Hugh@EuropaParts
06-05-2013, 10:09 AM
http://www.audiction.com/app/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/audi-parts-aftermarket-explained-main.jpg (http://www.audiction.com/audi-parts/audi-parts-aftermarket-explained/)
Whether it’s for your brand new dream car or trustworthy daily commuter finding the right parts can become a hassle. Should you go directly to the dealer or order parts online? What is the difference between Genuine OEM, Generic OEM, and aftermarket? Why are some parts so much more expensive then others? Why are some parts so much less expensive then others?
You don’t have to break the bank to get high quality replacement parts for your vehicle. We will explain the difference between Genuine, Generic, and aftermarket parts as well as the different options of where to purchase your parts depending on your needs.
To give you a better idea of how the different parts look we have included a picture of three oil level sensors for comparison. We have included Genuine OEM, Generic OEM, and Aftermarket with an explanation of what makes them different.
Genuine OEM:
When in need of a part most consumers will try the Audi authorized dealership as most parts are readily available and can be picked up the same day. Although that may seem like the perfect way to obtain the parts you are looking for, it comes with a price. Dealer prices on parts can be marked up as much as 300%. They don’t always have everything in stock and could possibly take a few days to get the parts in which defeats the purpose if you need the part the same day. Dealerships are also very hesitant about giving out part numbers because you can use that number and purchase the part for a fraction of the cost from an online vendor. There are also instances where they will give out an incorrect part number to keep you from purchasing the product elsewhere.
http://www.audiction.com/app/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/audi-parts-aftermarket-explained-genuine-oem.jpg
Most dealerships will ask for a VIN of the vehicle which can make a retrofit or mod a bit more difficult as they will only give you part numbers associated with that VIN. This is done to cut back on giving out the “wrong” parts for that specific vehicle. Although the parts from the dealer are completely 100% Genuine OEM they do come at a premium. Most online vendors also carry Genuine OEM parts which they purchase from the dealership direct and resell at a lower price.
Generic OEM
When you think of all the components that make up a single vehicle, it is safe to say that the car manufacturer cannot develop and produce every single component on the vehicle. Most parts that make up a car come from various independent manufacturers. Most car companies do not make their own filters, electrical components, or basic maintenance parts. This is when Generic OEM parts come in. They are the same exact part that you would find on your vehicle, however the part numbers and Audi/VW logos are usually removed to make the part “brand neutral.”
http://www.audiction.com/app/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/audi-parts-aftermarket-explained-generic-oem.jpg
This allows the manufacturer to produce excess parts and sell them in the aftermarket (at a lower cost). Some Generic OEM manufacturers include Bosch, MANN Filters, Hella, Lemforder, just to name a few. Generic OEM parts are a great way to save money on parts that would likely cost twice as much with a Genuine OEM logo.
Aftermarket Parts:
When it comes to the parts on your vehicle, quality is of the utmost importance. However there are certain parts that can be purchased at a fraction of the cost in the aftermarket world. Certain parts such as most hardware, clips, nuts, bolts, and non mechanical parts are simply much less expensive then their Genuine OEM and Generic OEM counterparts.
http://www.audiction.com/app/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/audi-parts-aftermarket-explained-oe-aftermarket.jpg
These are usually produced by companies who are knowledgeable of the brand and produce other components for those vehicles. For instance, a company that makes headlights for automobile company A will produce an aftermarket headlight assembly for automobile company B. There is also a difference between aftermarket parts and knock-offs which we will discuss below.
Fake and Knock Off Parts:
These are the parts you want to stay away from. They are usually made using sub par materials and manufacturing processes. They tend to have a premature and high failure rate which could make an easy fix a major headache. Most do not come with a warranty and are sold “as is”. When it comes to the health of your vehicle do not skimp out on knock off parts as it will cost you more in the long run. A simple saying describes the purchase of knock off parts… “Buy nice or buy twice.”
Where to buy Audi parts:
When it comes to purchasing components for your vehicle it all depends on your needs. If it is imperative that you receive the parts the same day the dealer might be your only option. However, the cost will come at a premium and the part might not actually be in stock. If you can wait a day or more, your best option would be to find a reputable online retailer such as Europa Parts, as most products ship same day and overnight shipping is available.
http://skin.europaparts.com/frontend/default/europaparts/images/logo.png (http://www.europaparts.com/)
Whether it’s for your brand new dream car or trustworthy daily commuter finding the right parts can become a hassle. Should you go directly to the dealer or order parts online? What is the difference between Genuine OEM, Generic OEM, and aftermarket? Why are some parts so much more expensive then others? Why are some parts so much less expensive then others?
You don’t have to break the bank to get high quality replacement parts for your vehicle. We will explain the difference between Genuine, Generic, and aftermarket parts as well as the different options of where to purchase your parts depending on your needs.
To give you a better idea of how the different parts look we have included a picture of three oil level sensors for comparison. We have included Genuine OEM, Generic OEM, and Aftermarket with an explanation of what makes them different.
Genuine OEM:
When in need of a part most consumers will try the Audi authorized dealership as most parts are readily available and can be picked up the same day. Although that may seem like the perfect way to obtain the parts you are looking for, it comes with a price. Dealer prices on parts can be marked up as much as 300%. They don’t always have everything in stock and could possibly take a few days to get the parts in which defeats the purpose if you need the part the same day. Dealerships are also very hesitant about giving out part numbers because you can use that number and purchase the part for a fraction of the cost from an online vendor. There are also instances where they will give out an incorrect part number to keep you from purchasing the product elsewhere.
http://www.audiction.com/app/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/audi-parts-aftermarket-explained-genuine-oem.jpg
Most dealerships will ask for a VIN of the vehicle which can make a retrofit or mod a bit more difficult as they will only give you part numbers associated with that VIN. This is done to cut back on giving out the “wrong” parts for that specific vehicle. Although the parts from the dealer are completely 100% Genuine OEM they do come at a premium. Most online vendors also carry Genuine OEM parts which they purchase from the dealership direct and resell at a lower price.
Generic OEM
When you think of all the components that make up a single vehicle, it is safe to say that the car manufacturer cannot develop and produce every single component on the vehicle. Most parts that make up a car come from various independent manufacturers. Most car companies do not make their own filters, electrical components, or basic maintenance parts. This is when Generic OEM parts come in. They are the same exact part that you would find on your vehicle, however the part numbers and Audi/VW logos are usually removed to make the part “brand neutral.”
http://www.audiction.com/app/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/audi-parts-aftermarket-explained-generic-oem.jpg
This allows the manufacturer to produce excess parts and sell them in the aftermarket (at a lower cost). Some Generic OEM manufacturers include Bosch, MANN Filters, Hella, Lemforder, just to name a few. Generic OEM parts are a great way to save money on parts that would likely cost twice as much with a Genuine OEM logo.
Aftermarket Parts:
When it comes to the parts on your vehicle, quality is of the utmost importance. However there are certain parts that can be purchased at a fraction of the cost in the aftermarket world. Certain parts such as most hardware, clips, nuts, bolts, and non mechanical parts are simply much less expensive then their Genuine OEM and Generic OEM counterparts.
http://www.audiction.com/app/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/audi-parts-aftermarket-explained-oe-aftermarket.jpg
These are usually produced by companies who are knowledgeable of the brand and produce other components for those vehicles. For instance, a company that makes headlights for automobile company A will produce an aftermarket headlight assembly for automobile company B. There is also a difference between aftermarket parts and knock-offs which we will discuss below.
Fake and Knock Off Parts:
These are the parts you want to stay away from. They are usually made using sub par materials and manufacturing processes. They tend to have a premature and high failure rate which could make an easy fix a major headache. Most do not come with a warranty and are sold “as is”. When it comes to the health of your vehicle do not skimp out on knock off parts as it will cost you more in the long run. A simple saying describes the purchase of knock off parts… “Buy nice or buy twice.”
Where to buy Audi parts:
When it comes to purchasing components for your vehicle it all depends on your needs. If it is imperative that you receive the parts the same day the dealer might be your only option. However, the cost will come at a premium and the part might not actually be in stock. If you can wait a day or more, your best option would be to find a reputable online retailer such as Europa Parts, as most products ship same day and overnight shipping is available.
http://skin.europaparts.com/frontend/default/europaparts/images/logo.png (http://www.europaparts.com/)