Understanding OE Parts: What They Are and Why They Matter

When it comes to maintaining or repairing your vehicle, choosing the right parts is crucial. One term that frequently comes up is OE (Original Equipment) parts. But what does it mean, and why should you consider them for your car? Let’s take a closer look.

What Are OE Parts?

OE, or Original Equipment, refers to parts that were originally installed in your vehicle when it was manufactured. These parts are either:

• Made by the vehicle manufacturer itself.
• Produced by certified suppliers that manufacture components for factory-assembled cars.

Since OE parts are designed to match the exact specifications of your vehicle, they ensure optimal fit, quality, and performance—just like the original components.

The Basics: OE vs. OEM vs. Genuine Parts

Understanding the differences between OE, OEM, and Genuine parts helps you make an informed decision:

• Original Equipment (OE) Parts: These are the exact parts that came with your car, often carrying the manufacturer’s branding and meeting strict quality standards.
• Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts: These are made by the same company that produced the OE parts but may not have the vehicle brand’s logo. They are virtually identical in function and quality.
• Genuine Parts: These are OE parts that are branded and packaged by the vehicle manufacturer. They come with the automaker’s logo and are typically sold at dealerships at a premium price.

The Details

1. Original Equipment (OE) Parts: These are the original components used by vehicle manufacturers, but with the genuine logos removed (scratched, ground, or marked out) due to licensing agreements. Vehicle manufacturers like BMW and Volvo do not manufacture most of their parts themselves; instead, they contract specialised manufacturers to produce them.

These parts are typically sold directly from their respective manufacturers at a lower cost. OE parts will still bear the branding of companies, but without the vehicle brand’s logo. They are identical to what dealerships supply, just sold through different retail channels.

Examples:

 

2. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts: These are made by manufacturers who supply at least one OE part to a vehicle manufacturer. While they may not have been installed on your car at the factory, they are produced in the same facilities and meet strict quality standards.

For example, Bosch may supply spark plugs that are installed at the factory as OE parts, while also producing fuel pumps for different vehicles. The Bosch spark plugs in this case would be OE parts, while the fuel pump would be OEM.

 

3. Genuine Parts: These are those sourced directly from a dealership and come packaged with the vehicle manufacturer’s branding. They are the same parts you’d receive if you purchased them from an authorised dealer, but at a premium price due to higher dealership costs.

These parts are typically made by the same approved OE suppliers—such as Bosch, Hella, Mann, and Lemforder—but they come in official manufacturer packaging.

Why Choose OE Parts?

1. Perfect Fit & Compatibility – OE parts are designed to fit your vehicle precisely, eliminating the risk of compatibility issues.
2. Proven Durability – Since these parts meet manufacturer specifications, they offer reliability and longevity.
3. Maintains Vehicle Warranty – Some warranties require OE parts for repairs to remain valid.
4. Preserves Performance & Safety – OE parts maintain the original performance, efficiency, and safety features of your car.

 

Are OE Parts Always The Best Choice?

OE parts guarantee top-tier quality, but they can be more expensive. If budget is a concern, OEM parts offer a cost-effective alternative while maintaining quality. Genuine parts, while identical to OE, may carry a higher price due to branding and dealership markups.

Final Thoughts

To ensure authenticity and reliability, it's crucial to source OE parts from trusted suppliers. Dealerships and specialised auto parts retailers offer OE parts, but they often come with higher markups. Shopping with a reputable online retailer gives you access to the same high-quality OE components—without the dealership prices.

At ML Performance, we offer a wide selection of OE parts from top manufacturers like Volvo, Peugeot, and Mercedes. Our carefully curated inventory ensures you're getting the right part for your vehicle at a competitive price.

On top of that, finding the right parts for your car just got easier! With OE reference numbers now available on all listings, you can match parts to your vehicle’s exact specifications with confidence. This ensures a perfect fit, simplifies your search, and helps you avoid ordering the wrong parts.

Browse our collection today and keep your car running at its best!