When an OEM part is recommended- keep in mind it doesn't has to be from your local dealer. Many dealers in the nation heavily discount their parts and sell online. My local Toyota dealer is crazy expensive. But McGeorge Toyota in Richmond Virginia is significantly less in $ than my local dealer. (I'm in Holland MI)
I rarely buy OEM stuff from my local dealership. Online as you wrote much cheaper. I have bought once or twice recently from dealership only because I found out I needed something while I was doing another job and wanted it now while I had access to the part.
