While I am a fan of OEM filters myself, I also know that BMW and other manufacturers design these cars knowing full well that they are being sent to places all over this planet... some of these places availability of OEM parts and such are not as good as U.S. or Europe.

These cars are being run in countries where gas is not as good a quality, general oil changes are done using good old 'regular' oil, and the filters are whatever is available at that city/location. These engines still run 100k+ miles with no serious engine problems.

I would not hesitate to use a filter from the same manufacturer if the part numbers match (or similar filters from other reputable manufacturers).

Really, this is not rocket science.