iCARMIX

So you were told that you need to wait X more months for the your car to be ready, if you would choose this or that package, which is sometimes unfairly long.
And now you got the car, it's nice, but maybe starting to regret a little that you haven't waited and wondering what can be done to improve it, maybe even on a budget?

There's a well known (and reasonable) fear of aftermarket products, especially from the Eastern part of the world so I want to make this post as a help tool.
Here's a few things to consider, good for shopping through a local garage or by yourself, for both aftermarket and genuine parts:
1. Work with a trusted shop/garage, that can help you source the parts, but also install them for you. It's also in their interest for the parts, whether genuine of aftermarket, to have a good fitment and quality.
2. Plan your budget well, and also leave room for unforeseen costs, for any extra parts or consumables. If you won't need it, it's fine, but if you will, you'll be glad to have accounted it.
3. Take your time. Do not impulse buy, just because it looks good on the website. Always ask for details, and make sure the shop knows your car model, by providing them with your VIN/chassis number, or even photos of your car. Check the shop's reputation, see if they are present on social media (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, website), and especially for aftermarket parts, see if they can speak English well enough. If you need to coordinate shipping, have any further questions, or installation instructions, you'll need to communicate A LOT. Ask all the relevant information about the parts, if they come painted, if they have more real product photos, if there are any known issues etc. Compare with other shops, for reference, if nothing else. Same goes for the shipping costs, you can check the shipping price yourself (DHL, FedEx, SF Express etc) from the shop's address to your location, and if you find a lower price, you can even let the shop know. 10/10 times they'll be thankful.
4. Double check the price with the shop. It's a completely normal thing to want to know the exact price for the parts you want to purchase. Sometimes the system doesn't update the website price on time, maybe due to slow network, or even due to time zone difference, and you have nothing to lose anyway, so go for it. You can even let the garage that will do the install talk to the shop, or add them to the same group talk, which will make things easier, because there are a lot of technical terms that you might not have time for. Some overseas shops will appreciate you being proactive like that.
5. Keep in touch. Even after you get the parts, even after you have them installed, keep in touch with the shop, and even send them photos. They will appreciate it, and it will have a good record for the future, whether you want to buy anything else or you'll have any further questions about the parts.
These are tried and tested methods that I put together with my staff, from experience with interacting with our customers.

Our last W177 A220 owner, wanted such an upgrade, and we got him an aftermarket AMG version made in Taiwan, with genuine 19" AMG multi-spoke wheels. And from beginning to end, we took responsibility for every step of the way.
The body kit adds a three-dimensional effect to your ride, and is a 360 makeover of the exterior of a standard model.
Do I think this kit is better than a genuine one? No, but it comes very close to that, and at a lower price point.
Would I recommend this kit to anyone, definitely not! Different people have different needs and expectations, and for some, just the idea that the parts are not genuine will cause a drop in perceived quality from the start.
Do I think that aftermarket kits are bad? Heck no, there are some quite decent manufacturers and having variety is always a good thing, even if you have to pay more attention to details.
The bottom line is that the market is quite saturated with both genuine and aftermarket parts, readily available to suit any type of preferences, or budget. With a little self control and proper communication, you can definitely gain a positive outcome.

Anyway, check out the results: