Genuine
This is a product sourced from a dealership and is the same part that the dealership install during service. These parts will have the vehicle brand's emblem and often at a premium cost. The part inside the box is usually manufactured by one of their approved OE Suppliers such as Bosch, Hella, Mann, or Lemforder, and many others.
OE
This is the original part used by the vehicle manufacturer when it left the factory - in other words, a Genuine product without the logo on it and without the premium cost. We recommend OE replacement as best options for quality and price. Vehicle manufacturers (BMW, Volvo, etc.) do not manufacture many products themselves, rather they contract their Original Equipment Manufacturers to do so. The products that we list as OE are guaranteed to be the exact same part that was on your car when it left the assembly line. In some cases they are even better quality than what is currently available in Genuine because over time some Genuine contracts get changed to save money. All of these parts will be stamped with the OEM’s brand name such as Bosch, Hella, or Lemforder but due to contractual agreements the vehicle manufacturer’s logo cannot be on the product and may be removed from the part.
OEM
OEM parts are produced by a manufacturer that meets the high quality standards and produces at least one part for a vehicle manufacturer. We recommend OEM as a balance of quality and price. OEM manufacturers adhere to stringent quality control.
Side by side comparisons and more in depth commentary is found on our OE Academy page!