oil filter choice

[Airman]

To clarify a bit on my "OEM oil filter" statement, I don't necessarily mean you have to buy them from the dealer, but most VW/Audi oil filters are either Hengst, Mahle, or Mann. Then they are just rebranded with the VW or Audi logo and sold at 2x the cost. If you find a retailer that sells direct from the OE manufacturer, then you can get the same quality and save money at the same time.

I just generaly stay away from K&N, Fram, Purolator, etc, that you can buy at the local auto parts store, since they are not OEM suppliers.

That is excellent news. I know the fuel filter is a Mahle, the oil filter too perhaps ? I'd love to have numbers and sources for the fuel filter and the air filter as well.

[kantuckid]

While I did mention being a "tightwad" when I started this thread, my focus was meant to be on the question ;" which filters ACTUALLY filter best", not which ones come from BMW or whomever or when cut apart(I did that too) "appear" to filter best. It is of some interest to note that my Toyota Tundra V-8, my BMW R1150R and my Woodmizer sawmill with(all kohlers use the same filter) Kohler 15hp engine , all call for the same PL10241 Purolator filter mentioned previously. I ran across this buying a filter for my Kohler at Advance for $6. As a greasy guy, I have a hard time understanding that this isn't some kind of compromise that wasn't determined by an engineer for these companies engines! These engines have varying service factors,oil specs, sump size,and horsepower ranges from 15-85-282!
I will continue to use the BMW filters, but still would like to see a definitive word on this idea of which filters are really best.There is obviously a catch all approach to oil filters in place.
As to the Mahle filters, etc., for the cars you can buy them on Ebay as cheap as anywhere(I buy them in units of 6 as a rule) I've found, but I have never seen the motorcycle equivalent for sale anywhere?

[bmwdave52]

Amsoil oil filters now use nanofiber technology and specially constructed silicone anti-drainback valve and a nitrile sealing gasket to go along with the full-synthetic Ea nanofiber media.
If you don't use this filter I would use the BMW filter for all the reasons that Cycle Rob explained.

Quality remains long after the thrill of the bargain is gone.

[Airman]

I will continue to use the BMW filters, but still would like to see a definitive word on this idea of which filters are really best.There is obviously a catch all approach to oil filters in place.
As to the Mahle filters, etc., for the cars you can buy them on Ebay as cheap as anywhere(I buy them in units of 6 as a rule) I've found, but I have never seen the motorcycle equivalent for sale anywhere?

Wonderlich sells the Mann MW 712 filter for boxers and some of the K bikes. I don't know if Santa Cruz BMW bothers with them when they're stocking their Wonderlich shelves, but the catalog at least lists them. I couldn't find them on Google.
I used to buy Mahle or Mann filters for my 944 from somebody in California for cheap. They came in plain unmarked white boxes like they were smuggled in, but they were German made Mahle/Mann. (I forget which)

[jimz49]

I noticed Bob's BMW is recommending the Bosch oil filter. They state it is equal to or better than the OEM. Check out the link to their site.

http://store.bobsbmw.com/index.asp?Page ... rodID=2007

[kantuckid]

Not to sound combative nor argumentative at all about the Amsoil filters, but I like to see information that says something concrete as far as filtering ability, it's the kind of thing that entertains my interest! I do recall that Amsoil formerly used a filter tandem to achieve higher performance. As far as nanofiber technology or whatever it's called, that means nothing to me, as a lay person in the area of filter technology.I googled"nanofiber oil filter technology" & nanofibers(they were invented accidently in 1938) generally it is an area that began application during WWII when steel was in short supply and filters made from paper and fibers served a purpose. Amsoil is the only oil filter mentioned in a quick look and they sell many applications that include our bikes of choice, among many others.There are lots of applications for nanofibers but they seem to be the only people to use them in their oil & air filters for vehicles in my superficial look.The listed cost is about the same as an OEM BMW filter, so I wonder why they haven't been used long before now, with a cost that is comparable and supposedly so much to offer from a fiber thats been around for over 1/2 century? With the approach that seems to be in place for oil changes by the manufacturers and the filters broad applications as I have discovered, I wonder who is looking out for who when it comes to protecting your engine.

[challey]

kantuckid wrote:
As to the Mahle filters, etc., for the cars you can buy them on Ebay as cheap as anywhere(I buy them in units of 6 as a rule) I've found, but I have never seen the motorcycle equivalent for sale anywhere?

You can get the Mahle air filter at Beemer Boneyard for substantially less than at the dealer. They also sell Bosch oil filters, though I don't know if their price on these is any better than elsewhere. Though I've been tempted by the Bosch I have continued to use the Mahle from the dealer - reasoning that the extra cost is very small when amortized over a 6,000 mile interval.

Charlie

[Boxer]

Advance auto also sells the AC Delco pf 53. I've been running that one for 5 years now in my r.

That may be the reason that guy tried to run you down at that stop sign. I bet he knew you were not using the best oil filter!

[twindave]

I saw this link somewhere...nice price on OEM oil filters. I just ordered 5.

Exact part number as the BMW MC dealer. OEM Mahle Filter for BMW Motorcycles

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/se ... 1421460845

[kantuckid]

When you get the filters , look down in the hole and let us know if these have the same plastic screen as the BMW OEM filter,thanks

[Airman]

I saw this link somewhere...nice price on OEM oil filters. I just ordered 5.

Exact part number as the BMW MC dealer. OEM Mahle Filter for BMW Motorcycles

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/se ... 1421460845

That's the best price I've seen anywhere. I'd really like to see one of those cut open to see if the trademark nylon screen is in there. If it's really the OEM filter.
How much shipping did they charge you for 5 filters ?

[twindave]

ascycle: http://www.ascycles.com/detail.aspx?ID=2572

turner motor: http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/de ... ippingZip=

5 filters plus shipping:Total $63

Here's the thread where I found this filter: http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=24043

[Airman]

ascycle: http://www.ascycles.com/detail.aspx?ID=2572

turner motor: http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/de ... ippingZip=

5 filters plus shipping:Total $63

Here's the thread where I found this filter: http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=24043

Looks like Turner http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/de ... 8023&GO=GO is like Chicago BMW. You have to order a certain amount to offset the shipping. I checked on shipping 6, and the rate stayed at about $7.50. If you ordered 10 and split the order with a friend it would be quite reasonable. I think this is the best of both worlds, buying an OEM filter for less then the dealer price. Cut one of your old filters open Dave, I want to see if that last chance nylon screen is in there like the BMW filter.

[twindave]

Just received the Mahle OC91 OEM filters (11 42 1 460 845) from Turner Motorsport.

Total Invoice for 5 filters plus shipping (no tax) = $61.62

There is indeed a cylindrical, black plastic, screen inside. However, only the top of the screen can be seen. Looks like the real deal to me. I can see no difference except that the letters "BMW" are not printed on the filter. Never the less, the BMW OEM part number is printed on it "11 42 1 460 845"

Sorry, don't want to cut open a new filter, but I'd be glad to cut one open after it is used and post a picture.

Dave

[boxermania]

twindave

Please cut one up after use and post it.......a fin says that it's the same filter as the BMW one......any takers? I feel lucky!!

BMW is not in the business of making filters, is not going to pay to have a one off and the engine design certainly doesn't warrant a "special" design.....come on people, painted black with the BMW logo does not a "superior" filter make......it's all a marketing ploy.

[Airman]

twindave

Please cut one up after use and post it.......a fin says that it's the same filter as the BMW one......any takers? I feel lucky!!

BMW is not in the business of making filters, is not going to pay to have a one off and the engine design certainly doesn't warrant a "special" design.....come on people, painted black with the BMW logo does not a "superior" filter make......it's all a marketing ploy.

I may buy some of these Turner filters later on. In the meantime I will use my Purolator filters without fear. I did cut my last BMW filter open for a look and found you can see the end of that nylon screen, but the element will have to be cut up to see the whole thing.

[BMWEW1]

I've seen the Mobil 1 M1-102 filter also suggested as an OEM replacement. Mobil says its extended performance, high efficiency, high capacity. Anyone use this or have thoughts on it?

[stilldking]

I've seen the Mobil 1 M1-102 filter also suggested as an OEM replacement. Mobil says its extended performance, high efficiency, high capacity. Anyone use this or have thoughts on it?

I just installed one of these with my oil change last tuesday. (That and Mobil-1 15W-50.)
If someone wants to perform a disection after I change oil again, let me know and I'll ship it.
I'm sure there are a lot of folks on the board better able to determine the filters suitability.

JC

[OU812]

Amsoil oil filters now use nanofiber technology and specially constructed silicone anti-drainback valve and a nitrile sealing gasket to go along with the full-synthetic Ea nanofiber media.
If you don't use this filter I would use the BMW filter for all the reasons that Cycle Rob explained.

Quality remains long after the thrill of the bargain is gone.

I have 3 of these and the brand of oil. Probably won't use them til next year as I just changed my oil with a BMW filter and Mobil 1 that I had on hand. Amsoil filters do look good on paper and you need to get their wrench to change the filter. $5 I think.

[kantuckid]

I googled "nanofiber technology" when I read a similar post re; Amsoil filters- generally speaking it is a paper filter medium that was developed during WWII due to shortages of certain filtering materials, so it may be the best there is out there for all I know,BUT, it is not some cutting edge type of stuff! I want to read a study(I searched but did not find one)that states what filters filter; best-cutting them open reminds me of my cousin David, who, when we were kids, tore apart a perfectly good pocket watch to see what is was made of!The recent picture of the BMW filter does not contain the screen you see in some OEM filters.I am ready for a filter expert to be invited to a BMW rally and do a workshop.