Why OEM Parts Matter
“OEM” means Original Equipment Manufacturer — a part made to the exact specification the vehicle was built with, whether that part is branded by the manufacturer itself or produced by the same supplier that builds for the manufacturer’s assembly line. The specification is what matters, not just the badge on the box, and it is the reason parts quality has a real effect on how a repair holds up.
Where Generic Aftermarket Parts Fall Short
The automotive aftermarket includes everything from parts built to the same tolerances as OEM down to parts built to a much looser standard that only fits, rather than performs, correctly. On a European vehicle in particular, tolerances are often tighter than on other platforms, and the difference shows up in ways that are not always obvious immediately:
- A brake pad built to a looser friction specification can change stopping distance and pedal feel, and wear rotors differently than the pad the vehicle was engineered around.
- A sensor or electronic component that is not built to the same tolerance can throw intermittent fault codes that are difficult to diagnose precisely because the part itself is inconsistent.
- Fluids matter as much as physical parts — using the wrong specification oil or transmission fluid on a modern European vehicle can affect timing chain lubrication, transmission adaptation, or emissions system function, even though the fluid “fits” in the sense that it can physically be poured in.
Auto Imports’ Parts Approach
We use OEM parts when they are required for correct fit or function, or when they are the practical choice available. Where a quality aftermarket alternative meets OEM specification, we use OEM-quality aftermarket — not the cheapest available option, but one built to the tolerance the vehicle actually needs. We do not represent every part on every invoice as OEM-branded, because that would not be accurate. What we commit to is that the part meets the specification your vehicle requires, and we back that with a minimum 1-year or 20,000km warranty on our work.
Why This Matters More on European Vehicles
Many European manufacturers publish very specific fluid and parts specifications — BMW’s Longlife oil approval, Audi and VW’s 504.00/508.00 oil specification, and Mercedes-Benz’s 229.5/229.51/229.6 approval are examples referenced throughout our brand-specific service pages. These are not arbitrary. Timing chain lubrication, dual-clutch transmission adaptation, and emissions system longevity are all tied to using the correct specification, not just “an oil” or “a part that fits.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Auto Imports only use genuine OEM-branded parts? No, and we would rather be accurate about that than overstate it. We use OEM parts when required or available, and OEM-quality aftermarket parts that meet the same specification otherwise. We do not use the cheapest generic aftermarket option. We give our customers all the options and let them decide.
Will using an aftermarket part affect my vehicle’s warranty? In Canada, the Competition Act generally prevents a manufacturer from voiding your vehicle warranty solely because independent-shop or aftermarket parts were used, provided the part did not cause the failure being claimed. We can walk through the specifics for your vehicle and situation.
How do I know what parts were used on my repair? Your invoice itemizes the parts used on your vehicle. If you want to confirm OEM versus OEM-quality aftermarket on a specific job, ask your service advisor — we document it.
Call (780) 431-2828 or book online at auto-imports.ca to talk through parts options for your specific repair.
