So after some research into replacing my spark plug wires (getting a wicked shimmy at idle and trying to knock out the culprits one by one), I've come to finally understand what OEM parts are. Please correct any of the following if they are wrong, which I'm sure some are...

1. OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer
2. Only one maker of each part is given the OEM title by Honda
3. A part can either be advertised as OEM OR OEM compliant, which are two very different things
4. You can only buy OEM parts from the dealership or have them shipped...ie no OEM parts stores you can walk in and browse.

Any clarification appreciated...

 

I'm pretty sure some parts are made by more than one manufacturer.(and both are considered oem)>

 

blkflsh is correct on your only exception.
It is not uncommon that the manufacturer can have several suppliers for the same part. The part(s) will be given a different Part Number as a supersession, The software in the dealers' Parts Computer is updated monthly (from the manufacturer) with any new entries, supersessions, substitutions and deletions. And it is not uncommon for these systems to track multiple supersessions thru the parts history.

P

 

Exactly, you know the honda parts catalog system all too well. Supercessions can still be a PITA tho. Some superceded #'s that honda uses are still better than others. PLM oil filters for example.