I used to always use Bosch filters with cotton gin junk in them. Every now and then I'd order a Mann just to be different but never saw any different results of any kind. The last three or four filters (I just realized this - it SEEMS to correspond to the problem but I can't verify that with records to be sure) have been Hengst filters in a yellow bow, sold by Fastlane as OEM replacements for the Bosch ones they were sold out of at the time I ordered. (I bought one two orders ago to see if I noticed a difference, accepted two as stand-ins for absent Bosch stock on my most recent order, and have probably used three or four total.)

I just went down to the basement to take a good close look at one of them. The only observation I have is that the outer surface of the "upper" section - is that the bypass section? or the "main" section? - at any rate, the metal framework surrounding what I assume could be cotton gin junk or could also be better material, on these Hengst filters, seems to be MUCH more restrictive than the Bosch ones were. The Bosch ones looked perforated with holes drilled in that section. These Hengst ones seem to just have tiny little metal slits in a grid formation.

If you believe my lack of using those magic Fram filters without the cotton waste in them is the direct cause of my problem, I'm willing to try a few - but offhand, I'm having a very hard time imagining how that could be the direct result of oil spewing out where it shouldn't unless and only unless it was becoming completely plugged somehow - which ought not to happen until the oil has been in service for longer than mine has been.

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL