Genuine Vs OE vs OEM vs Aftermarket When trying to buy your own parts for you BMW, VW, Audi, Land Rover, Mini Cooper or Mercedes it’s easy to get confused. Here are some simple definitions for OE, OEM, Genuine, factory & Aftermarket to help guide your purchasing decisions. OE = Genuine = Factory = Original.  They all mean the same thing. Parts that are packaged in Volkswagen boxes with the VW logo,  BMW Boxes with the BMW logo, Land Rover boxes with the Land Rover logo etc etc OE = Original Equipment   OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer They are produced in the same plant by the same manufacturer.  The key difference between OE & OEM is the markup Audi /BMW/ Land Rover adds to the OE part.  Automotive companies dictate the specifications to the manufacturer.  The OE/OEM  manufacturer must adhere to consistent production and quality. OE part= Audi package, Higher cost, OEM ... read more