Front Axle Boots - where to buy and is GKN good?

[nando]

Sean, you are confusing OE and OEM.

OE means Genuine BMW parts that you get from the dealer. Thats what you linked to from FCP Euro and ECS.

GNK is an OEM brand which means they make products FOR BMW and should be the same quality.

Unfortunately, as others said, even OEM GNK ones do fail. OE BMW ones are not terribly expensive so I would advise to spend a little and get them so you won't have to worry about it for years.

I already said this - but they are the SAME. if you order the BMW boots, you will get the same boots you get if you order GKN/Lobro.

I thought this too, but then my buddy Adam bought both and compared them. BMW doesn't make CV boots.. GKN/Lobro makes them!

[Mlarsen]

While we're at it, anyone tried the silicone universal boots?

I've thought about this. I know they make high angle CV boot for lifted trucks. One would assume they would work for lowered vehicles as well.

[Sean]

Ahhhh ok. Yea, I guess I was using them interchangeably.

Thanks!

That being said, is ECS the best place to get em?

[MrSlacker]

Sean, you are confusing OE and OEM.

OE means Genuine BMW parts that you get from the dealer. Thats what you linked to from FCP Euro and ECS.

GNK is an OEM brand which means they make products FOR BMW and should be the same quality.

Unfortunately, as others said, even OEM GNK ones do fail. OE BMW ones are not terribly expensive so I would advise to spend a little and get them so you won't have to worry about it for years.

[Sean]

Yea, let me know fight.

So - Chris - the OEM rubber boots are the same as the GKN?

Giess I'm confused. LOL Looking at these options:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...-1-226-155-M60

http://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...ix-31601226155

http://www.ecstuning.com/ES51421/

[fight4life28]

I'm looking to get new outter boots from Blunttech, Seems like he has the best pricing for our front axle boots. forget what kind but I'll report anything is they fail or how long they last.

[audiquattrot]

I used the cheap ones from AutohausAZ, and lasted me a yr. I'll report back once the OEM ones fail, to compare longevity.

[Nisse Järnet]

While we're at it, anyone tried the silicone universal boots?

[nomansland92]

I used the cheaper set from pelican parts once and got a year out of them, but last time I went with the oem ones and so far they have been great.

[nando]

Oem is the same boot.

[Sean]

Noticed my passenger side INNER was torn today. From my research, Chris it sounds like that's the one that always fails for you?

I don't know what type of boots they were, but the PO has replaced them. All the others seem to be good - its just this one.

I see Pelican has GKN boots - but I'm debating getting OEM for this one, and GKN for the rest.

Thoughts?