Oil filter question...
 

I'm just about ready for my first oil change in my '03 X5 3.0i. I've used K&N products for a long, long time now. I see that K&N makes an oil filter cartridge to fit my bimmer. I don't doubt that it is a superior filter, even to Mann filters.
Anyone out there with experience with K&N oil filters on their X5's?

In answer to your question, I have no experience with K&N oil filters, for the reasons listed below. But since you asked....

What is the basis for considering it a superior filter? Do you have the micron spec, the SAE test results, or the ASTM test results?

A quick search found a statement that the K&N filter is made by a third party who make filters for a lot of companies, Champion Labs. If you want to buy a no-name filter with no specs, may as well go to Walmart and get it cheap. Do you trust the quality of Champion Labs, who don't market their filter directly but use companies that have a name, such as K&N, to do so?

I would only use an OE filter, since we don't have specs for what the OE filter is designed to do. Anybody can manufacture a will-fit filter with the same exterior dimensions, but unless you know the design flow rates, and the design filtration specs, you have nothing to gain by changing away from the BMW filter, and everything to lose.

Even using Mann, or Mahle, isn't a guarantee of getting the same filter. Filter manufacturers routinely make the same physical size filter in 2 micron, 5 micron, 10 micron, etc, specs. They have to meet a certain standard to supply a filter to an OEM, but they don't have to meet the same standard to sell a filter directly.

For a part that costs a few dollars, and is only required once a year or less, I don't understand the allure of aftermarket filters.

:iagree:What he said! Stick with OEM. K&N = snake oil IMHO

K&N = snake oil?
 

Hmmmmm, I guess I always heard K&N products were good products. I've run them in Corvettes, Porsche's and others w/o incident. But maybe BMW's are different, eh?:dunno:
Given your thoughts, like you said, for the couple times a year a filter gets changed, I'll just call my local stealer and order one from them.:thumbup:

So are you also recommending BMW oil? I've heard others on the forum here say use Mobile 1, Amsoil, Castrol and others. Again, I've also used Mobil 1 in a lot of car w/o any problems either.

I know it seems that if you own a BMW, keep it ALL BMW, eh?:dunno::D

You can find decent prices for BMW oil filters on Ebay, also Mobil 1 is widely used in the X5 (8qts). I found Walmart usually has the best deals in 5 qt jugs.

eBay oil filters?
 

Hmmmm, never thought of eBay having BMW oil filters. Guess I need to do a search, eh? Thanks for the info.:thumbup:

If you go with Mobile 1, make sure it's this, as it meets BMW spec.:
Mobil 1 0W-40

Also, in the spirit of keeping it all BMW, check this out (OEM BMW E53 X5 Oil Change Kit):
getBMWparts.com powered by Tischer BMW - Your #1 Source for all OEM BMW Parts/Accessories!

I am a big fan of doing my own work on my cars, but when I spoke with my BMW service manager, the price is $90.00 for a complete oil change, for the $10.00 ($69.00 + shipping) I wont even get out the ramps!

It is as cheap as it gets to just schedule an appointment! JMO

:thumbup:

Question is do you trust the dealer? What oil are they using? When I purchased my X5 CPO last spring, they (the stealer) changed the oil/filter etc for it to be offered as CPO. I changed everything out again myself soon after purchase because I don't trust them. Guess what I found? My filter had obviously NOT been changed. The fins on the media were all splayed apart and frayed, looking very worn and very used. It had seen at least a 15,000 mile interval by the previous owner maybe more, who knows, and if I had not changed it out, could have had to withstand another 15,000 miles. :wow:By the looks of it, I believe it would have very likely failed.

Ask yourself why the dealer would offer a change at $90.00? They are cutting corners somewhere most likely. Add the price of oil/qt + filter. Add in cost of Labor and iIt doesn't add up. It may be a loss leader with the intent to get you in the door and then charge up for some other service. Dealers are about one thing, and that is making money off of us, the customer. Most people who do there own oil changes do so because they know it was done right, and in the process usually save $$$. Everybody has to find their own comfort zone.

A quick search will show at a minimum 4 approved oils for use. You do not have to stick with the BMW 5W-30 (castrol), but it is good oil.

I believe (as do many others) that you should definately stick with OEM for the filter. The oil is a different story. You have choices. Just change it at teh 1/2 interval or 7,500 miles.

Castrol 0w-30, mobil 1 0w-40, penzoil platinum 5w-30 are 3 that will work and can be found on sale.

Just make sure you actually get a real BMW filter, not a copy in a BMW box. Counterfeit parts are rampant on ebay.