Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is a company that produces parts and equipment that may be marketed by another manufacturer. OEM also means the maker of an automotive part that is manufactured by the same company that produced the original part used in the automobile's assembly. For example, if Acme Manufacturing Co. makes power cords that are used on IBM computers, Acme is an OEM. 

BMW outsources many of the auto parts needed to manufacture its vehicle to OEMs. It depends upon a network of over 100 auto parts suppliers, although approximately 50% of its suppliers are either located in Germany or are subsidiaries of German-based companies. Some examples include:

• BorgWarner: Drivetrain components, such as clutches and automatic transmissions
• Mahle: Piston and cylinder components, valve train systems, and air and liquid management systems
• Delphi: Battery and electric vehicle charger components

Check out our Brands and Products Page to see what OEM parts we carry.