Thanks for the info...I think Bav. Auto carries Mann filters. I would have to give that a try.Kaz said:These couple of threads today reminded me of something I came across, and forgot about.
Its well known that BMW 'redesigned' the oil filter spec'd for the E46's 15k mi change interval. The PN, FWIW, is 11 42 7 512 301. I believe the original one was 11 42 7 509 430. Now, I don't know exactly what the difference is, as my car came with the later one and I've never seen the other, the newer one is supposed to be spec'd higher in some way.
Also printed on the new filter is the OEM's PN. Mann-Hummel HU 925/4. This is Mann's standard grade 'evotop' filter for this application. They also make a 'synthetic' higher-grade ProTop filter that they make a number of claims for, including having more layers of finer filtering material for better filtering, capacity, and efficiency for longer periods of time. If in fact its the filter and not the oil that's the weak link, I'd be compelled to start using the ProTop. The PN is GT 925/3.
How many HPs do you think I'll gain?
