When Cheap Parts Cost You More: Why OE or OEM Matters

Understanding part quality and how it impacts the longevity of your European vehicle.

Let’s paint a picture:

You come in for a repair. We walk you through the issue, give you some options, and you ask:

“Can you just use the cheaper part I found online? It’s half the price.”

Totally fair question—and trust us, we get it. With the cost of living going up, nobody wants to overpay for car repairs. But here’s the thing: when it comes to your European vehicle, the cheapest part isn’t just risky—it’s often the most expensive decision you’ll make in the long run.

In this post, we’re going to explain the difference between OE, OEM, and aftermarket parts, and why it matters. Especially if you plan to keep your car running past the next oil change.

First, Let’s Define the Terms (No Techno-Babble, We Promise)

You’ll hear these three terms a lot when talking about replacement parts:

• OE (Original Equipment): This is the exact part your car was built with at the factory, usually made by a contracted supplier for the automaker. Think Bosch making ignition coils for BMW, or Mann making filters for Audi. It comes in a box with the car brand’s logo.
• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): Same part, same quality, made by the same supplier—but it skips the carmaker’s branding and markup. That Mann oil filter for Audi? It’s often available in Mann’s own packaging for less money.
• Aftermarket: Made by a third-party manufacturer not affiliated with the carmaker. These range from better than OE (rare) to downright scary. And it’s not always easy to tell which is which.

Why Does This Matter?

Because not all parts are created equal. Especially on a European car.

You might be able to get away with a $12 serpentine belt on a 2005 Toyota Corolla. But on a turbocharged BMW with precise tension specs and tight engine clearance? That same belt can shred in 6,000 miles and wrap itself around your crank pulley. Suddenly, your $12 shortcut turns into a $1,200 repair.

And that’s not hypothetical—we’ve seen it. More than once.

Why Are Cheap Parts Even Sold?

Because they’re profitable—for the seller. Low-cost parts often skip quality control, use subpar materials, and cut corners on tolerances. In many cases, they look identical to a quality part—but internally, they’re a completely different animal.

And unfortunately, the internet has made it easier than ever for customers to unknowingly buy junk. Amazon, eBay, and even some chain stores carry knockoffs that mimic OE parts in appearance but fail to meet the standards your car was built around.

The Hidden Cost of Low-Quality Parts

• Labor Doesn’t Get Cheaper the Second Time You’re not just paying for the part—you’re paying for the technician’s time. If that bargain part fails, you’ll pay labor again. Sometimes even more if additional damage occurs.
• Increased Risk of Collateral Damage A cheap oil filter doesn’t just stop filtering—it can starve the engine. A low-grade thermostat can cause overheating. A poorly made sensor can throw your entire fuel system out of whack.
• Safety Isn’t Negotiable Brakes, suspension, and steering components need to perform. Period. Saving $40 on brake pads isn’t worth compromising your stopping distance.

What We Use at Joe Davis Autosport—and Why

We use OE or OEM parts from trusted suppliers—parts your car was engineered to work with.

We have relationships with specialty European parts distributors, and yes, sometimes these parts cost more than the cheapest thing on Amazon. But we stake our reputation on every repair we do, and we’d rather lose a sale than knowingly install something we wouldn’t use on our own cars.

If there’s ever a case where an aftermarket part is equal or superior (and sometimes that happens), we’ll tell you. Transparency is part of the job. But cutting corners? That’s not our style.

How to Spot Quality as a Consumer

Not sure if that part you found online is worth it? Here are a few tips:

• Look up the OE part number and compare manufacturers.
• Avoid parts with no brand name or suspiciously low prices.
• Stick to known OE/OEM brands like Bosch, Mahle, Lemforder, Mann, Hella, etc.
• Ask us—seriously. We’re happy to advise you, even if you’re doing the job yourself.

In Conclusion

Cheap parts might feel like a win at the moment—but they rarely are. Especially with European vehicles, where every system is engineered to work in harmony, quality matters more than ever.

Whether you drive a 2012 Audi A4 or a 2023 BMW X5, using the right parts is one of the biggest factors in keeping your car reliable, efficient, and safe.

If you're ever unsure about what’s going into your vehicle, just ask us. We’ll show you the part, explain the differences, and help you make the best choice for your car—and your wallet.