Aftermarket grille fitting
 

I purchased an aftermarket radiator grille assembly to replace my current OE one, and I found out that it doesn't quite fit.

The four screws along the top are fine, but the two on the corner aren't flush with the edge - the result is that while the top of the grille sits snugly on the hood like the OE one does, there's a large gap at the two edges. It looks like it can be fixed by just removing the clips and bending the metal so it is flush.

I was going to return it and order an OE one, but I was wondering if it wasn't going to be the same way - do they have to be bent to fit or not?

I bought a new one and it was of very poor quality. I returned it. If I remember right, it was not OEM.

I bought a used one and it was perfect.

Same here, bought a new OEM grill from another equaly picky forum member. It doesn't fit right, the corners of the grill do not line up to the hood perfectly like the OE grill, also the chrome is so so.

I plan on replacing it with a new OE grill come repaint time, looks ok for now.

I learned my leason, any exterior cosmetic parts I buy only OE.

So what's the difference between OE and OEM when it comes to the grill. Does this mean it has to be ordered through the dealership?

I was about to order an OEM kit for around $140.

Any idea what the cost is for an OE grille assembly for an `88 126?

Thanks,

Bill

I believe OE and OEM are the same thing. "Original Equipment" and "Original Equipment Manufacturer."

Otherwise it would be an "Aftermarket" item.

OE is from the dealer. OEM is from World pac, or aftermarket if you will.

OE is good, OEM is junk if you are picky. I am picky.

Thanks for the explanation. I was ok with going with aftermarket euro headlights but if the OEM grille fits as poorly as you describe, I think I'll just clean mine up, replace the badge and the star and call it a day.

Bill

Perhaps the quote below will clear up the confusion. OE and OEM are the same. Aftermarket is not.

"Auto parts shopping - particularly for import cars - can be very difficult if you don't understand the differences among brands. Let's clear up some misconceptions so you aren't tempted by inferior aftermarket parts that can actually do more harm than good - often costing you much more in the form of major auto repairs!

OE, OEM and OES (Factory) Auto Parts
OEM (original equipment manufactured) and OES (original equipment supplied) many times are one and the same. OE, of course, is a more generic term that refers to the brand that came as original equipment on the car. Most auto manufacturers assemble cars from purchased components and manufacture only the sheet metal components.

OEM/OES vs. Aftermarket Parts
The true "aftermarket" part is one that's been copied from the OE part. In many cases, this is done to offer a lower cost alternative. But in most cases the benefit of the lower price is far outweighed by its major disadvantage - it's usually an inferior product and ends up costing you much more in the end in avoidable repairs."

I bought the grille insert for my 126 from here, and it fit fine. However, I don't recall who made it.

This may be true in some cases, but consider that many OEM parts are exactly the same as the OE parts, made on the same line, but don't have the star in the mold. If those parts were junk, I'm sure that German consumers and safety agencies, not known for their tolerance of mediocrity, would let them know about it rather quickly.