Ever tested it? Just wondering if the micron rating is different. I have been involved in testing of filters from OEM sources (not BMW) and the same apparent filters direct from filter manufacturers, with the same part numbers, that have different filter media. We tested them with portable particle counter testers (Parker CM20 as I recall) plumbed to the equipment to prove it out. Sometimes manufacturers use the same part number but a different internal tracking number in the manufacturing process.

In our case, we solved a wear problem by determining that a specific oil filter was flowing higher micron particles than the spec allowed, despite the labelling on the filter. Changing the filter supplier saved hundreds of thousands of dollars. Customer went back to OEM filters.

Has anyone tried Mobil 1 Extended Performance or Castrol Edge? I drive about 400 miles weekly, can really use the longer interval between oil changes... suggestions?

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. ;)

I hope the Mann filters are as good or better than OEM. I have been using them for years. Oil and air. I was under the impression that they were.

Why take a chance? We're talking about 20 bucks here...just go OEM from the dealer and be comfortable with one less worry...

In my personal situation, it is much easier for me to order filters from Bavarian Autosport, Turner Motorsports and so on. I order about 3 at a time and 1 air filter and never have to go to the dealer. The only reason I did this is because I was under the impression that Mann filters were equal to OEM filters. If they aren't, then I will make that trip to the dealer. I would like to see any info comparing Mann to OEM if anyone has it though.

MANN and MAHLE (and a few others) have been supplying Euro manufacturers, including BMW, with their filters (and more) for a very long time. The main differences between and aftermarket filter and one purchased form the stealership are price obviously, and packaging. Trust me, I see it everyday as I'm a parts consultant for another Euro brand dealer....

As for oil, Castrol has deals with a few different makers, so that's what you'll find at the dealerships. For me, I was using Lubro-Moly 5W40 religiously on all my Euros, due to the Castrol 5W30 would lose its viscosity after about 3000kms/1875 miles of my 'spirited' driving style, and the LM would last til even after the 5000kms/3000 miles. I have started using another brand though, Total Quartz Energy 9000 5W40 with the BMW LL-98 rating, which is actually made by Elf, and so far it's been holding up.....

I run one oil only in the wifes x5, GC 0w-30. GC stands for German Castrol. How do you know? It will say made in Germany on the back. Go to bobstheoilguy and read all about it. Love this stuff, harder to find. Autozone carries it around here. My brothers parts place in Shoreline WA also sells it. And he carries the Mann(oem) HU925/4X for the 3.0 in stock....
j

One more point, and I am not suggesting that anyone is retailing these knowingly or intentionally: If you get the filter from the dealer, you are pretty much assured that it is a genuine part. Buy it from an aftermarket outlet, and you have a chance of getting a counterfeit part that doesn't meet any spec, but which is packaged in a look-alike box. Often the retailer doesn't know that they are counterfeit, as they were sold by someone further up the distribution chain. We see it regularly, and consumers have no way of knowing what they are getting when it happens. First indication is that the filter disintegrates prior to being changed out. Mahle themselves address the problem on their web site, as they are one of the targets. See the link: http://www.mahle-aftermarket.com/C12...Y7DKE753STULEN Another article suggests that 50% of shop technicians were unable to spot the difference: http://www.asashop.org/autoinc/april2007/mech.htm

What is the value of the LL-98 rating in 2009, in your opinion? It has been obsolete for 8 years, since LL-01 came out, which was prior to LL-04, and any oil that has an eight year old formulation would be pretty suspect. Or is it a newer formulation that they haven't retested to the more recent standards? I just don't get why they would be using that spec and advertising it, unless they couldn't meet the newer ones. I don't look for the LL designation myself, since BMW isn't calling for it in any of my recent owner's manuals, and many oil manufacturers didn't bother to certify to it. That didn't mean that their oil couldn't meet the newer LL standard, just that they didn't see the point in paying for the test. When an oil company purposely advertises that they meet an outdated spec, I wonder about their motivation and thought processes.

thanks for the info guys, really appreciated. i guess ill go for mobil 1 and oem filter.