[kaede]

Originally Posted by Surly73

I stick with OES (Original Equipment Supplier), but never from the dealer. You'll usually find that OES filters are made by Mann, Mahle, Hengst and perhaps one or two others. I seem to recall that Mann is what you usually get from a dealer, so I've been choosing Mann when given the choice. Check out places like AutohausAZ.

+1, check the part number with OES and you can get exactly the same part without the bmw box xD If you're paranoid then just go for OEM at the dealership/buy in bulk from dealership. I don't suggest buying in bulk unless you drive a lot of miles or change your oil/filter very often. The savings isn't extremely significant so i don't see the point to. You never know how long you'll be keeping your car as well, if you buy bulk and end up selling your car, you'll just end up with extra trash at home lol. good luck!

[deadmn1337]

I always use MANN filters as they are readily available to me and are the OEM. Helps i work for a MANN dealer too.

[JustROLLIN]

I use OEM, but you can purchase them on Amazon for about 1/2 the price of dealership. I just buy them up when I see a good deal and keep a few on hand for when I need to perform a service.

[Chriztofor]

The problem with a fram filter is that it doesn't come with the very small o-ring that is placed on the tip of the filter housing.

[Efthreeoh]

I just get the oil change kit from Tischer. The oil works out to about $7 a quart and the filter $6. I just bought Castrol 5W-30 Edge for my Hummer (meets GM's oil spec). Advanced Auto parts was selling it for NINE FRICKEN DOLLARS a quart.

[Meeni]

Don't think it is relevant for our cars, but the Fram filters supposedely compatible with my motorcycle do not have an overflow bypass and that had been known to cause oil starvation and engine damage. Again the e90 design doesn't seem to have this feature,, but that got me to think that there is more to it than paper, and with such a low price difference, not worth the gambling.

I use MANN, cheap and OE supplier. I got them from Pelican last time I think, a pack of 6 for 60 bucks or so.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by Meeni

Don't think it is relevant for our cars, but the Fram filters supposedely compatible with my motorcycle do not have an overflow bypass and that had been known to cause oil starvation and engine damage. Again the e90 design doesn't seem to have this feature,, but that got me to think that there is more to it than paper, and with such a low price difference, not worth the gambling.

I use MANN, cheap and OE supplier. I got them from Pelican last time I think, a pack of 6 for 60 bucks or so.

The filter doesn't have an overflow bypass but the oil filter cap does. Look closely next time at the oil filter housing cap you'll see the by-pass valve and spring in the center of the cap inside the filter housing (plastic) center.

[E90 DD]

Hi everyone, I know this is a really old thread. I was trying to search and understand the difference between the oil filter with heat exchanger versus without heat exchanger. I believe I was able to find the answer after looking through realoem site and I would like to share this with everyone.

link to diagram with heat exchanger:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=11_3753

link to diagram without heat exchanger:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=11_3867

In summary, you can take a look at the oil filter housing and find out if you have a heat exchanger. I hope this help.

Cheers,
Dennis

[BashShah]

Originally Posted by deadmn1337

I always use MANN filters as they are readily available to me and are the OEM. Helps i work for a MANN dealer too.

1+ here.

[juld0zer]

Originally Posted by E90 DD

Hi everyone, I know this is a really old thread. I was trying to search and understand the difference between the oil filter with heat exchanger versus without heat exchanger. I believe I was able to find the answer after looking through realoem site and I would like to share this with everyone.

link to diagram with heat exchanger:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=11_3753

link to diagram without heat exchanger:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=11_3867

In summary, you can take a look at the oil filter housing and find out if you have a heat exchanger. I hope this help.

Cheers,
Dennis

In summary, there is no difference? Same filter for all?

There was an era when BMW experimented with a plastic oil filter housing, mainly on the N20 engine. That housing became subject of a recall as many failed before the recall was issued, causing a caramel millshake mess. The plastic housings required a different filter kit.