Is anyone out there using a by pass oil filter on their MB? I have thought about putting one on my MB, but have been hestitate since my SDL has 170K+ miles and I am not sure it would end up being economically feasible.

I am purchasing a VW TDI though, for daily commuting, and I am seriously considering adding a by pass filter. I wanted to get some input on pros and cons from other MB owners who have used the device in the past or who may be presently using. I have checked the archives and not much info on using a by pass filter.

SDs have a combination bypass and full flow filter so another bypass filter is not needed. Why do some people think they know more about what their cars need than the engineers who design them?
P E H

The PO of my wife's Volvo 240 installed a bypass filter on that vehicle. It was done properly and therefore there are no leaks, this is a serious consideration with these units. According to oil analysis the filter is working and the oil stays consistantly clean so you save a few $$ there. However I think the benefits only really outweigh the cost if your driving a big rig. These things really are overkill for passenger cars unless your an environmental nut. I'd recommend using synthetic with extended drain intervals (change factory filter as regularly as recommended though) and you'll be fine.

PEH,tell me more about the SD/SDL's bypass/full flow filtering capability. I was not aware that there is more than the one full flow filter. Where is the extra by-pass filter located?

Lube, thanks for the input. I have found a great web site called "Fred's TDI", and the users are very familiar with the by-pass filter and its pro's and con's. Sounds like a good idea if you want to really get extended life from oil and motor.


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1986 300SDL 173K
1985 300D [sold]
1996 Explorer 62K

Notice that the diesel filters are very large. They are a combination cartridge filter with a full flow at the top and a bypass at the bottom (or is it visa versa).
The older diesels (190D,200D 220D 240D)had 2 separate filters in the same can. One was a flat disk full flow and another a cartridge by pass that also fit an old Hudson or Studebaker or something like that. The disk filter did not have to be replaced if the mesh screen was not broken. It could just be washed (my ultrasonic cleaner worked great for this) and put back in.
P E H