I want to buy new waterpump, I got offer from my friend for several options: SKF, HEPU, CONTI, Febi Bilstein. Magneti Marelli, Swag. Which company produces the original one? Those are from 1/4 to 1/2 of the price of one from the VAG dealer.

 

I know that there are several iterations of the OEM pump. I bought the car used without the full repair records (rookie mistake) and it's HIGHLY likely that what's in the car is not the pump that came from the factory, i.e., it's already had (at least) ONE heart transplant. The question is this: What's the most reliable replacement? Should I stick to the OEM Pump? If so, what's the latest revision of the OEM electric Nox Vidmate VLC pump? Should I get an aftermarket pump? I think Pierberg sells an aftermarket drop in replacement.