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The correct replacement parts for your car can be tricky if you’re not familiar with terms like OEM, VIN, or part numbers. In this friendly guide, we’ll demystify OEM car parts and show you how to use OEM numbers (and even your VIN) to find the perfect parts for your vehicle. We’ll cover what OEM means, how OEM numbers and VINs relate, ways to locate OEM part numbers, and how to search for and buy quality used car parts online using those numbers. Along the way, we’ll share tips, examples and insider advice that even a seasoned mechanic would approve of.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. In the context of car parts, OEM refers to parts made by the original manufacturer of your vehicle or by the company that supplied the parts to the vehicle manufacturer. In simple terms, an OEM part is the same as the part that came with your car when it rolled off the assembly line. These are not generic “will-fit” parts; they are made to the automaker’s exact specifications. If you drive a BMW, for example, an OEM brake pad is one made by the same company that made the brake pads BMW installed at the factory.
Now, you might be thinking: Is an OEM part the same as a genuine part from the dealer? Pretty much, yes. Genuine parts (sometimes just called “original parts”) usually come in the car maker’s packaging and often carry the automaker’s logo. But they might actually be made by a different company – the OEM supplier. For instance, your Volkswagen’s alternator might have a VW logo on it, but it could be manufactured by Bosch (Bosch is the OEM that made that alternator for VW). Similarly, a headlight on your Renault might say Renault on it, but the actual manufacturer could be Valeo. In both cases, Bosch and Valeo are OEMs supplying parts to those carmakers.
So, an OEM car part generally means one of two things:
Anything that is not OEM is considered aftermarket – parts made by other companies that were not involved in making the original car. Aftermarket parts range widely in quality. Some are perfectly fine or even high-performance upgrades, while others might be of lower quality or slightly different fit. Generally, OEM parts are trusted because they match the car’s original quality and fit by design.
You’ve probably heard of a VIN – the Vehicle Identification Number. It’s a unique 17-character code that essentially acts like your car’s fingerprint. So what do OEM parts have to do with VINs? Quite a lot, actually.
Think of your VIN as the key to your car’s DNA. Using a VIN, dealerships and parts databases can pinpoint exactly which components were used in your specific vehicle model, production run, and even factory. How does this relate to OEM? Well, the VIN can help you find the correct OEM part numbers for your car.
For example, if you give your VIN to a dealership parts department, they can look up the exact part number for, say, the alternator or the headlight that fits your car. This is because the VIN encodes details like model year, engine type, trim level, and factory options that determine which parts are needed. Often, car manufacturers have online catalogs where entering the VIN pulls up all the OEM parts diagrams and numbers for that vehicle.
In practical terms:
How do you actually find the OEM number for a part? Fortunately, OEM part numbers are usually not secret – they’re often hiding in plain sight. Here are some handy ways to locate that magic code:
Most original car parts have a reference number engraved, stamped, or printed on them. It could be a sequence of letters and numbers (and sometimes includes the automaker’s logo). For example, an alternator might have a label with a Bosch logo and a long number, or a plastic trim piece might have a part number molded on the inside. Take a flashlight and inspect the part – you might spot something like “VW 06B 903 023” (just as an example). That’s likely the OEM number. Keep in mind that some parts have multiple numbers (casting numbers, model numbers), but the format and context usually give away which is the official part number.
Your car’s owner’s manual often doesn’t list specific part numbers for everything, but it might for common items like bulbs or filters. More detailed part information can be found in the factory parts catalog or repair manuals for your vehicle. These catalogs (sometimes available on enthusiast forums or official websites) will list every part with an exploded diagram and OEM number. Some car manufacturers have online parts catalogs open to the public, where you enter your model details or VIN to get part numbers.
If a part was replaced before and you have the invoice, the OEM part number might be referenced there. Mechanics often note the part number for any ordered part on the bill. If you kept records (always a good idea), check if the part number is listed next to the item description.
If all else fails, you can call your vehicle’s dealership parts department. Give them your VIN and describe the part – they can usually tell you the OEM number. You don’t have to actually buy it from them if you just need the number. Alternatively, many independent parts specialists or online forums can help identify part numbers if you provide your car details.
There are websites where, for certain brands, you can input the VIN and get a list of OEM part numbers. These services tap into manufacturer data. Even some large auto parts chains (like O’Reilly or AutoZone in the US) or online OEM stores allow VIN lookup to ensure compatibility.
In short, the OEM number can usually be found either on the part itself or through documentation and databases. It might take a bit of sleuthing (wiping off grease to read a tiny print, anyone?), but having that number is gold when it comes to finding the exact match.
So, you have the OEM number and you know how to search for parts. But what about actually buying the part? Here are some tips and steps, whether you’re a DIY car tinkerer or a professional mechanic sourcing parts:
By following these tips, buying car parts by OEM number becomes a straightforward process. You’re basically doing what professional mechanics do – they often order parts by part number to make sure they get the right stuff. It might feel a bit technical at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever shopped for parts without using OEM numbers!
When it comes to quality and compatibility, OEM parts set the standard. They’re literally the benchmark that aftermarket parts aim to meet or beat. Let’s break down why OEM parts are valued:
One thing to note: OEM parts, especially brand new from a dealer, can be quite expensive (that’s why aftermarket options exist at all). This is where considering used OEM parts becomes very attractive – you get the quality without the premium price. We’ll dive into that next.
When you’re buying used car parts, whether from a local breaker’s yard or online, OEM numbers are your best friend. Here’s why they are so important in the second-hand parts world:
Used parts are typically pulled from vehicles in scrap yards. Those cars might have different trims or regional versions. If you just go by year and model (“I need a mirror for a 2012 Ford Fiesta”), you might end up with a part that almost fits but not quite – perhaps because it came from a Fiesta with a features package your car doesn’t have. By matching the OEM number, you ensure the used part is exactly the same design. It eliminates guesswork. In fact, platforms like Autoparts24 rely on OEM numbers and VIN matching to cross-check compatibility, so when you enter a number, you instantly get a list of compatible used parts from over 120 scrap yards across Europe. This breadth of choice is far beyond what any single local scrapyard can offer.
Buying a used part that turns out to be wrong is a hassle – you may not discover the error until you’ve taken your car apart. Then you have to return the part (if returns are allowed) and search again, wasting time and maybe shipping costs. Using the OEM number upfront drastically reduces this risk. It’s like double-checking the DNA of the part. Especially for engines, transmissions, and electronic modules, where there can be many variations, the OEM code is the decisive factor.
As mentioned, when you source a used OEM part, it’s inherently an authentic piece because it’s literally a piece off a car. However, mistakes can happen in listings – for example, someone might list a part saying it’s for code ABC123, but it was actually code ABC124 (perhaps a one-digit difference). If you have the OEM number and the seller has it listed (or shown in photos), you can verify it’s the exact one you need. It’s always good practice to cross-verify the number once you get the part in hand too, before installing, just to be absolutely sure.
For critical used parts like airbags, seat-belt components, or brake calipers, knowing the OEM number and history is vital. A used OEM airbag module from the same part number ensures it will communicate properly with your car’s system. No one wants surprises with safety systems. OEM numbers help maintain the integrity of these systems by ensuring you replace like-for-like.
If you fix your car with an OEM part (even a used one), you can note that in your maintenance records. This can be a selling point if you later sell the car: “Replaced starter motor with OEM part (used, from a 2018 model)”. Enthusiast buyers or just savvy used-car buyers appreciate seeing OEM parts used in repairs, as it signals proper maintenance. It can subtly boost confidence in the vehicle’s upkeep.
Sometimes, the exact OEM part you need might be hard to find new (maybe it’s discontinued for older cars) or very expensive. But perhaps the same part number was used in a less obvious vehicle. For example, a particular sensor might be used in a luxury model and also in an economy model by the same parent company. Using the OEM number to search can reveal those hidden sources. You might score the part from a less sought-after car for much cheaper. Used part platforms aggregate all these, so an OEM number search could present a dozen options where a local dealer might shrug and say “that’s rare, we’d have to back-order it.”
In summary, when dealing with used car parts, the OEM number is your quality control and fitment guarantee all in one. It turns what could be a gamble into a sure thing. This is why experienced mechanics, when sourcing used components, always go by the part number if possible. It’s the smart way to do it, and now you’re in on that little industry secret too.
By now, we’ve talked a lot about using online platforms and marketplaces to find OEM parts. One such platform, Autoparts24, deserves a closer look because it brings many of the advantages we discussed into one place. So how does Autoparts24 work, and why is it a smart way to find original parts online?
Autoparts24 is essentially Europe’s largest online marketplace for original used car parts. Think of it as a giant virtual scrapyard that connects you to over 120 car breakers (professional salvage yards) across Europe. Instead of calling around to junkyards or scouring multiple websites, you have a one-stop catalog where you can search millions of parts at once. Here’s what makes it stand out:
Using Autoparts24 is straightforward: you search the part, compare the results, add the one you want to your cart, and check out. The part is then shipped to you from the seller’s location. Since the marketplace is organized and centralized, you deal with Autoparts24 for the transaction, not with a bunch of different sellers individually, which streamlines the experience. It’s a modern, hassle-free twist on finding car parts – no greasy treasure hunts in a junkyard and no uncertainty about what you’ll get.
In short, Autoparts24 brings together the convenience of online shopping, the confidence of OEM precision, and the cost savings of used parts. It’s a smart solution for anyone looking to keep their car running with quality parts without breaking the bank. Whether you’re fixing up your own car, managing a fleet, or running a repair shop, having this kind of resource at your fingertips makes the whole process of finding the right part much easier.