For vehicle owners and mechanics, the ongoing argument of whether to use genuine parts vs aftermarket parts is a tough one. Some say they’d swear by aftermarket parts, while others would only go for genuine parts.
So, which is better, especially for a Mercedes-Benz vehicle? Which way do you turn when you need repairs for your car? Here’s a quick comparison to help you make a decision.
What are genuine parts?
Genuine or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are engine components or parts of your car that were originally designed by the car manufacturer. For example, if you need a cylinder head and get the OEM part, it’s coming directly from Ford and not a third-party dealer.
Purchasing OEM parts has its benefits. For one, you’re guaranteed that it’ll fit and that you’ll get the performance expected from it. But they’re also a lot more expensive than your aftermarket parts, which is often why people rather go that root instead.
Pros of OEM parts:
- Guaranteed compatibility with your vehicle
- Often backed by a warranty from the manufacturer
- Generally higher quality and reliability
Cons of OEM parts:
- Can be more expensive than aftermarket alternatives
- Limited availability compared to aftermarket parts
- May not offer as much variety in features or customization options
What are aftermarket parts?
After-market parts are parts for cars that are sourced from third-party manufacturers. They aren’t the original parts for the car but are designed the same and often function the same as well.
However, the reason there is so much discussion around using aftermarket parts is that there are so many manufacturers the quality level fluctuates, meaning that you might purchase a part that is of lower quality and wouldn’t last as long. This is one of the major risks of going the aftermarket route.
Pros of aftermarket parts:
- Typically more affordable than OEM parts
- A wide range of options is available, including performance upgrades
- Can offer better value for specific needs or preferences
Cons of aftermarket parts:
- Quality can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer
- Compatibility may not always be guaranteed with your vehicle
- May void warranties on certain vehicle components
What’s better?
At the end of the day, the choice regarding which part is better comes down to your preferences and situation. But before you decide, consider these factors:
Price
As we mentioned earlier, aftermarket parts are generally more affordable. This is due to how available they are, and because they’re not affiliated to the car brand. In some cases, you’ll find that genuine parts cost up to 60% more than aftermarket parts. The reason for this is that OEM parts are designed specifically for each model unless that brand uses the same engine in their cars like Suzuki.
Quality
You need to consider the quality you’re getting. Some aftermarket spares come highly recommended, even by certain manufacturers. This is because their product has proven its quality. But because theirs such a large market for aftermarket spares, you might look at its low price and end up buying a part that breaks in a month or two.
On the other hand, with OEM parts, you’re guaranteed the same quality parts that your car initially had. Meaning it’ll have a similar lifespan as well.
Availability
Understandably, aftermarket parts are far more available because more companies are making them in comparison to just the brand manufacturer. You can source genuine parts directly from the manufacturer, which usually costs an arm or a leg and if they have discontinued that part then you might struggle to get it at all. Aftermarket parts can be bought at an auto store, and you’ll probably have more options to choose from too.
Warranty
Most OEM parts come with some sort of warranty. This provides you with the assurance that if the part breaks or is defective, you can bring it back, and they’ll sort it out free of charge. For some aftermarket parts, this is the same, but it isn’t common. So, with aftermarket parts, you’re essentially taking a gamble on whether the part works well or not. If not, you’ll be responsible for paying for the replacement for a second time, which isn’t ideal.
Final Thoughts
Again, choosing to go for aftermarket parts has its risks, but it can also save you a ton of time and money. But for those of you who value quality, consistency, and peace of mind, purchasing genuine parts for your car, especially if it’s a Mercedes-Benz, might be the better way to go.
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