German cars have long been recognized as some of the best engineered and most luxurious cars in the world. Two manufacturers, BMW and Mercedes, rule the roost with offerings from Audi, Porsche, and even Volkswagen getting some attention. Let’s take a look at some current offerings from these Bavarian giants and see how they are impacting the auto industry.

BMW – Give BMW credit for moving outside of the box by building a plant in South Carolina. Opened in 1994, the Spartanburg, SC plant has produced the Z3 – now Z4 – roadster as well as the X5 SAV. Seeking to become more of a world player, BMW has also purchased controlling interest in other automakers including Rolls-Royce and Rover during the 1990s. Later, BMW sold off the Rover and MG portions of Rover, but has kept the Mini brand.

BMW vehicles are well represented in the US. Coupes, sedans, convertibles, roadsters, and SUVs make up the American fleet with new cars at various stages of development being prepared for release.

Mercedes Benz – As part of the Daimler Chrysler fold, Mercedes Benz has been producing high quality automobiles for over a century. In 1998, seeking to expand its reach, Daimler Chrysler [DCX] bought out the Chrysler Corporation. Names such as Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Jeep, and Mopar became part of the DCX fold, although Plymouth was discontinued a few years later.

The Mercedes Benz name is synonymous with luxury vehicles and in the US the company is well represented by a host of sedans, coupes, convertibles, tall wagons, SUVs, roadsters, and other fine vehicles.

Owners of BMWs and Mercedes Benz do have some things in common: vehicle maintenance. As high end vehicles, the automakers are noted for equipping their cars with only the finest OEM parts. Well represented manufacturers used by both companies include: Bosch, Hella, Mahle, Textar, Brembo, Bilstein, Febi, SKF, and others. Most are German born and bred and are recognized the world over for producing the highest quality parts for auto manufacturers.

Replacement auto parts purchased through dealer parts departments are priced at a premium. When you take into consideration any tariffs, import fees, and third party mark ups, consumers can expect to pay a mint for each part. The growing internet wholesale market has been changing the paradigm lately as companies such as Car Parts Stuff are selling direct to consumers. The better online wholesalers have lowered costs significantly as overhead is low and they buy direct from leading manufacturers. This translates into real savings for you, the consumer.

When purchasing any parts for your luxury car, always determine that the parts you order meet or exceed OEM specifications. There are a lot of counterfeit parts on the market; shop wisely and you will get premium parts at low prices.

If you are looking for parts for your BMW M3, X5 or Z4, you want the best. Whether you are needing to replace the brakes, hoses, lights or even the tell tale emblem you need to know where to look for factory direct parts at affordable prices.

1- The best place to find any type of part for your BMW is, of course through a BMW dealer. They will either have the parts needed in stock or be able to order them for you with short delivery times. They will be more expensive than other outlets, but you will know that the parts they are selling you are genuine BMW auto parts, not something that is generic.

2- If you choose to purchase your BMW parts via a dealership, be sure to take advantage of the knowledge they can provide. The mechanics at a dealership can be the best people to ask basic questions of. They will be able to give you insight as to what your vehicle actually needs and may even tell you how to go about replacing it.

3- If paying dealership prices is not what you had in mind, the next best place to look for BMW parts is online. There is a vast array of online stores, which specialize in genuine, generic, new and used parts for your BMW. The prices are usually less than purchasing through a dealer, however, keep in mind that these stores may lack in knowledgeable sales staff.

4- While you are surfing the web for the best prices on the parts you need, whether they be side mirrors or tail light covers, you might also be wise to look up the “how-to guides” that tell you how to install them. There is a lot of information on the web in regards to BMW and BMW auto parts, their uses and their replacement.

5- As long as you are looking for parts for your BMW, you may want to check out the selection of accessories that are also available. These include items such as shift knob replacements and custom door handle parts, to name a few. The best way to begin a search for accessories is online or through catalogues.

You have worked and worked and worked some more, you have saved and sacrificed. You finally have it, the BMW that you have always wanted. Now, you want, no need to make it more personal, more yours. Its time to accessorize. However, where do you begin? Follow these tips to find the right accessories for you and your car.

1- One of the best places to start your search for the right accessory is online. There are numerous stores and dealers that offer items from floor mats to graphics and everything in between. Online, you can see pictures, read reviews and get the chosen items shipped directly to your door. As an added bonus, many online stores either deeply discount the products or offer free shipping.

2- However, if you prefer, you can go into a BMW dealership and speak with someone personally to pick out the accessories that best suit your personality and price range. The dealership may also be able to help you by allowing you to see what the accessory will look like on your car before you purchase it, therefore avoiding making a costly mistake.

3- Some of the most popular accessories for BMW’s are wheels, stereos and interior accessories such as steering wheels and gearshift covers. These particular types of after market items come in a variety of styles and prices, there is, literally something for everyone

4- Another excellent and often overlooked source of BMW accessories are car clubs, specifically BMW clubs. These types of clubs are full of other enthusiasts who are normally very happy to help you search for an accessory as they have the same interests in their cars as you do in yours. You can find these clubs via the internet, yellow pages or BMW car dealers.

5- After all the research and actual searching for accessories is complete, its time to install. For a lot of car buffs this part is more anticipated than actually seeing what the part looks like on. However, to ensure that you are installing the accessory correctly you are going to need instructions. Often times, the part itself comes with, at best, vague directions. It would be best to contact other BMW owners, either through a car club or via online forums and chat rooms. They will be your best source of actual how-to instructions to get your BMW outfitted and more suited to your personality. Have fun.