Oil Filter insides - I did it for science!

[northernlights]

After seeing countless videos of people disassembling non-Volvo oil filters, and not finding any pictures of Volvo oil filters, I decided to cut open a pair. Why only two, and which two?

One had to be the standard Mann W917, mostly because discussions about them usually follow this format:

'Why do you use Mann filters?
Because Volvo craves them.
But why does Volvo crave them?
Because they are the best.
But why are they the best?
Because they are Mann filters!'

The second was a Mahle OC204. This is another euro market product (made in Austria) from a large OEM and aftermarket supplier with essentially the same price point as Mann. And quite frankly, based on the scary pictures I've seen, I don't buy orange filters, and would not encourage anyone else to either.

Although my title may claim otherwise, this is a very non-scientific study. But, there appears to be is subjective superiority to the Mann filter vs the Mahle as follows:

• More pleats - 89 vs 61
  A taller element - 59mm vs 53mm
  Possibly a silicone anti-drainback valve vs neoprene. (Allegedly silicone remains more flexible under cold temperatures)

This is a pleasant surprise, as sometimes the mythology doesn't match reality.

For the price, I'd say Mann is the way to go. If anyone else wants to cut open some other brands, let me know what you find!

[matthew1]

"I did it for science!" lol

This is great, NL. Will post in Volvo Repair Database.

[cn90]

Thank you!!!

I am the culprit behind the Mahle thingy.
I have used BOTH Mann and MAHLE and they are very good.

The newer Volvo (XC90 etc.) uses Mahle as the supplier, this is the filter w/o the canister (just the insert).

[jreed]

I love it! Great work! Thank you for posting this up.

[Blockpartie]

Please note:
Some aftermarket parts, while being made by the company that is the OE supplier, differ from the genuine Volvo part.

[akwon]

Well done! Now I feel better (justified) for being a stickler about getting Mann filters. Also, does anyone else think their packaging graphics are the best?

[cn90]

Mahle OC-204 works great (plus it is available at local NAPA stores).

I have used Mahle OC-204 for > 10 years.
Remember that newer Volvo uses Mahle as supplier.

In the Euro world, MB, BMW, Volvo, VW, Audi switch between Mann and Mahle as suppliers for oil, air filters.
Both companies are very good.

[mecheng]

It would be interesting to compare to one of the supposedly 'poorly' made filters, like Fram. I still don't know why they are considered not as good as they also have an anti-drain back valve and in my Honda days I knew they made the OEM Honda filters. Both my Prelude and Integra Honda's lasted forever.

I get one free oil change per year with my roadside assistance plan, they use Quaker State Oil and Fram Filters, I've noticed no ill effects. Maybe I will take the filter apart, when I change the oil.

[abscate]

I think there is a lot of internet legend about good and bad filters..but that can be found elsewhere on the internet, Im sure.

I did find a pretty good write-up to a Fram visit here where someone actually visited Fram and didn't just keyboard courage an opinion.

http://www.wranglerforum.com/f282/eatin ... 11282.html

I use Mahle and Manns, bought by the 10 case from supporting vendors here.

[erikv11]

That's a lot of surface area on the Mann filter, great to know. I also buy them by the case, cheap and easy that way, it is the only one I use.