Are OEM wheels more expensive?

In most cases, OEM wheels are more expensive than equivalent aftermarket options, though exceptions exist depending on brand, materials, and where you shop.

Original Equipment Manufacturer wheels are designed to exact factory specifications and often come with warranties and guaranteed fitment. This article explains why prices vary, what affects cost, and how to decide whether to buy OEM or aftermarket.

What drives wheel pricing in OEM vs aftermarket

Pricing is influenced by engineering, materials, manufacturing, and business factors. The following list highlights the main drivers that often push OEM wheel prices higher or lower than aftermarket equivalents.

• Material and construction: OEM wheels come in steel, cast aluminum, and forged configurations; forged wheels are typically much more expensive than cast options.


• Finish and design: OEM finishes (chrome, satin, machined accents) and complex spoke patterns cost more due to tooling and quality control.


• Fitment and certification: OEM wheels are tuned to exact offsets, center bore, and TPMS integration, reducing risk of fitment issues but adding cost.


• Brand & dealer pricing: OEM wheels are sold through manufacturers' networks; pricing can reflect branding and dealer margins.


• Availability and production volumes: Limited runs or model-specific designs can raise price; mass-produced wheels are cheaper.


• Warranty and service: OEM wheels carry manufacturer warranties and easier service along with potential bundling with new tires.

Consider these factors when comparing prices; the most affordable option can depend on your vehicle, location, and current promotions.

Price ranges: what you can expect

Wheels are sold in many configurations. The following ranges illustrate typical per-wheel prices for common OEM categories, excluding tires, TPMS, mounting, or shipping.

• Steel OEM wheels: typically modestly priced, often around 60 to 150 per wheel for standard sizes on mainstream vehicles.


• Cast aluminum OEM wheels: commonly range from about 250 to 700 per wheel, depending on size, finish, and brand.


• Forged OEM wheels: are more expensive, commonly 700 to 1500+ per wheel for performance or luxury applications.


• Premium or specialty OEM wheels: on luxury or performance models, prices can exceed 1,000 to 2,000+ per wheel depending on design and collaboration with brand.

Note that these figures are ballpark estimates; actual dealer prices can vary widely by model, market, and promotions.

Other costs to consider

When evaluating OEM versus aftermarket, it's important to include ancillary costs that affect the total ownership expense.

• Tires: OEM wheels may come with tires in some packages, or you may need to buy tires separately; price varies widely by brand and size.


• TPMS sensors and reprogramming: Replacing wheels may require new or transferred TPMS sensors and possible software updates.


• Installation and balancing: Labor costs at a shop or dealer, including mounting and balancing.


• Warranty and service: Some aftermarket wheels may extend warranties or require additional coverage; OEM warranties can transfer with the vehicle.


• Resale value and insurance: OEM wheels can affect resale value; some insurers consider OEM parts when determining coverage.

Understanding total cost helps prevent sticker shock when choosing between OEM and aftermarket wheels.

How to decide: OEM vs aftermarket

Use a structured approach to decide which option makes the most sense for your vehicle, budget, and driving needs. The steps below can guide your choice.

1. Define your goal: replacement for damage, a style upgrade, or performance improvement.


2. Check compatibility: ensure fitment (bolt pattern, offset, hub bore) matches your vehicle; confirm tire size compatibility.


3. Evaluate total cost: compare wheel price, tires, TPMS, mounting, and potential warranty implications.


4. Assess quality and warranty: weigh OEM guarantees against reputable aftermarket warranties; read reviews on durability and corrosion resistance.


5. Consider maintenance and availability: OEM wheels may be easier to service and source through the dealer; aftermarket may offer broader color and finish options.


6. Factor resale and insurance impact: OEM wheels can help resale value; consider whether modifications affect coverage.

Quick note for enthusiasts

For performance or show cars, forged aftermarket wheels can be cheaper than high-end OEM forged options but may void some warranties or require extra care to maintain fitment and safety.

Summary

OEM wheels often carry higher price tags than many aftermarket options because of certified fitment, warranty alignment, and branding. However, the gap varies by material, size, finish, and vehicle model. When shopping, compare the total cost of ownership—wheels, tires, TPMS, installation—and consider your priorities for fit, durability, and resale value. If you value guaranteed compatibility and dealer support, OEM may be worth it; if you prioritize selection and potential savings, aftermarket wheels can offer compelling benefits.

Why are OEM wheels so expensive?

OEM wheels are expensive due to factors like brand name, stringent quality control, exclusive dealership distribution, and the cost of design and testing to meet specific vehicle performance standards. These wheels are manufactured to precise factory specifications for perfect fitment and safety, which contributes to their higher price point. 
Key reasons for the higher cost

• Brand and dealership exclusivity: OEM parts are sold through official dealerships, which adds to the price compared to aftermarket retailers. They also carry the vehicle manufacturer's brand, which allows them to command a premium. 
• Rigorous quality and safety standards: OEM wheels undergo extensive testing and are built to exact specifications to meet the manufacturer's safety, performance, and durability standards. This includes tight tolerances for runout and ensuring the wheel can cool the brakes. 
• Design and engineering: The cost of designing and engineering a wheel for a specific vehicle model is factored into the price. This includes creating a design that is a perfect fit and meets the vehicle's performance requirements. 
• Warranty protection: OEM wheels often come with the vehicle's warranty, offering customers greater peace of mind and protection against defects. 
• Material and manufacturing processes: While materials vary, high-quality OEM wheels are often made with processes like casting or forging, which are more costly than basic stamped steel. 
• Limited availability: For older models, the original production runs have long since ended, making replacement parts rarer and more expensive due to their limited supply. 

Are OEM tires better than aftermarket?

OEM tires are the original equipment fitted to a vehicle, designed for a compromise between ride comfort, fuel efficiency, and cost. Aftermarket tires are replacements that can be chosen to upgrade performance, provide better traction in specific conditions (like snow or off-road), or suit a different driving style and budget. While both can come from reputable brands, the specific OEM version may have a different compound, and aftermarket options allow for greater customization.
 
This video explains how OEM and aftermarket tires can differ: 53sAutomotivePressYouTube · Sep 7, 2024
OEM tires

• Designed for compromise: Optimized for the "average" driver, balancing comfort, fuel economy, and cost for the vehicle's specific performance goals. 
• Specific calibration: The tire is engineered with the vehicle's suspension and systems in mind, sometimes resulting in a softer compound or less aggressive tread than an aftermarket version with the same name. 
• Guaranteed compatibility: They are guaranteed to work seamlessly with the vehicle and may be covered by the factory warranty. 
• Limited options: They are limited to the specifications and performance goals set by the vehicle manufacturer. 

Aftermarket tires

• Customizable performance: Allows you to choose a tire that is more specifically suited to your needs, whether that's better performance, enhanced all-weather traction, or a longer tread life. 
• Wider variety: Available in a vast range of options, including budget-friendly choices and high-performance or specialized tires that are not offered as an OEM option. 
• Potential for upgrade: You can often find an aftermarket tire that is superior to the OEM tire in a particular area, such as handling, snow traction, or durability. 
• Cost varies widely: Prices can range from lower-cost budget options to high-end performance tires. 
• Research is key: It is important to stay within the vehicle's recommended specifications for size, load rating, and performance capabilities to ensure safety and proper function. 

This video demonstrates the performance difference between OEM and aftermarket tires: 49sTyre ReviewsYouTube · Feb 12, 2024

Which is better, OEM or replica?

Due to their inferior quality and absence of warranty coverage, replicas may require frequent replacements and repairs, resulting in additional expenses. On the other hand, genuine OEM parts from trusted suppliers last longer and have a lower risk of malfunction, ultimately saving you money in the long term.

Why is OEM more expensive than aftermarket?

Why are OEM parts more expensive than aftermarket parts? OEM parts carry the vehicle manufacturer's brand, are sold through dealerships, and follow exact factory specs, all of which drive up the price.