Why the Right Spare Parts Matter: Genuine OEM V's Aftermarket Spares | BM Tech

BM Tech insist on genuine OEM parts. That's just "part" of why we are a genuine dealer alternative!

When you bring your BMW, MINI, Audi, or Volkswagen into BM Tech for a service or repair, we’re not just looking under the bonnet — we’re looking out for your car’s long-term health. One of the most common questions we hear from customers is:

“Is there really a difference between genuine, OEM, and aftermarket spare parts?”

And honestly? Yes. A big one.

In fact, the type of part we fit can mean the difference between your car running like new or coming back on a tow truck next month.

Not All Car Spare Parts Are Created Equal

Let’s start with the basics. What’s the difference between genuine, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), and aftermarket parts?

• Genuine parts are made by OEM companies, stamped with the manufacturers logo and come in branded packaging. These are the same parts your car was originally built with at the factory.

• OEM parts are made by the same companies that manufacture the genuine parts — often identical — but sold under the OEM’s brand, not the carmaker’s.

• Aftermarket parts are made by third-party companies and vary widely in quality. Some are excellent. Others... not so much.

The real problem? Many cheaper aftermarket parts simply don’t meet the precision tolerances or material quality required for modern European engines.

🚫 We’ve seen timing chains stretch prematurely, sensors misread data, and brake pads squeal like a banshee on a bad day — all because of sub-par parts.

🧠 Want to know more? Check out this breakdown from Choice Australia on the importance of quality car parts.

Why Cheap Spare Parts Can Cost You More

At first glance, a $40 oil filter instead of a $90 OEM one might seem like a great way to save. But here's the kicker:

That cheaper filter might:

• Not trap contaminants effectively

• Disintegrate prematurely

• Cause oil pressure issues

• Void your manufacturer warranty

We’ve had vehicles come in with engine damage that could’ve been avoided with a proper filter — or brake systems compromised by poor-quality pads that crumbled under heat and pressure. It's not scare tactics — it's what we see in the real world, right here in Melbourne.

🔧 Real Case Study: BMW 320i with Aftermarket Spare Parts Timing Chain

A customer came to us with engine rattle issues. Turns out, a budget timing chain kit installed elsewhere had stretched within 30,000km. Not only did it cause performance loss, but the cost to rectify was nearly double what it would have been to install an OEM kit in the first place.

Lesson? Buy once, cry once. Or twice, with a bigger invoice.

What BM Tech Uses — and Why

At BM Tech, we specialise in European cars, so we know which parts stand the test of time — and which ones will have your check engine light throwing a tantrum. Here’s our approach:

• Genuine Parts for when exact-match reliability is critical

• OEM Parts when they’re available and match the same factory specifications

• Aftermarket Parts only if they’ve passed our own in-house scrutiny and road-tested performance

We don’t cut corners. We invest in the right components because we care about long-term outcomes — not just ticking the job off.

Internal Link SEO Tip:

🛠️ Learn more about our BMW servicing and diagnostics

Precision Matters More Than Ever

European vehicles are engineered with incredibly tight tolerances. The days of “she’ll be right” backyard repairs are long gone.

Modern systems — from electronic throttle control to DSG transmissions — rely on exact part performance to function correctly. Even minor deviations can cause:

• Poor fuel economy

• Power delivery issues

• Fault codes

• Failed emissions tests

• Voided extended warranties

Using improper parts might technically “work”, but the system will often know something’s not quite right — and before long, you will too.

🔍 Related Read:

VACC on Risks of Counterfeit and Low-Quality Parts

Why We’ll Always Be Transparent

We’re not here to upsell or push “genuine only” for the sake of profit. If there’s a cost-effective option that won’t compromise safety or performance, we’ll offer it — and we’ll explain your choices clearly.

But if we advise against a part, there’s a reason.

We'll show you:

• The engineering differences between the options

• Any warranty impacts

• What you can reasonably expect from the performance/longevity

It’s your car, your call. We’re just here to make sure you’ve got all the facts.

Warranties & Consumer Rights

You have the right to choose where your car is serviced — and that includes choosing parts. Under Australian Consumer Law, using a qualified independent mechanic doesn’t void your new car warranty, provided they use parts that are fit for purpose.

This was confirmed by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) in their Motor Vehicle Sales and Repairs Report.

So yes — your BMW or Audi can absolutely be serviced at BM Tech with warranty-safe practices. But if a workshop fits dodgy parts? That protection may go out the window.

Investing in Reliability: It's Not a Luxury, It's a Strategy

Your car isn’t just a way to get from A to B. It’s an investment in convenience, safety, and performance. When you’ve chosen a premium vehicle, you deserve premium care.

Using the right parts means:

• Fewer breakdowns

• Longer intervals between major repairs

• Better resale value

• Confidence in every drive

And unlike cheap alternatives, our parts come with manufacturer or workshop-backed warranties — so you’re covered if something goes wrong.

Want Proof? Just Ask

We’re not shy about what we use. Want to see the part before we install it? No worries. Prefer a certain brand? Let’s talk. Got a mate in the trade who swears by something? We’ll give it a fair hearing — and if it passes our standards, we’re happy to fit it.

At BM Tech, we believe trust is built with transparency — and we’re here to earn it.

🙋 Have questions about your last service or part recommendation? Contact our team — we’re happy to walk you through it.

Supporting Local: Sourcing Parts in Australia

Wherever possible, we work with local distributors and reputable suppliers right here i

n Australia. That means:

• Faster turnaround times

• Reduced shipping costs

• Support for the local economy

We source from trusted networks that have direct relationships with manufacturers, including parts from names like:

• Bosch

• Mahle

• ZF Sachs

• MANN+HUMMEL

• And more

And for harder-to-find bits? We’ll order them in — the right way, not the fast-and-dodgy way.

Final Word: Do It Once. Do It Right.

At BM Tech, we’ve built our reputation on doing things properly. That includes taking the time to choose the right part for your vehicle, not the fastest or cheapest option. Our customers trust us not just for our expertise — but for our honesty.

So the next time you're offered a cut-price repair, ask yourself:

• What’s really included in the quote?

• What’s the long-term cost of a short-term saving?

• Would your vehicle’s engineers be happy with that part?

When it comes to maintaining a precision-engineered vehicle, you really do get what you pay for.

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