The craftsmanship and quality that comes from a Mercedes Benz is unbeatable. Even so, there comes a time when you will need to have certain parts replaced from normal wear and tear. You then have a decision to make. Do you choose to purchase genuine Mercedes parts or off-brand aftermarket ones? Here’s what you need to know about the differences to help you make the right decision.
What is OEM and Aftermarket?
Genuine Mercedes parts are manufactured in 30 countries globally and labeled OEM, which stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. This signifies that the part is identical to the part made by the same company on the vehicle you purchased from an authorized dealer. Aftermarket parts are generic replacements made from a company that didn’t originally manufacture your vehicle. These parts can be used on multiple brands of cars and not affiliated with Mercedes in any way. Aftermarket parts are typically easier to find than OEM parts.
What’s The Cost Difference?
Aftermarket parts are typically cheaper than Mercedes OEM parts. However, they can also be lower in quality and may not come with warranty coverage. If you use aftermarket parts on a Mercedes that is covered by a warranty, you could potentially lose your coverage if the part causes repair issues. You should probably stick with OEM parts if you want to save money on future repair bills.
Reliability Differences
Mercedes Benz original parts are specifically engineered for top performance. Many aftermarket suppliers can’t duplicate this engineering. Using aftermarket parts can affect the overall reliability because you can’t be sure the part will fit or work correctly for your vehicle. You run the risk of creating numerous repair problems and expensive bills that you wouldn’t have by using genuine parts.
Safety Differences
There are both aftermarket and genuine parts that are completely safe for your Mercedes. If you plan to purchase aftermarket parts, look for ones that have a Certified Auto Parts Association designation. Parts that do not have this designation may cause you safety problems in the future. With any major repair, it’s best to use genuine parts. You can typically find Mercedes Benz parts online.
When it comes to your vehicle, genuine Mercedes parts are the much safer bet when it comes to replacing or repairing parts on your vehicle. Aftermarket parts may be cheaper but they can cost you more in the long run. You’ve already paid for the best, so why settle for less when maintaining your vehicle?