When it comes to car repairs, modifications, or upgrades, most people find themselves in a tougher situation where they have to make a choice between aftermarket and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Accessories. BMW accessories online shop has ample new collections available, the only decision that you have to take is which one to prefer and why? The aftermarket parts are usually cheaper than OEM whereas the list of the performance parts and accessories is somehow similar in both.
 These accessories can include anything from performance parts to decoration accessories that improve the look and feel of the F10 BMW.
What are Aftermarket Parts?
Aftermarket parts, also known as generic parts, are manufactured by a company other than the original manufacturer of your vehicle. They are brand-new replacement parts that will improve the overall quality of your vehicle. Because they are made by a third-party manufacturer, they may not be a perfect fit in the same way that OEM parts are if the compatibility is not checked prior to purchase.
Why choose aftermarket accessories over OEM?
- Less Expensive
Aftermarket parts are always less expensive than OEM parts, which can be more expensive. Because parts account for nearly half of the cost of most bodywork, saving money here can reduce the total cost of the repair. Insurance companies prefer aftermarket parts especially when they are just as safe as OEM parts. These parts are ideal for those who want to try new modifications at a low cost, or for those whose car model is old by now and don’t want to spend more money on repairs.
- Selection
As your F10 BMW has only one manufacturer which means you’ll only have one option for an OEM part. However, with aftermarket parts, you may have plenty of manufacturers to choose from. More selection options means more competition and lower prices in comparison to each other. The availability of the aftermarket version of a part is more likely to be at your local parts store as compared to the OEM version resulting in a car repair delay.
- Quality Level
The quality of BMW accessories online shop varies according to the parts that need to be replaced. It typically contains parts and accessories that have been tested and certified by an independent testing authority known as the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA). When you see their seal on a replacement part, you know it has been proven to meet or exceed their quality standards, that it will fit, and that it will be safer to use.
What are the precautions that must be taken?
- Check the Quality
Aftermarket parts give you more options to choose from, but not all aftermarket parts are created equally with the same quality. You may come across lower-quality items or those that aren’t a good fit for your F10 BMW. It is more difficult to determine the quality of these parts if they have not been certified by CAPA. As a result, request quality assurance from the shop so that if an incident occurs, your car insurance company will pay to replace it at no extra cost.
- Warranty Card
All OEM parts include some level of warranty protection, which is usually one year. Whereas the aftermarket parts sometimes come with little or no warranty, therefore it should be your first priority to ask for a warranty card when purchasing any part. Remember that you can file a complaint with the FTC if you believe a warranty claim was denied unfairly by the companies.
Conclusion
Aftermarket parts are generally as safe as OEM parts but much less expensive. They are typically sheet metal, carbon fiber, or plastic components that make up the car’s exterior and interior, such as bumpers, fenders, hoods, door lights, dual exhaust, and so on. Therefore, BMW accessories online shops designed parts in order to enhance the performance, styling, or utility of a vehicle after its original purchase.