Anyone know if they're available for 1st gen R53 manual?
All I've seen are "universal fit silicone CV boots. They don't look like they'd be a direct or proper fitment.
I could be wrong.

 

The OEM boot will be more durable than silicone.

 

Have not used silicone, i just did both my axles with new units from GSP so i did not have to mess with the boots. All in one axles, mine boots were both shot and the axles were original over 270K on them. Little easier and cleaner.

 

Perhaps (?)

A leaking oil fiter/cooler housing and valve cover gasket had destroyed my OEM.
That's all since been resolved/replaced.
I figured silicone would be more impervious to deterioration caused by oil, heat and dry rotting.

I just replaced both my inner CV boots with OEM.
No oil leaks. Hope they endure.

 

It has superior heat resistance than most other rubber compounds, but it's much more inferior when it comes to tear resistance, wear resistance, and overall strength.

 

With regard to the aforementioned silicone, universal, aftermarket I've seen - Yeah - they look pretty thin and flimsy.
To your point: I would imagine that if silicone was superior to the OEM rubber compound; I would then think that there would be more of a market offered specifically for performance OEM & Genuine supplier parts for upgraded CV boots.