Different between original part number and OEM.
A small digression into the terminology for working with spare parts.
Many of you know what is the original part number and OEM part. But you hardly thought that these are different concepts. We will consider examples in the spare parts market in Japan. Original spare part number or Genuine spare parts number — it is a maker’s number: TOYOTA, NISSAN, MAZDA, SUZUKI, YAMAHA, KAWASAKI Usually it consists of ten characters (letters and numbers). In the part of the number, there is encoded information about the accessories of the spare part for a particular technical unit, code of paint, lining, engine series, etc.
OEM or original equipment manufacturer number is a part maker’s number: DENSO, NGK, ZEXEL, BOSCH, MITSUBOSHI, AISIN and others. There is also encodes information on the type of spare part, purpose in use, material.
Thus, when ordering spark plugs from Toyota, many are wondering — why there are one number on the plugs, and another on the packing box.
This happens because Toyota (vehicle manufacturer) order this to specialists in their field. DENSO by Toyota order produce thousands of identical plugs, some settled up on cars, some of these plugs are packed in original Toyota boxes and stored in a warehouse until order. The same with steering racks, AISIN water pumps, pistons, rings, injectors.
We want to note another very important point. In 99% of cases, equipment or components manufacturers try to avoid using the letter O in their numbers, it intersects with the number 0. Therefore, if you see the spare part number 74110-52020-C0 — after C there will be zero. Thank you!