just thought i would start a question about the term oem.
what does it mean,i know origional equip mfg,but i am finding that all oem parts do not meet the origional specification,for instance,you order a oem exhaust valve and you dont get a sodium filled valve. mercedes origional valve is sodium filled?? ask me how i know, i sawed a new one.
am i just using the wrong oem supplier or is it true across the board that no oem replacement valve is sodium filled?
has anyone else run into this on other oem replacement parts?
fastline step in here.
larry perkins lou ky

reason I only buy OG parts... or Original German parts...

That's the crux of the problem with "OEM".

Many times we believe that the OEM part is identical to the OE part because the manufacturer of the OEM part is the same as the manufacturer of the OE part.

But, there is no specification for the OEM part other than whatever the manufacturer chooses. So, in the case of the valve, the manufacturer substituted a cheaper valve without sodium and stamps his name on the valve. Most customers will value the name and determine that it's the same as OE. But, in reality, it's no better than an aftermarket part.

It's a sad commentary with regard to "OEM" and we ought to be as careful as possible when purchasing same.

With regard to some suspension components such as Lemforder, I "think" that we can agree that OEM is the same as OE.........but........in reality.........how do you know with certainty?

I recently heard of issues with aftermarket engine mounts. Apparently, some of them are nowhere near as durable as OE and last a fraction of the time as OE. Not sure if those mounts were OEM.......or not.

In the mfg industry, which is what I do, OEM is Original Equipment Mfr....that means that the part/device is made at the original fab/factory and patent that designed and implemented the said component initially. Anything else is OEM likeor OEM compatible unless under a lisenced agreement. With respect to MB parts..I am frankly unclear of deatils..I am sure however there is probably some type of a unique marking, quality superiority and maybe a price difference with a authentic part.

I believe perhaps the OEM replacement part is a little on the vague side but if you believed you were buying original MB part and got MB lite, then you have a valid beef, but if not then the original mfg's warranties and quality did not go into the goods bought and all else is subjectable..

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