Yes the Nominal Micron Rating of 32 Microns on the WIX Version of the Mercedes filter is awful. Some sites say that a human hair is 70 microns; 32 microns is close to 1/2 that size.
The full flow part of the filters made by other companies run in the 22-18 Nominal Micron range making them a better choice even if you do not like the cotton+trash in the bypass section of the filter.
Of the spare filters for my 84 300D: the Mahle is made in Austria, the Mann filter is made in the Chech Republic and on the box of the Bosch filter has "See product for country of origin" but when you look on the filter there is only the part number not where it is made.
The thing is that unless you remember to check the filter at time of purchase the "country of origin" can change at any time.
If you buy over the internet you you would have to ask the seller to supply the country of orgin but even that may not work. I a big parts place when they package your order for shipment they are going to grab whatever is in the bin. The guy you ask the questions to will not know what is in those bins only how many.

Do you actually think that if a part was made in Germany that it was assembled by a German?

We're all gonna die!!!
 

--GASP-- You mean our MB stuff is made--assembled--packaged--TOUCHED!! by "guest workers?" HORRORS!! I hereby resign from the human race.

Foolishness aside, yes, the days of "Made by Elves in the Black Forest" are gone, alas. I learned that some 30 years ago when I bought a pair of Leica binoculars (LEICA!!!) and discovered that they were "Made in Portugal."

Disclaimer: This is not meant to criticize my friends the Portuguese or their beautiful country (Brazil).

Jeremy

Between 1972 and 1973 I was stationed in Germany. I went to the city Munich and was suprised to see a lot of Turkish and Greek people. I found out later they were contract workers that worked at the local BMW plant.

If you are interested in oil filters you might also be interested in fuel filters:
Thread "Lowest Fuel Filter Micron Rating" http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/222713-lowest-fuel-filter-micron-rating.html?highlight=Lowest+Fuel+Filter+Micron+Rating

Update from Fram
 

Just received the "claim package" from Fram in Perrysburg, Ohio. The package contains a "product evaluation form," a FedEx(R) pre-paid waybill, two large Zip-loc(R) bags, and a cardboard box. In addition to the usual product and vehicle information, the form allows you to claim that your vehicle had to be repaired (at $xxx cost).

Since the Mercedes filter cannister kept the metal bottom on the filter until I tried to take it out, it is unlikely that anything could have escaped from the filter and harmed the engine. (I hope. :D) In any case, I don't plan to claim any damages.

I'll report again if Perrysburg gets back to me with any kind of a report.

Jeremy

Just been on the Baldwin site....

Looks like they have a U.K distribution.... Just sent them an email, we'll see if I can get them here in the UK!

Reply from Fram
 

Got a nice letter from Honeywell Consumer Products Group (they own the Fram name these days, along with Autolite and Bendix, I see from their letterhead). Mr. David Liming of the Product Evaluation Team in Perrysburg, Ohio, wrote me in part:

"A visual inspection found that the method used in the attachment of the metal end cap was creating an end cap adhesion issue in a small number of CH2930 filters. This issue was addressed several months ago and corrective action was implemented in the production process.

In appreciation for bringing this issue to our attention we are sending you six complimentary Fram CH2930 oil filters . . ."

So whatever your opinion of Fram, they do listen and respond. I am pleased.

Jeremy

Six free filters? Thats a terrific deal, I'd have been happy with two. :)

Now you just have to hope they don't send you ones from India or Mexico!

Wow thats pretty good!

No fair! I hope my Fram falls apart when I take it out! :D ;)

Fram, bam; Thank you, Ma'am.
 

The six free filters arrived today and indeed are 'Made in Turkey' and filled with nice clean cotton string instead of cotton gin waste. I notice they are no longer putting the filter in a plastic bag; cost-cutting is everywhere! Plastic bags are made from oil, of course. They still have the o-ring for the cover but not the drain plug crush ring (never had it) which I don't use anyway since I converted to Topsiderism.

Also note that the oil change that started this whole thing was just this past June 4. Cradle to grave, this problem was over and done with in 23 days. Go Fram!

Jeremy