Porsche OEM Parts vs. Aftermarket Trade Parts Explained

Porsche parts specialist, Design911, explains how OEM and aftermarket parts compare and what to choose for best results

Replacement parts for vehicles are available from a huge range of producers and manufacturers, with many consumers and even automotive professionals unsure which part meets their requirements and specifications.

The Porsche OEM parts specialists at Design911 clarify the contrasts between OEM and aftermarket parts for the brand and explain the decision-making factors that may influence your selection, considering aspects such as price, availability, performance, compatibility, and manufacturer warranties.

How Do OEM and Aftermarket Parts Compare?

Genuine parts are those supplied with the vehicle when it first leaves the showroom. Most components are manufactured by the car producer and will have the marque’s logo printed or stamped onto the body of the part or included within the labelling.

Inevitably, even the most premium cars will need parts replaced after a certain period or after a number of miles, and the primary choices are either OEM or aftermarket spares.

• OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer and means the part is produced by the same company that made the parts originally fitted within the vehicle. These parts are also sometimes categorised as genuine parts – although some may differ slightly if production materials or techniques have changed since you purchased your car.
• Aftermarket parts are manufactured by any company other than the one that provided the components installed in the car when it was first purchased. Many manufacturers design aftermarket parts to be compatible with several vehicles or models, although some may focus on one specific vehicle.

While OEM parts are generally considered the better option, that may not always be the case. Performance aftermarket parts are manufactured by automotive producers who design components to extract superior performance from the vehicle – an enhanced aftermarket part may be engineered to augment the car's handling, braking or acceleration, for example.

Porsche enthusiasts may opt for a performance aftermarket part as an upgrade on a ‘stock’ original part to boost power or reduce the weight of their vehicle.

Choosing Between Porsche OEM Parts and Aftermarket Parts

The best starting point when choosing between two parts is pinpointing your priorities. An OEM component is made to the same specifications as the original and will be fully compatible with your vehicle and the other working parts. Most will come with a warranty, meaning you can claim a replacement if you have any issues or on the rare occasion when an OEM part is faulty.

Aftermarket parts are typically more affordable and readily available – which may be a consideration if an OEM part needs to be custom-made, is no longer produced, or is hard to source. If it would take a considerable amount of time to purchase an OEM part, you may also wish to use an aftermarket replacement in the interim.

In other circumstances, a driver or vehicle owner might need a repair or parts replacement completed as quickly as possible and prefer an aftermarket part to avoid having their vehicle off the road for several weeks or months.

An aftermarket part may also be the best solution for classic and vintage cars that are difficult to upgrade because the original parts aren't produced any more, or the components provided with the vehicle when new no longer exist.

We’ve broken the considerations down into categories to help you make informed decisions. Still, we would always recommend speaking to our knowledgeable team if you’d like help verifying the quality and suitability of an OEM or aftermarket Porsche part.

Cost Factors

Replacement parts and performance upgrades can command a fairly high budget depending on what you need to replace, the age of your vehicle, and the cost of the component itself.

OEM parts tend to be more expensive than standard aftermarket components, but a performance aftermarket part engineered to a high specification could also be an investment in vehicle performance.

For speedy replacements, you may wish to choose an aftermarket part for more unusual components or those which aren't readily available to buy. You'll find the vast majority of parts available to order through the Design911 website with direct delivery to your door, so fortunately, timings aren't a consideration for most repairs or parts replacements.

Manufacturer Guarantees

An OEM part will normally come with a reliable warranty, with the assurance of guaranteed compatibility with your vehicle that should have no impact on any manufacturer’s warranty still in place against the vehicle.

Aftermarket parts also come with warranties, although the extent of coverage and the length of the warranty may vary – this is worth verifying if you are concerned about maintaining a vehicle warranty or require the assurance of an ongoing warranty against the performance of your selected component.

Vehicle Compatibility and Performance

Every Porsche driver wants a smooth, enjoyable and luxurious driving experience, which is best achieved with exceptional quality parts. OEM parts are the best option if you need a like-for-like replacement that will last since they are engineered for functionality and durability.

However, if your priority is to enhance and augment the way your vehicle performs, a performance aftermarket part will be a superior choice.

If you are considering an aftermarket part in place of an OEM component due to price or availability, an experienced mechanic, repair professional or restorer can advise whether an aftermarket part will be suitable or whether there are likely to be any compatibility issues.

Advice on the Best Placement Parts or Components for Your Porsche

The Design911 team has years of experience supplying and sourcing high-quality Porsche parts, with a broad catalogue featuring thousands of products, upgrades, performance parts and replacements. The team can also source rare and hard-to-find components on demand.

Shipping is available across the UK and Europe, with an intuitive online search function whereby you can look for your required part by model number, vehicle or component, depending on the information you have available.

Should you need assistance evaluating whether an OEM or aftermarket part is the right fit for your needs or require advice on sourcing an alternative part should the item you need no longer be manufactured, the Design911 team is on hand to help.

Read more about Design911 - Design911 Launches Extended Range of Porsche Bilstein Suspension Products

About Design911

Design911 has established itself as the market leader, offering trade and retail customers a full range of OEM and aftermarket Porsche parts for general servicing and rebuild as well as restoration and tuning for the UK, European and world-wide markets. The Design911.co.uk website now sports a Porsche parts finder to help you get the exact aftermarket Porsche part your need. The company's impressive 34,000 sq. ft Essex headquarters comprise sales department, warehouse, workshop and body shop, as well as a showroom of classic Porsches for sale. We pride ourselves that we will be the company that can supply 'every part for every Porsche'.

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Source Company: https://www.design911.co.uk