Aside the very valuable comments about measuring length and checking for counterfeit filters, there is another element. With this system, sometimes the filter doesn't fully seat on the upper or lower perch. This would crush it. Similarly - some have a felt-like material ring to seal the upper and/or lower bore. I found on my mother-in-law's Opel (same system as BMW), that the bottom felt ring could come off and remain in the bottom of the filter cartridge canister. I removed it and found that the replacement cartridge seated perfectly in place. Also check the internal O-rings for swelling or distortion. I do this on my X5 3.0 diesel (also canister insert cartridge).

I am the original poster. I clean out the filter holder and the bottom of the housing very well every time.
Those that are questioning me and the authenticity of my Mann filters - your filters don't come out twisted and crushed???

"...your filters don't come out twisted and crushed???"


I have changed the oil on our '01 3.0 a half dozen+ times, (yearly, whether it needs it or not), and have had it done the past few years at Indy in Asheville. I have used OE filters from dlr or Mahle & Mann, and Indy uses Mahle, Mann and OE, depending on time/supply...I have never seen the filter come out of my X looking like that.
It's either a counterfeit copy or a mfg'ng error...my guess is copy.
GL, mD

FWIW, I order up filters from various places like AutoHausAz. Never did had any issue with the Mahle, Mann and Hengst equivalents. Aka, stuff like the charcoal filters are considerably cheaper than the OEM (even with the 15% etc discount).

However, if I'm ordering parts from the dealer, in which I'm paying a shipping fee already......the oil filters are not that much more in price than the aftermarket discounters..

How could one tell a counterfeit Mann filter from a real Mann filter?

The counterfeit filter influx got so bad last year, BMW dealers in the Middle East had them in their parts supply chain (go to a BMW dealer, buy a filter, get a knockoff).

I only use dealer supplied filters.

I just thought it was normal until I read this thread. so I haven`t talked to the dealer yet. I`m curious when I change my oil next year how the filter is going to look like . I got an bmw oem filter from ecs tuning last month. I`ll let you guys know then.(if I remember lol).

I kinda thought it was normal too until hearing not everyones looks as mine does........
I find it hard to imagine that every filter I have bought (at least 6 oil changes) has been counterfeit. They have always come out looking crushed. I tried emailing Mann and sending them the photo, but email did not go through with or without the photo attached.

You need to get Genuine BMW filter, BMW OEM is not the same filter.

heres the filter i got
11427512300 - Oil Filter Kit - ES#24008