Why Buy Genuine BMW Badges Instead of Fakes

Nigel Marston
September 8, 2010

Nigel Marston
http://www.nm-motorsport.com

Would you buy fake aftershave or perfume and expect it to smell like the genuine article? Would you buy a fake watch and expect it to keep time like an original watch? The answer to both of these questions is probably not. However, the same doesn't seem to apply to some BMW owners who buy fake BMW badges and expect them to look and last like a genuine badge would.

Unfortunately, there is a large market for fake BMW badges (or replicas as some call them in an attempt to make them appear legitimate). The market is flooded with fake bonnet and boot badges, fake M-Tec badges of all types and fake wheel badges. Usually, the price of the badge gives the game away. Most genuine BMW bonnet or boot badges cost between £20 and £30 in the UK. Fake badges often sell for prices between £5 and £10.

Many of these fake badges only last a matter of weeks before they start to show their true colours, or lack of in many cases. Recently, I was told of a fake M-Tec boot badge which started to deteriorate after only 2 weeks. The red stripe was clearly faded. This badge was purchased by the customer for £5. An original badge badge may cost 5 times as much but will last for several years.

Other M-Tec boot badges have been seen with a poor quality chrome finish or stripes that peel off after a short time. Many BMW owners start looking for M-Tec badges that are metal and have the stripes painted on in the mistaken assumption that any such badge will be original. BMW never made a metal M-Tec boot badge nor did they ever paint the stripes on or make them from enamel. Whilst an original M-Tec badge is plastic based with stickers for the stripes, the badges are made to last and last they will.

As for BMW bonnet and boot badges, similar incorrect assumptions are made in that the original badges are metal. Many years ago, this was the case but not any more. However, fake bonnet or boot badge may often have a slightly lop sided logo or the logo may be little more than a foil badge on a plastic base. With these type of badges, its not unusual to dent the badge when pushing it on to the car. Eventually, the logo may drop off or peel off. How many BMWs have you seen recently driving around with a silver disc on the bonnet or boot?

Fake BMW wheel badges have been around for many years. One of the main reasons for this is that they are used for aftermarket wheels. Often, the centre caps of these wheels are a different size to original wheels and there is no original BMW badge that was available to fit. Many of these fakes had the logos encased in a clear plastic resin and the style of the badge often looked a little odd when compared to the original item. I have even heard of paper wheel badges being sold. An original BMW wheel badge is always made from flexible aluminium.

The manufacture and sale of fake badges is illegal. Reputable sellers of BMW parts and accessories would not consider selling such items. The only reason that fakes exist is because some BMW owners choose to buy them to save money. You buy a BMW because of the prestige and quality so there seems to be little sense in fitting fake badges as it is false economy in the long run.

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Nigel Marston has been an independent BMW accessories and parts specialist for 20 years and a BMW enthusiast since the late 1980s. He has owned many BMW models over the years and is well known by people in many countries for his knowledge and enthusiasm about BMWs. To see his range of BMW badges and other accessories, visit his online shop at => http://www.nm-motorsport.com