No more Bosch filters for M103 at autozone?
 

The past two times I went to Autozone there were no Bosch numbers listed in the filter book for my 87 300E. I remembered today that the number was 3421, and today I found them in the autozone. I bought one and put it on, but then I got to thinking about why it was not listed. anybody know what the deal is with this? Is the 3421 Bosch filter not supposed to be used on the M103 for some reason?

p.s. The 3421 used to be listed for my car in this same autozone, so they obviously got a new book, without it listed. hmmm....

You do know that only MB, or Kneckt filters are to be used on these engines. ;)

It's probably a good thing for you that they don't carry them anymore. Get the OE filters, i.e. Mann, Knecht or Hengst.

Len

The "Bosch filter" that was sold at Autozone was not the same as the Bosch 72165 that I've been using for years. The interior was different, and it appeared to have no internal bypass valve when I inspected them a couple of years ago.

You can purchase the Bosch 72165 or other correct German brands from Fastlane and other Mercedes parts specialists at reasonable prices.

I suspect the reason the M103 engines were removed from the application list is the the whatever that Autozone Bosch filter is, it's not really a correct filter for the M103.

Duke

I never realized there was a difference between the Bosch filter at autozone and the one in fastlane. They do look different, now that I have taken the time to compare. I guess I'll just order a bunch of filters from here next time I need something (same price as autozone filters). As a side note, the autozone filters book still recommends a Fram and STP filter for my car, so I doubt that their logic was "well, you can only use special oe or similar filters on this MB, so let's not list the Bosch filter." More likely it was a misprint or maybe they are phasing out the Bosch oil filters.

Thanks for the info guys.

Wix filters are available as some chain stores, and are at least as good as the OEM one (they actually have a wound cord fine filter instead of packed gin trash, for instance). The o-ring supplied is too large, but you can get one at a dealer or bearing supply.

Otherwise, OEM only, these engines are MUCH to expensive to rebuild to trash by using cheapo filters.

Peter

You just can't trust brand names anymore.

There is the Bosch "OE replacement" business that sells real Bosch parts that are equivalent to OE like the 72165 filter and H9DC spark plugs.

Then there's the Bosch "aftermarket business" that sells junk like multi-ground electode spark plugs, and "fake" Bosch filters like what Autozone carried.

I won't buy parts from anyone other than a MB Specialist like Fastlane, who sell the "real" Bosch parts, not the "fake" stuff.

Duke

I've always wondered about those bosch filters. The ones I got from fastlane, had a bosch sticker on them and were made in usa. They worked fine, but for the same price, I'll go Kneckt.