Re: OEM vs. Factory original

["Nate Smith" <nate@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

OEM and Factory parts aren't always the same thing.  Sometimes they truly
are the same part, just in a different box (Behr thermostats for example).
Most of the time they are so similar that the difference doesn't matter.
But sometimes, the parts are different enough that you will continue to have
problems.  We find that many aftermarket suppliers - mail order and
otherwise - are very optimistic about their OEM designation (i.e., if its
made in Germany then it must be OEM).

OEM should mean that the same manufacturer that made a part for BMW is also
selling their parts into the aftermarket.  Remember that BMW doesn't like
that and actively discourages it.


Nate Smith
Optimal Auto Care - BMW
2335 Soquel Drive
Santa Cruz, CA  95065
831-476-1332
831-476-1567 fax
nate@domain.elided
- -----Original Message-----
From: Tim Annett <halogenbulb@domain.elided>
To: bmw-digest@domain.elided <bmw-digest@domain.elided>
Date: Saturday, April 21, 2001 8:58 AM
Subject: Re: OEM vs. Factory original


>Peter,
>
>OEM and Factory original parts should be the same exact thing.  The
>difference is that mail order catalogues have much more business with much
>less overhead.  Hence the higher mark-up on parts from your local
>independent shop (although sometimes too high of a mark-up is common).
>
>So you need to decide if you want to support your local shop or your
wallet!
>
>
>Good Luck!!
>
>-Tim Annett
>2000 323i
>
>
>
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