Maintenance items: Does brand name matter?

[FrostyDC4]

I am planning a few maintenance tasks that I am planning on taking to my local BMW indy shop instead of the dealership (spark plugs, coils, and waterpump & t-stat replacement). I am looking at FCP now and before I pull the trigger I am wondering if whether I should go with the OEM replacement parts (mostly coils and waterpump) or if the other brands are worthwhile to consider?

Thanks!!

[NorthernDancer]

I would go to FCP Euro for everything; they're in the business and are going to carry the best stuff. So much really good OE and OEM parts.

[c0bra]

I generally choose OE or OEM parts, not Genuine BMW. OE/OEM are made by the same manufacturers that make BMW brand parts, but they are a little less expensive since they do not have the BMW logo.

For coils, I went with Delphi over Bosch due to popularity on the forums. Bosch had some early issues, and the Delphis have nice metal sleeves.

[FrostyDC4]

Gotcha!!!!

I read the unfavorable reviews of the Bosch coils on FCP and that prompted me to ask this question.

[Thunderguts]

I would have no reservations using an OE part, but I wouldn't use a 3rd party part. I just replaced all my hoses and I used Rein parts for all but two. One was only available as a BMW part and the second was either a BMW or 3rd party. I didn't want to risk an ill-fitting or inferior part so I got the BMW.

There are cheaper OE alternatives for the water pump. Buy the OE from FCP and hope they are still around when you need to replace it again.