What make of filters to use ?

That's the problem. Half of them don't. I'll dig more later for proof.

That said I've used Mann and other filters without issues over the years.

But here are three filters for a Renault Clio 172.



To quote BTM:



And the original link:

www.facebook.com/BTMPerformance/photos/a.10151240801045756.444030.326411590755/10152602180080756/?type=3&theater

People who knew of BTM Performance in the Renault circles knew that he was pretty switched on too.

On an engine worth £150 secondhand you could argue meh, why bother. But when your engines are worth £2.5k secondhand before you even get to the hassle of fitting an engine then is it worth it? I know I've rarely had an engine swap back from a garage go smoothly.

I found the same with my M3. Mahle make the original filter and make two qualities. The later filter has a few more pleats and is allegedly treated differently. I tried to source the later spec filter but by the time I found one it was barely £1 cheaper than the dealer and I get discount from the dealer(s) anyway. Yes, I know it's £11 for a filter but £2.5k+ for a replacement secondhand engine that's known not to be free of issues?

On older stuff I tend to use the following in order:

-Make of whoever made the original
-Mann/Mahle
-Purflux
-Bosch (I believe they are rebraned ; generally Hengst or Mann but don't quote me on that)
-Fram ; I know a race team used to have a batch of these explode on them as the casings weren't crimped correctly but then Ferrari have them as OE filters

If you look at my car 4 of the filters all look pretty different from the brands.

But it probably doesn't make *that* much difference to normal stuff.

Crosland are an interesting one.

They used to be a British firm out and out. But with other filters entering the market at cheaper prices and I believe Coopers becoming part of Sofegi they soon could no longer compete and folded.

Euro Car Parts then bought out the brand. They have done similar things with other big names, which can make it a bit of a lottery as to the part that you get in some instances.

I'll be honest, an oil and filter change is better than no change in most cases .

I use Mann filters (air and oil) on my cars. Crosland oil filters make for an excellent cheap solution for killing the intake noise on small air compressors if used instead of the standard (lack of) air filter.

We sell predominantly Alco filters in the shop. Don't get many issues and we do sell a few filters.
We also have a large quantity of original Crossland filters but they have gone from the computerised system and have to use a good old fashioned book to look them up.
don't know if any of our customers cut them open to check inside but now I know its a thing I'll ask.
I do know Fram are more expensive than bosch, reisse and blueprint.

Mahle filters are my first choice. Main supplier has changed to bosch filters now and the fit isn't as good. Seals feel too big and the cartridge filters don't clip into place as well