Tie Rods: Steering Linkages & Components

Hello!

I know that a lot has probably already been discussed about these wear parts, but I haven't found the necessary information about them here yet.
I drive an Audi A4, year of manufacture 1996 (engine code AFN).

I'm initially interested in knowing which manufacturer supplies these parts as original equipment for Audi/VW.
There are supposedly enhanced versions available; what do you think about that?
Should I use genuine Audi/VW parts there, or would it be better to use other brands?
If so, which manufacturer?
Are these parts always made of aluminum, or does it depend on the manufacturer?

A steering tie rod needs to be replaced on the left side, a ball joint on the right side, and both lower control arms at the front. These parts would cost me €245.40 from Audi.
Installation costs approximately another €250. I'm not confident enough to do it myself!

Should I have this done at an Audi dealership, or would it be better to go somewhere else?
What about the alignment settings then?
Does anyone have a tip on where I can get something like that done cheaply?
I'm from Oelde, which is located between Hamm and Bielefeld.

Thanks for the information, and have a good start to the new year!
Best regards.
Carsten.

Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

'Addendum:'

I have just been able to identify the following manufacturers for this part:
There are also reinforced versions available; what do you think about that?
Meyle GmbH, Sidem S.r.l., IMO Corporation, Quinton Hazell Ltd., and Pex.

Do they mean anything to you?
Has anyone had any experience with this before?
I was told that they are installed in Audi workshops by the company Sidem.
But those from the company Meyle are probably reinforced and 'Made in Germany.'

What advice can you give me about which ones I should choose?

Best regards.
Carsten.

Addendum 2:

I just started another company: Redaelli Ricambi.
That doesn't exactly sound like German quality craftsmanship.
Well, maybe someone can say something about that!

Best regards,

HI,

What do you actually dream about at night?

German quality craftsmanship....

What do you think is the percentage of parts that are actually made in Germany from a "German" automotive parts supplier?
Even the navigation systems from BMW are no longer manufactured in Germany, even if they have a "Made in Germany" label. For example, if only the front of a radio is assembled in Germany, that part is considered "Made in Germany," but the rest of the device is "Made in somewhere far away." Currently, China is popular in the radio industry – previously it was Hungary – let's see who will be next.

Open your eyes and you'll see that these so-called "cheap" products often come from Poland, the Czech Republic, or Hungary. Just because a German name is on it doesn't necessarily mean "German quality." The same applies to Italian names. The EU is simply too expensive to manufacture such simple components here.