Is Lemforder an OEM?
Yes. Lemförder, sometimes written Lemforder, is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) supplier of steering and suspension components. It does not build cars itself, but its parts are used as factory-installed components in new vehicles. Today, the brand operates under the ZF Friedrichshafen AG umbrella.
To understand the question in more detail, it helps to map how OEM status works in the auto industry and where Lemförder fits in the supply chain. Automakers order and install components like tie rods, control arms, and other steering-suspension parts from specialized suppliers such as Lemförder, which designs parts to exact specifications for new vehicles. As a result, Lemförder functions as an OEM supplier, and its products appear in factory assemblies. The brand today is presented within ZF as ZF Lemförder, reflecting its role as part of a larger engineering and manufacturing ecosystem.
Origins and corporate structure
How Lemförder fits within ZF
The following points outline Lemförder’s corporate status and its relationship to OEM manufacturing inside the ZF group.
- Lemförder originated as a German automotive components supplier focused on steering and suspension systems.
- Today it operates as a brand under ZF Friedrichshafen AG, commonly referred to as ZF Lemförder, forming part of ZF’s original equipment (OE) portfolio.
- As an OEM supplier, Lemförder provides original equipment parts to automakers under contractual specifications for installation in new vehicles.
- The Lemförder name is also used in the aftermarket to offer OE-quality replacement parts, often marketed as suitable for vehicles with Lemförder OE components.
In short, Lemförder is an OEM supplier within the ZF ecosystem, not a vehicle manufacturer. Its components are designed to meet the exacting standards required for installation in new cars, while the brand also serves aftermarket demand with OE-quality replacements.
OE status and consumer implications
What this means for buyers and repairs
The following points explain how the OEM status affects parts selection, warranties, and installation practices for car owners.
- OEM status means Lemförder supplies components intended for installation by automakers during vehicle production, aligning with exact specifications for fit and performance.
- In the aftermarket, Lemförder parts are often marketed as OE-quality or Original Equipment-equivalent, providing a pathway to replacements that match factory standards.
- When replacing steering or suspension parts, choosing Lemförder OE-quality components can support warranty coverage and vehicle performance, especially when fitted by authorized technicians.
- Always verify part numbers and compatibility with your vehicle’s VIN and model year, and consult a dealer or certified workshop to ensure proper fit and warranty terms.
For consumers, understanding Lemförder’s OEM role helps distinguish between parts designed for factory installation and aftermarket replacements, aiding in informed purchasing and service decisions.
Summary
Lemförder is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) supplier within ZF Friedrichshafen AG, specializing in steering and suspension components used in new vehicles. While it does not produce its own cars, Lemförder provides OEM-grade parts to automakers and also offers aftermarket, OE-quality replacements under the Lemförder name. This dual role—OEM supplier for factory installation and provider of OE-quality aftermarket parts—defines the brand’s position in today’s automotive supply chain.
Who makes LEMFÖRDER parts?
Lemförder is a car part manufacturer belonging to the German company ZF Corporate. The latter is well-known for the production of quality suspension and steering parts.
Is LEMFÖRDER BMW OEM?
Every part fulfills OEM requirements, which means the independent aftermarket gets the best possible parts from LEMFÖRDER. We constantly refine every part of every process to ensure that our parts are made with the most advanced production methods.
Is LEMFÖRDER a good brand on Reddit?
Yes. They're an OE brand. Everything I've ever bought that was Lemförder has been identical to the genuine parts I was replacing, minus the roundel stamp.
How to tell if a part is OEM or not?
To tell if a part is OEM, check for the manufacturer's logo or part number directly on the component, inspect the branded packaging for proper logos and holograms, and compare the part's quality, fit, and finish against a genuine part. Purchasing from authorized dealerships or retailers, using a unique part number for verification, and being wary of unusually low prices can also confirm authenticity.
On the part itself
- Look for the logo: Genuine OEM parts will have the car manufacturer's logo or their parts division's logo (like Mopar for Jeep/Ram).
- Check the part number: Look for a specific OEM part number stamped or cast into the metal, often with a corresponding part number and description on the packaging.
- Inspect the quality: Compare the part's finish, materials, and weight to a genuine part. Counterfeit parts may have slight but noticeable differences in color, finish, or construction.
- Verify security features: Some parts have unique security features like QR codes or data matrix codes that can be scanned to verify authenticity on the manufacturer's website.
On the packaging
- Check the branding: The packaging should clearly show the vehicle manufacturer's brand, or the brand of their official parts division.
- Look for proper labels: Authentic packaging will have a proper serial number, barcode, and part details. Watch for a missing, blurred, or incorrect serial number or barcode, and check for missing holographic stickers.
- Compare packaging details: The font, colors, and overall quality of the packaging should match what you'd expect from a reputable company, as counterfeiters often make mistakes.
Other verification methods
- Know the source: Buy directly from the dealership or an authorized retailer. This is the most reliable way to ensure you receive a genuine part.
- Cross-reference the part number: Use the part number from the packaging or part itself to cross-reference with a parts catalog or your vehicle's owner's manual.
- Be suspicious of low prices: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Genuine OEM parts are typically more expensive than aftermarket alternatives.
