fine !!	6	85.71%
Voters: 7. You may not vote on this poll

08-30-2016, 06:03 PM	#1
larrysing First Lieutenant 95 Rep 308 Posts Drives: 2011 335d M-Sport, Nav/Blinds Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Arlington, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335d [0.00]	HELP QUICKLY PLS !! OEM Condenser or not? $450 diff OK, I'm having an awful experience with a condenser issue on my 2011 335d. I installed some air scoops (for decorative purposes) behind my kidney grills earlier in the year. Turns out the back of one of them was RUBBING A HOLE INTO MY CONDENSER !!! HOLY CRAP !! So the repair estimate is ~$1100 including labor, with the OEM part being $598. Problem is, this same part (non-OEM) can be had lots of places for less than $150. Question: Should I bust for the shop's expensive part (which includes 24 month/24,000 mile warranty for $0 replacement or repair if it has problems) OR should I order one for $150 and get NO LABOR WARRANTY (Labor $480) from the shop? Does anyone have experience replacing your condenser with a non-OEM model and having good luck? I need to make this decision TONIGHT folks, so please help !!!
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08-30-2016, 06:32 PM	#2
Thecastle Major 307 Rep 1,146 Posts Drives: F10 550i Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW M340i [0.00] 2019 RAM 3500 [0.00] 2020 BMW X3 [0.00] 2016 BMW 550i [0.00] 2000 Ford F450 7.3l ... [0.00]	I'd go non-oem. The oem and non oem parts are made by the same companies usually. Aka windshields. The difference is the BMW logo, and markup. Personally the warranty isn't worth much. A condenser failure for debris or rubbing won't be covered.
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08-30-2016, 07:34 PM	#3
CvilleBill Private First Class 24 Rep 110 Posts Drives: 2011 335d Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Va iTrader: (0)	I second the non oem. FCP Euro has it on sale for $115 and it is a Nissens. They must be the OEM supplier.
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08-30-2016, 08:23 PM	#4
rulonger Lieutenant 111 Rep 529 Posts Drives: 2011 335d E90 & 2010 328i E91 Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	Were the scoops RED? OEM or non-OEM are probably made by same company in the same plant. Last edited by rulonger; 08-31-2016 at 07:39 AM..
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08-31-2016, 06:38 AM	#5
RollingCoal Second Lieutenant 57 Rep 210 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335D Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: USA-TN iTrader: (0)	Non-OEM will be just fine.
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08-31-2016, 08:05 AM	#6
Iaro Private First Class 114 Rep 138 Posts Drives: 2015 X5 xdrive50i M-Sport Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Lebanon PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW x5 xdrive50i [0.00]	I went with non oem two years ago, no problems
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08-31-2016, 02:27 PM	#7
Hoooper Colonel 213 Rep 2,210 Posts Drives: 335D Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Petaluma, CA iTrader: (0)	Id argue with them about no labor warranty. Just because its an aftermarket part doesnt mean they can install it with a sledgehammer and not pay the piper.
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