Every new car rolls off the line on OEM (original equipment manufacturer) tires — tires specifically contracted by the automaker and tuned for that vehicle. Once they wear out, you face a choice: buy the exact same OEM replacement, or choose an aftermarket tire. The right answer depends on your vehicle, your driving priorities, and how much the OEM spec actually matters for your car.
What Are OEM Tires?
OEM tires are chosen and specified by the automaker during vehicle development. The automaker works with a tire manufacturer to develop a tire that meets precise targets: noise levels, ride comfort, handling balance, fuel economy, and load requirements for that specific model.
Many OEM tires carry a manufacturer approval code on the sidewall. BMW-approved Michelin tires carry a star (*) or double-star (**). Mercedes-approved tires are marked MO or MO-E (for electric models). Audi and Volkswagen approvals show AO or RO1. These codes mean the tire was tuned specifically for that brand and passed the automaker acceptance testing.
For EVs, OEM tires often include acoustic foam bonded to the inner liner — Pirelli Elect, Michelin Acoustic, Bridgestone Turanza EV. The foam reduces road noise dramatically in a silent EV cabin. A non-foam aftermarket replacement will be noticeably louder at highway speeds.
When OEM Tires Are Worth the Premium
Performance cars where the tire was co-developed with the suspension: Porsche 911, BMW M Series, Ferrari, Lamborghini. The chassis was tuned with a specific tire and switching changes the handling balance in ways the engineers did not intend.
Electric vehicles with acoustic foam tires. Running a non-foam replacement on a Tesla, BMW iX, or Audi e-tron noticeably increases cabin noise. The OEM foam tire is part of the NVH engineering, not just a suggestion.
Vehicles where the OEM tire carries a unique load or speed rating that standard aftermarket equivalents do not match. Always meet or exceed the OEM load index and speed rating.
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When Aftermarket Tires Make More Sense
For most family cars and crossovers, OEM tires are optimized for fuel economy and low rolling resistance at the expense of wet grip and handling. A Michelin Pilot Sport 4, Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02, or Bridgestone Potenza Sport will outperform the OEM tire in nearly every dynamic metric.
OEM tires also carry a significant price premium of 20 to 40 percent more than a comparable aftermarket tire with better specs. Unless you need specific OEM tuning, that premium rarely pays back.
For daily drivers in all-season climates, an aftermarket all-season upgrade like the Michelin CrossClimate 2 or Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 can substantially improve winter traction compared to the OEM summer or basic all-season tire.
OEM Approval Codes Explained
BMW: (*) single star equals original equipment spec; (**) double star equals run-flat spec. Only fit ** tires to RFT-designed rims.
Mercedes-Benz: MO equals Mercedes-Original; MO1 equals AMG-tuned; MO-E equals electric vehicle foam tire; MOE equals extended mobility run-flat.
Audi and VW: AO equals Audi Original; RO1 equals Audi RS or R8; HL equals high load; N0 through N4 equals successive Porsche approval generations.
If your vehicle has no special OEM code, any tire matching your size, load index, and speed rating is a valid replacement. Focus on performance reviews and value rather than chasing a brand approval code.
Frequently asked
Are OEM tires always better quality?
Not necessarily. OEM tires are tuned for the specific vehicle but often prioritize fuel economy and noise over outright grip. Many aftermarket tires from Michelin, Continental, or Bridgestone offer superior wet and dry performance compared to the OE spec. The exception is performance cars and EVs where the tire is a key part of the chassis or NVH system.
Do aftermarket tires void my warranty?
No. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a dealer cannot void your warranty simply because you installed non-OEM tires, unless they can prove the aftermarket tire caused the specific failure being claimed. Stick to the correct size, load index, and speed rating to stay protected.
What does the BMW star on a tire sidewall mean?
A single star (*) indicates the tire is BMW original equipment spec, engineered and tested specifically for BMW models. A double star (**) means it is a BMW-spec run-flat. Non-starred tires can be used on BMWs, but you lose the specific tuning collaboration between BMW and that tire manufacturer.
Should I buy an acoustic foam tire for my EV?
Yes, if your EV came with one. Acoustic foam tires reduce road noise by 2 to 4 dB, which is significant in an electric cabin where engine noise does not mask road noise. Replacing a foam tire with a standard tire will make the cabin noticeably louder at highway speeds. Look for Pirelli Elect, Michelin Acoustic, Bridgestone Turanza EV, or Continental ContiSilent markings when replacing.
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Last updated 2026-06-27. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.