Hmm, I think I will try the Hengst next. I was going to get the Mahle, since they are the OEM for the m3's filter (which is different than non-M filters), but you convinced me otherwise.

I was not impressed with the Mann. I'm sure it's fine, but it felt really cheap.

 

I've never even heard of Hengst. I've always used Mann or Mahle (Mann lately). Will have to look them up.

Appreciate the review!

 

awesome job, thanks. Was waffling a bit between mahle and mann, but you're correct, any one will be fine.

 

Great post. I will try to look for Hengst one.
Will you do a review on K&N one also?

 

Running Mahle for my oil, air, and fuel filters currently. Used Hengst and Mann both in the past with good results.

 

I've only used Mann oil filters since I've had my car. When i did my first oil change on it i was very disappointed to find an autolite filter... The autolite filter looked all wavy and smushed when i removed it! So Whatever anyone does don't go cheap and use a crap filter like autolite, the name even sound crappy lol Mann filters are always the same shape when i pull them out as to when i install them:thumbup: I'm tempted to try the mahle or hengst filters but already have another Mann waiting to go in. Maybe Next time

 

I've always cycled between Mann, Hengst and OE BMW. If you buy it in batches together with an order they're dirt cheap too, RME has Hengst for $4.39 right now. Great quality from any of them.

 

I switched to Hengst from Mann a couple of years back after examination of the filters after use (same mileage). The Hengst seems to hold up better - less distortion of the folds. It was typically higher priced but not lately.

 

That's good to know. I noticed a slight wave to the folds when I removed both the Mann and Mahle filters.

Never had a reason to try any oil filter other than OE. They work and they are cheap.
Order oil filters online along with original parts needed for other projects. This way you don't have to buy them at the same place you get engine oil from.

These companies all make OE filters for BMW. I'm assuming you mean that you've always used the OE Mann M54 filter. If that's the case, you might want to give one of these a try. Especially if you see one for a lower price than the OE Mann.

 

Never had a reason to try any oil filter other than OE. They work and they are cheap.
Order oil filters online along with original parts needed for other projects. This way you don't have to buy them at the same place you get engine oil from.

 

is there any testing done or this all "Feelings"

 

You can take a look. I don't know what I said that would require testing. I measured them, and counted the pleats.

 

Thanks for taking the time to write up and post that evaluation!

I've got three Manns waiting to be installed. When it's time to replenish the stock I will try the Hengst.

A Hengst was in my brother's e36 when I acquired it from him. Oil change was first thing I did. I believe he had the car serviced at an euro Indy shop in the Seattle/Kirkland area. Anyway, I liked the plastic end caps much better than the hardened paper or whatever the Mann uses.

 

Thanks for the write up and great shots, very inclusive! I have used Hengst on my dad's Mercedes Benz in the past as a lot of filters and such for MB are made by Hengst so I am familiar with the name and quality but the funny thing is I never really looked for them for my BMWs. Always learning something new so thanks for shedding the light on these products.

 

Good read up my friend guess after i used my 2 MAHLE filters i'll stock on the Hengst after that.

sorry again that i didn't have a spare BMW branded filter laying araound they were too expensive to buy in batches.

 

Nice write up!

 

For what it's worth I just put in a Hengst fuel filter. No complaints...but its been 50 miles. I was scared because I've never heard of the brand, but this is definitely reassuring

 

Forgot to mention...I used a Wix oil filter for the very first oil change I did on my E46. Got it at Oriellys. It too had plastic end caps. FYI.

 

Wix make great filters too. I use them in my Aston Martin - didn't know they made them for BMW - you learn something new everyday.

 

I exclusively use Mahle on all BMWs on all filters where possible.

 

I've alternated between the three. No concerns with the Mann filter, although my history of OCI's ranged from 5K-10K miles and never the full 15K BMW interval. Was always rigid and intact coming out. Never had one crumble, which is more than I can say for filters I've tried on other vehicles.

Nice work on the comparison. Hengst tended to be more expensive in the past, but with this sale price I think I'll snag a bulk order of them.