Changed the oil in the 300SD today, went to take out the old oil filter and realized the thing had fallen apart. The metal "lid" of the filter was stuck at the top of canister shaft, and the rubber underneath it was brittle, cracking, and in general just falling apart. The underneath side was the same way, the metal filter just disintegrated it seemed like. The only filter i had to put back in her was a NAPA one so i used that for the time being. I need suggestions from you guys on where to get a decent filter from, as i want that POS out of there ASAP. I showed the old filter to my father and he was shocked as well. I learned my lesson on that one..., the filter was only about 2.5 months old too.. Now, where do i get a good one at?
thanks
Ryan

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83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.

I usually get mine through Fastlane. They have several brands (I switch back and forth between Hengst and Mann) and at about $7 or $8 each, I buy four or five among other items like fuel filters and random things I don't need. Saves a lot on shipping this way.

Alex

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1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

Ryan,

Sounds like my experience with Fram oil filters (for a non-MB application)

I use Mann on the Benz, buy them in bulk from FastLane like Alex mentioned.

Fastlane........and buy them in bulk!

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Dale, R129
W202

I've use WIX filters for several years and they have been good. Just ordered a bunch in bulk from Phil at Fastlane for a much better price as stated (Hengst). I've use Mann before and wasn't too impressed.

just wondering what about the filter made you not impressed? Thanks

JMH

I've use Purilator filters in my old 300D for a long time, never had any problems, but the 300SDL has seen nothing but Hengst or Mann filters, they are only $7 or $8, and the crap you get at Napa or PepBoys is a little more. Use the German OE stuff.

The WIX filters have all metal sides and seemed much more sturdy. This was several years ago and my recollection is that Mann has the ribbed paper sides and I had one come apart on me. I always change(d) at 3K or less. Maybe there better now.
Tony

I have tried most of them in my 240d and 300sd and luckily never had a problem. Never tried NAPA though.

Now, I buy the German brands through Europarts. Get them the next day and the price is $8-$9.

NAPA filters are supposedly made by WIX. I have been told they are the same filter with just a different paint job. Filters are mass produced fairly inexpensive items and I guess one can get a bad one from any manufacturer. I used to swear by Purolator but I got a couple of bad ones from them that wouldn't thread down properly and leaked around the sealng gasket. These particular ones fit my Isuzu diesel and were made in Thailand or India. I haven't had any problems with any other Purolators. WIX are supposed to be good filters. Right now I am using AC Delco on my Chevy but they don't cover all applications.

I have had not problems with WIX filters at all. Had to order new calipers and pads from Phil and thought I'd make it worth my while. WIX usually sell for around $11-12.00.

When I pulled out my NAPA filter to replace, with a Hengst. I was surprised to see that the NAPA was less than 3/4 the size of the OEM. I was very dissapointed. I hope it didn't cause to much harm while it was in there. If NAPA is going to make parts they should at least make them to specs.

Yep, NAPA filters are made by Wix (Dana). There's a NAPA 5 mins from me and stopped by to ask. I've used them and Purolator on other cars with no probs.

I stay away from Fram and Penzoil (made by Fram). The anti-drainback valve seals against the cardboard and can leak, causing dirty oil to drain back into the pan. The bypass valves are plastic and are sometimes molded incorrectly, which allows them to leak.

I just stick with the OEM Mann for the Benz, so far so good.