Ever had issues with FTE brand parts?

[Aleman]

So I'm shopping for a new clutch slave cylinder and a master cylinder, and I want to get a high quality set of parts - not made in China from cheap metal that self-destructs in a year. Lots of online retailers sell these parts and they show that FTE is the OEM part supplier. Does that mean they will be stamped with the BMW roundel on the side and last me another 25 years? Anyone ever had an issue with FTE parts? Thanks!

[dude8383]

OEM and OE are two different classifications.

OEM = original equipment manufacturer
OE = original equipment

The OE stuff is specifically made for (in this case) BMW and has a bmw stamp someplace. These parts are generally higher quality... hence their cost.

OEM stuff is the same supplier that builds the OE parts but at a lower cost and lower quality.

This is my understanding of the two.

Having said that, the FTE brand is good.

[Aleman]

Thanks! That explains the price differences I'm seeing. I see a genuine BMW clutch master cylinder is $130 (at a place that usually has great prices), but the FTE is in the $55 - $70 range.

[RLGDiesel]

I used FTE...no problems in 2 years, 40K miles for what its worth.

[reelizmpro]

I would say the "lower quality" tag is misleading in most cases because the item may also be blemished, surplus or just plain cheaper since it isn't resold with a roundel on it. As is the case with radiators where they scratch off the roundel after the fact and sell as OEM vs OE BMW. There are some cases where the OEM doesn't sell the exact same part so you have to decide if u want to chance it or pay more for OE BMW.

I have used a few oem clutch system FTE parts without any issues.

[TimKninja]

As far as CLutch Masters go, DONT cheap out. I used a URO one once and the plastic pivot top sheared off and left me stranded after 3 months of use.


Id only buy FAG Clutch hydraulic components. they may be called FTE or whatever now. Seriously a FAG one is like $50.

[Click]

I would say the "lower quality" tag is misleading in most cases because the item may also be blemished, surplus or just plain cheaper since it isn't resold with a roundel on it. As is the case with radiators where they scratch off the roundel after the fact and sell as OEM vs OE BMW. There are some cases where the OEM doesn't sell the exact same part so you have to decide if u want to chance it or pay more for OE BMW.

Yeah this is true. I have lemforder suspension bushings that have little grind marks on them. There are some other parts that are definitely different. If you buy a geniune BMW timing belt, you will get a Continental belt with a Roundel that was made in Germany, if you just buy a belt from say blunt you'll get a Continental belt made in Mexico.

[blunttech]

Yeah this is true. I have lemforder suspension bushings that have little grind marks on them. There are some other parts that are definitely different. If you buy a geniune BMW timing belt, you will get a Continental belt with a Roundel that was made in Germany, if you just buy a belt from say blunt you'll get a Continental belt made in Mexico.

We sell everything. BMW will not allow aftermarket suppliers to sell anything with the roundel on it. 3rd party suppliers grind off the roundel on these parts. There is nothing wrong with them nor are they seconds.