BMW owners, especially of models with some mileage, sooner or later face the need to repair the body, whether due to an accident, a scrape or normal wear and tear. In these cases, it is necessary to change some parts: the wing, the door, the hood or even the BMW E90 bumper, if we talk about the popular 3 Series in E90 body. But what to choose: original or a quality alternative?
The choice depends on the budget, the objectives of the repair and the quality requirements. Some insist on buying only original BMW parts, while others look for certified spare parts from Europe or Taiwan, which are often not inferior in reliability but are more affordable.
Original BMW body parts
BMW is famous for its precision and quality in assembly. Original parts are manufactured strictly following the brand's standards: respecting the geometry, the thickness of the metal and the anti-corrosion protection technology. This means that the bumper or the wing will fit perfectly, with factory clearances and will be protected against corrosion even in conditions of humidity or salt on Spanish roads.
Advantages of the original:
- Perfect fit;
- Reliable protection against oxidation;
- Durability;
- Manufacturer's warranty (if still valid).
But the price is high — original BMW parts are usually much more expensive, especially if ordered from the official service.
Non-original parts: can you trust them?
10 years ago, “non-original part” sounded like a warning. Today the market has changed a lot. In Spain and other EU countries there are certified parts from reliable manufacturers, even those who supply parts for more economical brands. Manufacturers from Taiwan and Italy stand out. It is important to avoid unknown Chinese brands, where quality control still leaves doubts.
Recommended manufacturers of non-original parts:
- Klokkerholm (Germany)
- TYG, API, APR (Taiwan
- Capat, R2A (Italy)
- AKSTE (Lithuania)
They manufacture panels and bumpers that can be confidently mounted on BMW, including the E90.
It is important to know that non-original parts do not receive anti-corrosion treatment like the originals. Therefore, before painting, a layer of protective primer must be applied and the inside must be treated well.
Common workshop errors
Sometimes, the workshops themselves save time and paint directly on the transport primer, without treating the metal inside. Thus, after a year, the part may begin to oxidize — and the fault is not with the “bad” part but with a poorly done repair.
It also happens that the part does not fit well — uneven gaps or incorrect fixing points. This occurs with cheap parts of dubious origin, which is better to avoid to avoid spending twice.
Conclusion
If you need to change the BMW E90 bumper or another body part and do not want to overpay for an original, choose reliable alternatives from European or Taiwanese manufacturers. They offer good quality and help save money. But always go to professionals who prepare and install the part correctly; otherwise, not even the best part will avoid oxidation or mismatch problems.