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[flash]

there is a lot of hubbub about parts suppliers, porsche parts, oem integrity, and reliability

when a part is designed for a car it goes through extensive testing to determine applicability, reliability, and effectiveness

then a vendor is chosen to manufacture that part, based on specific requirements of the designer - car manufacturers make very few of their own parts - the decision as to which vendor gets the contract is based on those specifications, as well as the cost to manufacture - very often compromises are made in quality or reliability in order to maintain a cost control

then, that vendor generally maintains the contract throughout the run of the model, and for one year afterward - after that, the manufacturer has the option to renew the contract, or to seek out another vendor

the new vendor's part does not need to go through the same testing as the original part, especially if there is a successful track record for similar parts - it only need to meet the minimum specification on paper - it is very common for a car manufacturer to select a less expensive vendor for parts support - this may or may not provide for the best part

getting something from a dealership does NOT insure that you get a better part - all it means is that the part you get at least meets the original design specifications listed when the vendor was chosen to manufacture and supply a part for a particular car - this does not necessarily mean that that part is the same part that was originally specified - this does not mean that the quality of the part is the same either - it only means that similar materials requirements, manufacturing methods, and dimensions are met

that being said, this does not mean that the parts are inferior either - you have to look at the original parts supplier to determine if you are getting the same part your car came with - even if it is the same manufacturer, you can also only expect the same quality as that original part

after market suppliers, and alternative suppliers can also provide parts that are superior in quality to the original ones - they can also supply parts that are inferior

there are also a number of suppliers that sell the exact same part that the dealership does, but often for less money

due to porsche internal structuring and marketing policies, and requiring a certain percentage of business be in parts, pricing is determined accordingly, and can vary widely from dealership to dealership

it is really up to you to do the homework to determine the quality of the part, and whether or not it will work for you, and if you are getting the best price you can - this can take some work - i have not found that any one supplier always has the best price on everything - there are a number of reputable suppliers out there, and a number that are questionable - you have to sift through them to get the best part for the best price, and it changes over time, so you have to be continually vigilant

you can take some of the guesswork and research out of the equation by buying the parts from the dealership - you may or may not get the best part out there, but it comes with a bit of insurance in that you have a deeper pockets supplier that will generally replace a failed part with fewer questions and hassles than you might get with a small supplier - this "comfort zone" comes at a premium though

fortunately this site provides a good sifting mechanism - we are constantly reviewing new parts, suppliers, and vendors - if you take the time to search around and do some homework, and ask questions, you'll get the most up to date and accurate information - we will almost always have the answer, and not shroud it in unfounded myth and superstition