When deciding to buy an OEM wheels for your Mercedes or a just replica wheel for compliance sake is up to the vehicle owner to decide. For the typical no non-sense buyers, there are certain conditions that may affect such decision and it would no longer rely solely on the over-all appearance of the car. Such example is for purchases done based on need and not for sheer improvement or upgrade.
One careful note to consider is that there are many sellers nowadays who claim to be selling OEMs when they are actually just giving you replica or reproduction wheels. So, how does one recognize the difference between the two?
OEM vs. Replica Manufacturing
OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer is the legitimate producer of the parts such as the wheels and is accredited by the main manufacturer such as Mercedes. During the production of the wheels in OEMs, important considerations are being taken into account such as:
- durability to withstand road hazards
- durability to withstand road salts, car wash acids, chemicals, and others
- strength test to minimize warranty claims and/or recalls
- design strength enough to support the required weight with a huge safety margin
- proper assembly to ensure that all parts will operate well as designed
All OEM products pass through life tests and reliability tests to make sure that the quality of the wheels produced will be able to withstand the harshness of everyday driving under any road or weather condition.
All above items may be different when a replica wheel is being made. Most probably, production of replica wheels will only be considering the lowest possible cost of investment. With this, they will use only the cheapest possible methods of manufacturing coupled with the cheapest materials available.
Next, replica models are designed to possibly fit a variety of models, thus, parts dimensions and tolerances are being altered prior to production. Such condition may result to an overly loose or difficultly tight assembly and fitting.
The above altered conditions of producing replica wheels may be overly exaggerated but they are equally very much disturbing and dangerous. Thus, careful thinking and consideration needs to be done prior to making a decision of whether or not you will be purchasing an OEM wheels or a replica.
Thoughts to Consider
When your option boils down to only both OEM and Replica Mercedes wheels for your car, take into account how much your budget can extend as of the time being and or in a couple of months to come. It may be possible that your car can wait a few more months when your budget can afford the OEM counterpart. Or maybe the condition of your wheels can no longer afford to wait, thus, needs replacement as soon as possible.
For whatever reason there is, you will surely feel a lot better when you have carefully thought of what you should purchase. Whether your decision is based on your current finances, the aesthetic condition of the wheels you are eyeing to buy, or the urgency of your need to replace your wheels, your purchasing decision will be as good as your budget and conscience permits.
One careful note to consider is that there are many sellers nowadays who claim to be selling OEMs when they are actually just giving you replica or reproduction wheels. So, how does one recognize the difference between the two?
OEM vs. Replica Manufacturing
OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer is the legitimate producer of the parts such as the wheels and is accredited by the main manufacturer such as Mercedes. During the production of the wheels in OEMs, important considerations are being taken into account such as:
- durability to withstand road hazards
- durability to withstand road salts, car wash acids, chemicals, and others
- strength test to minimize warranty claims and/or recalls
- design strength enough to support the required weight with a huge safety margin
- proper assembly to ensure that all parts will operate well as designed
All OEM products pass through life tests and reliability tests to make sure that the quality of the wheels produced will be able to withstand the harshness of everyday driving under any road or weather condition.
All above items may be different when a replica wheel is being made. Most probably, production of replica wheels will only be considering the lowest possible cost of investment. With this, they will use only the cheapest possible methods of manufacturing coupled with the cheapest materials available.
Next, replica models are designed to possibly fit a variety of models, thus, parts dimensions and tolerances are being altered prior to production. Such condition may result to an overly loose or difficultly tight assembly and fitting.
The above altered conditions of producing replica wheels may be overly exaggerated but they are equally very much disturbing and dangerous. Thus, careful thinking and consideration needs to be done prior to making a decision of whether or not you will be purchasing an OEM wheels or a replica.
Thoughts to Consider
When your option boils down to only both OEM and Replica Mercedes wheels for your car, take into account how much your budget can extend as of the time being and or in a couple of months to come. It may be possible that your car can wait a few more months when your budget can afford the OEM counterpart. Or maybe the condition of your wheels can no longer afford to wait, thus, needs replacement as soon as possible.
For whatever reason there is, you will surely feel a lot better when you have carefully thought of what you should purchase. Whether your decision is based on your current finances, the aesthetic condition of the wheels you are eyeing to buy, or the urgency of your need to replace your wheels, your purchasing decision will be as good as your budget and conscience permits.
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