Think this is the right place for this, so here goes.

 

When sourcing VAG spares, eg controllers etc, there are any number available on non-uk websites. Many purport to be "genuine" "OEM" etc. The question is, as many genuine VAG spares are  actually manufactured overseas in these countries, what is the reliability of these items? 

Has anyone purchased / used any spare(s) and if so how did it perform?

The second hand / used market is awash with items, most of which have new "counterpart" items manufactured in the far east, at considerably lower prices which make them an attractive alterative to the higher priced items, but are they reliable.?

Any experiences much appreciated.

If you can find stuff that is done to the right standard it doesn't really matter where it is made. It's when you're buying from a less well known or unknown seller you won't know the provenance of that part and you're much more likely to get something that has been made from poorer materials with less/no QA.

 

If the part isn't going to damage the car or kill you if it breaks then it might be worth taking a chance on.

 

But IMHO you'd be nuts to buy brake parts for instance from an unknown Chinese supplier.

Especially since the price of well reputed stuff is so low per mile, you'd be nuts to take the chance on something unknown.