Take a look at this old oil filter...

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by racingbmwm3

Sorry, both styles of filter were discontinued with their respective engines (M62 and M54)

Many M54 owners on E46fanatics were buying OEM filters (produced to BMW spec) outside the BMW dealer network and getting early revision filters. BMW had revised the design/materals of the filter (the old rev filters were falling apart during the 15k mile oil service life).

This was due to the fact that many retailers had bought huge lots of filters for the bulk discount from the manufacturer. The manufacturer did not buy back/swap all the old filters (even it it did, some retailers would not deal with return stock/replenish stock).

This "old rev filter" issue was still so bad 5 yrs after the change that most E46 330 owners would ONLY purchase from BMW dealers.

Every few week a post would pop up on E46fan stating "Just bought 12 OEM filters off e-bay for $100". These "deals" were on "old stock/revision" filters.

Another common post on E46fan was "bought a used 330i/ci with FULL indy service records, first DIY oil change and filter has fallen apart". The indy shops were installing old filters for years.