BMW X3 Service & Repair Manual: Replacement parts standards

SUBJECT

Replacement parts standards

MODEL

All

SITUATION

BMW/MINI vehicles are subjected to rigorous crash tests by internal BMW/MINI departments, government agencies and additional crash assessment tests by independent organizations. When repairs are required, the only way to guarantee that a vehicle will retain and fulfil all crash requirements following repairs is to follow BMW/MINI repair standards and use only new original BMW/MINI parts. Any deviation could have serious consequences on the crash performance of the vehicle and jeopardize the safety of the occupants.

BMW/MINI utilizes many different types of materials and joining methods during production of the body shell.

The advanced steels, aluminum and synthetic materials are used to improve weight, strength, energy absorption and corrosion resistance. These materials work in unison with the rest of the vehicle to deliver the level of safety, driving performance and appearance often associated with the BMW/MINI brand.

PROCEDURE

BMW/MINI of North America does not support the use of aftermarket, imitation, recycled and salvage repair parts. Returning BMW/MINI vehicles to manufacturer's specifications requires trained technicians utilizing only approved equipment, materials and joining processes. BMW/MINI repair instructions are supported only by the use of new original BMW/MINI parts.

BMW/MINI of North America bases its considerations on the following points:

• It cannot be confirmed that equivalent materials are used to produce aftermarket parts.
• All crash testing results and certifications are achieved with original BMW/MINI parts and joining methods in place.
• It cannot be confirmed that remanufactured components from outside sources fulfil BMW/MINI repair standards.
• Salvage components cannot be traced if subjected to a manufacturer's recall.
• It cannot be confirmed that salvage parts have not been subjected to prior crash impact loads, previous repair work, weathering and/or exposure to additional elements such as fire, smoke/heat damage or flooding.
• Non-original BMW/MINI parts may have poor fit, finish and quality which has a direct impact on the residual value of the vehicle. Original BMW/MINI parts are the same parts utilized to build the vehicles.