Lemförder FAQ: Brand, Parts, and Coolant Myths from a Buyer’s Perspective

Everything you wanted to know about Lemförder – but were afraid to ask

I’ve been managing parts purchasing for a 200-person company since 2021. When I took over, I didn’t know the difference between a control arm and a sway bar. Five years later, I’ve placed over 300 orders, made plenty of mistakes, and learned what actually matters. Here are the questions I wish someone had answered for me.

1. What is Lemförder, and what does their logo actually mean?

Lemförder is a German brand that’s been around since the 1920s, specializing in chassis components — control arms, tie rods, ball joints, that sort of thing. You’ll see their logo on parts that originally came with European cars like BMW, Mercedes, and VW.

Their logo? It’s not just a random wave — it’s a stylized “L” combined with a suspension arm shape. I used to think it was just decorative until a supplier explained it. Funny enough, the brand is now part of ZF Aftermarket, which surprised me when I first learned it. Shows how much the industry has consolidated.

(Disclaimer: I’m speaking from my experience with vehicle models 2015–2024. Older or newer models may differ.)

2. How do I find the right part using the Lemförder catalogue? (Say, a control arm for the passenger side)

Here’s the thing: don’t guess by car model alone. The catalogue is VIN-based. Go to their website (or use the aftermarket catalogues like TecDoc), enter the VIN, and it will give you the exact OE number. Then look up that number in the Lemförder catalogue.

I made the mistake of ordering “control arm passenger side” based on year and model — turned out BMW had two different versions for the same model year. The first one didn’t fit. That mistake cost us $280 in restocking fees and a delayed repair. Now I always verify the OE number before placing the order. Not ideal, but necessary.

3. Should I choose Lemförder over a cheaper brand for control arms?

It depends. If you’re maintaining a fleet and reliability is the priority, Lemförder is a solid choice. They’re original equipment quality — which is what “OE” means. But the industry has evolved: some aftermarket brands now meet or exceed OEM specs, and they cost 20-30% less.

What I’ve found is that for critical safety parts like control arms, you want a brand with a proven track record. Lemförder has that. However, if you’re working on a vehicle that will be sold soon, a mid-range brand might be acceptable. I’ve used both, and I still lean toward Lemförder for cars we’re keeping long-term. That said, always check the warranty terms — some budget brands offer limited coverage.

(My experience covers about 50 control arm replacements across 3 locations. Larger fleets or different climates may have different results.)

4. What color should radiator fluid be, and what does it mean?

Here’s where things get tricky. Coolant comes in green, orange, pink, blue, even yellow. Green was the traditional standard. But since around 2015, many manufacturers switched to OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolants — often orange or pink. The color isn’t universal, but there’s a rule: don’t mix different colors.

The surprise for me was that pink coolant isn’t necessarily a sign of a leak. On a 2018 BMW, pink is factory fill. I once panicked seeing pink drip from a radiator, only to learn it was the correct fluid. So check the owner’s manual. Or better yet, use a coolant test strip to confirm the type. To be fair, the industry changed faster than most of us kept up with.

5. Can I put water in the radiator in an emergency?

Yes — but only temporarily. Pure water freezes at 32°F (0°C) and boils at 212°F (100°C), while proper coolant raises the boiling point and lowers the freezing point. If you’re stuck on the side of the road and the engine is overheating, adding water (preferably distilled) is way better than running dry.

After that, you need to get the system flushed and refilled with the correct coolant mix. I once did this in December, then spent the whole winter worrying the water would freeze. It didn’t, but I replaced the coolant the next week. Lesson: water gets you home, but it’s not a solution.

(Prices of coolant vary; as of early 2025, a gallon of concentrated coolant runs $15–25. Verify current rates.)

6. How can I spot fake Lemförder parts?

Counterfeits are real. In 2023, we received a batch of control arms that looked authentic but had weak ball joints. The packaging had slight misprints — the logo was slightly off-center. Since then, I always buy from authorized distributors listed on Lemförder’s official site, and I scan the QR code on the box to verify authenticity.

The catalogue number should match the part physically stamped on the metal. Genuine Lemförder parts also have a distinct feel — the rubber boots are high-quality, the machining is smooth. It’s subtle, but once you’ve seen the real thing, fakes stand out. If a deal looks too good to be true (like 50% below market), it probably is.

7. Does Lemförder make parts beyond suspension — like aluminum extrusions or forging?

Not really — at least not that I’ve seen. Lemförder is primarily a suspension and steering components manufacturer. They specialise in stamping, forging, and machining for chassis parts. If you’re looking for engine parts or body panels, you’re better off with a different supplier.

This is the kind of thing I wish someone had told me earlier: don’t assume a brand covers everything just because they’re well-known. Always check the catalogue. The industry is full of specialists, and trying to use one brand for everything can lead to compatibility issues. I’ve learned that the hard way.