Aftermarket Parts, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
A term that is used quite frequently in the car industry is “Aftermarket”. For many of our customers the meaning of this word may be unclear. What is an aftermarket part? The easiest way to understand this concept is to think about your car’s stereo (aka head unit). I’m referring to the one that was installed when you bought the vehicle. This head unit was designed and manufactured together with your car. Most parts such as these are actually designed and built by third party stereo companies (not car companies) so naturally there are many options. And car companies do not bother reinventing the wheel for these parts when a third party companies specialize in developing these particular parts. So it’s easier for the manufacturer to outsource production in these instances.
Car Manufacturers will purchase hundreds of thousands of head unit models from third party stereo companies and install any variety of them in their vehicles. What this means for you is that the same companies that make the head units can offer you a direct replacement, or even an upgrade, if your car’s head unit ever fails. This eliminates the need to return to your dealership and pay (usually with a significant markup) for the same model of head unit.
What most people do not realize is that the same is true for almost every single component on your car. Even the integral engine components! This creates a LOT of competition, as you can imagine. And it is important to remember that not all car parts are created equal. Far from it! And while many other car part manufacturers exist, the dealer only carries parts that were manufactured by the original companies, used in your car’s design. The benefit to this is that all of these parts have been tested thoroughly and carry a warranty. The downside is that the cost is high.
So what do you do when your new car warranty expires and you are in need of a service or repair? And which local automotive shops can you trust to use quality aftermarket parts? Because any random startup in a suburban garage can sell a part online assuring you that it will replace a component for your car…..and it might. The key is to find a trusted local independent automotive shop near you who specializes on your make of vehicle and only works with parts producers that make reliable AND affordable parts to keep your car running like new, while avoiding the dealership mark-up. This isn’t quite as easy as it sounds. Separating the trustworthy companies from the ones that make dangerously unsafe parts is neither quick nor easy. The cost of replacing parts with inferior ones can be much higher than simply using the factory parts.
Here at TMJ Bimmers we have witnessed unsuspecting customers arrive with low quality aftermarket parts failures causing overheat conditions which have destroyed engines. We’ve seen failed plastic components lead to damage of much more expensive ones, and inferior sensors which lead to destroyed computer modules. We pride ourselves on taking the time and putting in the effort forth to find that proverbial needle in the haystack. Our decades of experience and focus on European vehicles and parts specifically designed for the high performance vehicles we service and repair has saved our customers hundreds of thousands of dollars. Not to mention headaches and heartbreaks. Allow us to find the right combination of quality and affordability for your car. We stand behind our parts and service with a rock solid warranty 2 year / 24,000 mile warranty. If there is a part to fix your car, Todd Farley at TMJ Bimmers knows where to find it.