Whether it’s for your brand new dream car or trustworthy daily commuter, finding the right Audi parts can be a hassle, raising many questions in your mind. Should you go directly to the dealer or order parts online? What is the difference between Genuine OEM, Generic OEM, and Aftermarket? Why are some parts so much more expensive than others and some parts so much cheaper?
Read on to find out the difference between Genuine OEM, Generic OEM, and Aftermarket parts. We will also explore different options in terms of place of purchase.
Genuine OEM Parts
When in need of a part, most consumers will try the Audi authorized dealership, as most parts are readily available and can be picked up the same day. Although that may seem like the perfect way to obtain the parts you are looking for, this method comes with a price. Dealer prices on parts can be marked up as much as 300%. In addition, the dealership doesn’t always have everything in stock and it could take a few days to get the parts in, which defeats the purpose if you need a part the same day. Dealerships are also very hesitant about giving out part numbers because you can use that number and purchase the part for a fraction of the cost from an online Audi part vendor. There are also instances where they will give out an incorrect part number to keep you from purchasing the product elsewhere.
As you can see part number and Audi/VW logo is present. Most dealerships will ask for a VIN of the vehicle which can make a retrofit or mod a bit more difficult as they will only give you part numbers associated with that VIN. This is done to cut back on giving out the “wrong” parts for that specific vehicle. Although the parts from the dealer are completely 100% Genuine OEM, they do come at a premium. Most online vendors also carry Genuine OEM parts which they purchase from the dealership directly and resell at a lower price.
Generic OEM Parts
When you think of all the components that make up a single vehicle, it is safe to say that the car manufacturer cannot develop and produce every single component for the vehicle. Most parts that make up a car come from various independent manufacturers. Most car companies do not make their own filters, electrical components, or basic maintenance parts. This is when Generic OEM parts come in. They are the same exact part that you would find on your vehicle, however the part numbers and Audi/VW logos are usually removed to make the part “brand neutral.”
Audi/VW logo has been removed. You can clearly see that this is the same exact product as the Genuine OEM part but without the Audi/VW logo.
This allows the manufacturer to produce excess parts and sell them in the aftermarket (usually at a lower cost). Generic OEM manufacturers include Bosch, MANN-FILTER, Hella, Lemforder, just to name a few. Generic OEM parts are a great way to save money on parts that would otherwise cost twice as much.
Aftermarket Parts
There are certain parts that can be purchased at a fraction of the cost in the aftermarket world.
This is simply an aftermarket version of the same oil level sensor. The backing is different and does not resemble the Genuine or Generic OEM part. The fitment and quality is exactly the same.
These are usually produced by companies who are knowledgeable of the brand and produce other components for those vehicles. The company looks at a Genuine OEM part and creates a blueprint of it. The result varies; Some aftermarket parts are better quality than their Genuine OEM prototype and others are worse. Aftermarket parts tend to cost the least. They should not be confused with knock-offs.
Knock-Offs
These are the parts you want to stay away from. When it comes to the parts on your vehicle, quality is of the utmost importance. Knock-off and fake parts are usually made using sub-par materials and manufacturing processes. They tend to have a premature, high failure rate. Most do not come with a warranty and are sold “as is”. When it comes to the health of your vehicle do not try to save by buying knock-off parts as they will end up costing you more in the long run. The saying “Buy nice or buy twice” definitely applies here.
Where to buy Audi & VW parts?
When it comes to purchasing components for your vehicle, it all depends on your needs. If it is imperative that you receive the parts the same day, the dealer might be your only option. However, keep in mind that the cost will come at a premium and the part might not actually be in stock. If you can wait a day or more, your best option would be to find a reputable online retailer like Europa Parts, where most products ship the same day and overnight shipping is also an option.
The take home message here is: you don’t have to break the bank to get high quality replacement parts for your beloved Audi.
For particular year Audis during transitions the dealer even has a hard time identifying the correct part – for example bulbs in my 2006 A8 headlights. The local dealer listed a two- filament bulb for my DRL, but the socket is one filament and so is the old bulb. Their listing was incorrect and only the experienced folks in the department could respond and retrieve the correct bulbs, which were handed to me with a “sorry about that, no charge”. I’m struggling with the fuel filter replacement now, as parts stores list only the 2 inlet model and then have the 3 inlet model as a fuel pressure regulator, having 3 options. Yikes.
can you put an aftermarket catalytic converter in a 2007 Volkswagen jetta and expect that it will run properly?
what does the last letter of the headlamp for 2014 Audi mean ?
Is it any different headlamp if its E Or B ?
8k0 941 005 E
8K0 941 005 B
my original part is the E one and I found a used one on ebay that ends with B
is it the same part ??
Hi Kevin, according to ETKA 8K0941005B supersedes to 8K0941005E, so you should be able to used it with no problem. Please note that 8K0941005B might be just the headlight with no related parts while 8K0941005E looks like a complete assembly. Hope this helps.
Hi,
When you say “By OE Supplier” as a “MANUFACTURER”, are you using this term as all oe suppliers such as BOCSH, HELLA, NGK or etc.
or
“OE Supplier” is actually a manufacturer (company/brand name) therefore it is an aftermarket parts such as a cheap Chinese or eastern-europ.
thank you.
OE Supplier is the term we use for most OE suppliers such as the ones you named. Hope this helps.
Love the pun “this method comes with a price”, and how the “online Audi part vendor” link redirects to europaparts’ website.
It’s September 30, 2022. Will the escalating problems in the EU affect Audi parts availability? I drive a 2018 A4. If things continue to worsen; Is it possible parts won’t be available in the years ahead? Where are the generic parts manufactured? One video I watched said “sell your Audi.” Seems rather drastic.