Genuine vs OEM vs Aftermarket Parts

Open Road Auto Parts carries high quality Genuine and OEM parts. We do this to ensure that you get only the best quality auto parts, which results in happier customers and fewer returns.

Genuine Parts

We are one of the few sites on the Internet that can offer Genuine parts for all the European brands. Our Genuine Parts are exactly what you would get if you went to your local dealership and generally come branded with the logo of the car manufacturer (BMW, Mercedes, etc…).

OEM Parts

OEM, which stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, refers to the company that originally manufactured the part. These are generally made in the same factory as the Genuine parts, but have a different label or brand name on them. These are the same quality as the Genuine parts.

It’s important to note that large discount chains will use the phrase OEM in their advertising, but then have a qualifier on it, such as “meets OEM standards”. These parts are not OEM; they are simply made to the same specifications as the OEM parts.

Aftermarket Parts

The term aftermarket is often used for non-OEM parts. The quality of these parts can vary. We have chosen not to carry aftermarket parts because we experience fewer problems and returns with Genuine and OEM parts.