Any oil filters better than OEM?

**da328ISis** · 02-26-2001, 12:39 PM

Just trying to get some info. before my next oil change. Thanks

**cek2** · 02-26-2001, 12:51 PM

I get genuine BMW filters for ~8.00usd from VOB. The price is comparable to a Fram filter from Trak. I recommend genuine BMW parts. get a second opinion.
cek2

**Scott R.** · 02-26-2001, 02:39 PM

I used Purolator last time I changed my oil. The filter kit was around $12 (U.S.). Next time I'm at the local BMW shop, I'll see if I can get an extra filter from them. Not sure I'll be able to tell much difference.

SaR.

**Anfanger** · 02-27-2001, 01:17 AM

I agree with cek2 on this one, nothing is better than original BMW parts (in this case). Dont worry, like he said, the filter is surprisingly cheap (for once).

**AlphaKennyOne ///M3** · 02-27-2001, 04:18 AM

Honestly....a filter is pretty much a filter. I use Puralator or Fram (too lazy to go to BMW to purchase a filter). They all run for about 6-10 bucks. As long as your change your oil 3k miles, then there shouldn't be no problems of varnish or sludge building up. Here is also a good tip to keep your engine clean. If you're about to change your oil and it's about a quart low....add some ATF into your engine. ATF makes a really good tool to break down the varnish and sludge that builds into your engine. ATF is mostly detergent in the fluid so it works real well. Drain about a quart or two of oil and add ATF....run it for like 15 minutes and then do the oil change.

Alan Nguyen

**bimmerboi330** · 12-29-2005, 06:34 PM

Anyway, take a 330 over a 325, the engine's torque line is so much better because of the displacement. List of features is also bigger. However, just go and cars.com and hit the research page and you will get everything you need to know about all 3 cars.

The e46 323/328 ran with the older M52 motor while the 325/330 ran with the newer M54 motor. small difference that made for major changes.

**peaches** · 12-29-2005, 06:39 PM

never buy a fram filter. ever.

i remember in engines class we cut open a fram and cut open a wix, then compared the two....the fram has barely any filtering material and gets clogged easy.

but its orange and looks cool.

**e36328isblack** · 12-29-2005, 06:51 PM

Originally Posted by peaches

never buy a fram filter. ever.

i remember in engines class we cut open a fram and cut open a wix, then compared the two....the fram has barely any filtering material and gets clogged easy.

but its orange and looks cool.

That seems like some great information.

Is it hard to change oil?

**BadR1** · 12-29-2005, 06:56 PM

Cant beat oem! I only use dealer oil filters on all the cars I like.

**Storamin** · 12-29-2005, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by bimmerboi330

Anyway, take a 330 over a 325, the engine's torque line is so much better because of the displacement. List of features is also bigger. However, just go and cars.com and hit the research page and you will get everything you need to know about all 3 cars.

The e46 323/328 ran with the older M52 motor while the 325/330 ran with the newer M54 motor. small difference that made for major changes.

What an informative and on topic post about oil filters.

**hksimpson** · 12-29-2005, 11:03 PM

OEM is the way to go and I think the Mann ones are a bit cheaper and the same as OEM.

**Mr.M** · 12-29-2005, 11:49 PM

Originally Posted by Storamin

What an informative and on topic post about oil filters.

+1

I'd go with original BMW filters, they aren't much more expensive, if at all.

**BMW&PorscheDude** · 12-30-2005, 01:44 AM

I use Mann, they're great filters and you can get them on special from Performance Parts Store 5 for $28 and they usually give free shipping. Yuo call and they end up on your doorstep. No hastle of going to the stealer or the auto parts store. Go to the supporting vendors section of this site for their contact info. And there's no sales tax if you're out of state. With that many filters, you'll be set for a long time, and you can spend the extra dough on Mobil 1 synthetic oil.

**e_schickdu** · 12-30-2005, 01:56 AM

always have used Mahle Filters, Always will cant beat em imo

really if its 5bucks for a cheap one or 10 for an OEM Mahle its really not that big of a diff if you're spending $40-50 on 7qts of synthetic oil...

stay OEM Mahle imo

**NAe36** · 12-30-2005, 02:30 AM

i use a wix and its around 12 bucks.

**Kevin325i** · 12-30-2005, 02:36 AM

Originally Posted by AlphaKennyOne ///M3

Honestly....a filter is pretty much a filter. I use Puralator or Fram (too lazy to go to BMW to purchase a filter). They all run for about 6-10 bucks. As long as your change your oil 3k miles, then there shouldn't be no problems of varnish or sludge building up. Here is also a good tip to keep your engine clean. If you're about to change your oil and it's about a quart low....add some ATF into your engine. ATF makes a really good tool to break down the varnish and sludge that builds into your engine. ATF is mostly detergent in the fluid so it works real well. Drain about a quart or two of oil and add ATF....run it for like 15 minutes and then do the oil change.

Alan Nguyen

You have no idea what you're talking about. A filter is not just a filter. If you've ever cut open an oil filter you'd know that. Look inside your fram next time and you'll notice it looks like cardboard is the filtering medium.

Fram is about the worst filter you can get.

**e36328isblack** · 12-30-2005, 04:53 PM

So much neat technology. I am amazed at the technical stuff you guys know.

**Furious** · 12-30-2005, 05:09 PM

mann and mahale are two decent filters, i use both depending on which i can get a deal on..

**beatniks325** · 12-30-2005, 05:12 PM

Originally Posted by Kevin325i

You have no idea what you're talking about. A filter is not just a filter. If you've ever cut open an oil filter you'd know that. Look inside your fram next time and you'll notice it looks like cardboard is the filtering medium.

Fram is about the worst filter you can get.

+1 (what i was thinking)

**Truman325i** · 12-30-2005, 05:13 PM

Oil filters are for sissys , who needs em i dont run one.

But seriously , Id stick OEM its chosen OEM for a reason. Need more reread thread.

**tempestv8** · 01-17-2006, 12:24 AM

Keep your BMW original!

Use original parts!

If it's a hassle to go and get the filter from your BMW dealer, just make one visit and get several filters at once.

The BMW original filter is the most sensible way to go about it as it comes with the O ring for your filter housing and also the crush washer for your sump plug.

Well, at least it does for the e39 anyways.
(BMW genuine oil filter kits for different models may vary)

**CirrusSR22** · 01-17-2006, 12:34 AM

I buy Mahle filters for a whopping $4.79/ea at www.bfbmw.com

**cyanprinter** · 01-17-2006, 07:01 AM

I once bought a filter from an auto supply where I live, boy did I learn my lesson to stick to OEM parts-the filter was about half an inch too long! Had to do som e trimming to get it to fit-and then I went out and got a OEM filter when the dealer opened. Seriously though, you can get 4-5 OEM filters in bulk off ebay for the same price as two from the dealer.