Problems with Aftermarket Oil filters -- Pics -- MUST SEE
 

Hey guys,
I have done a couple threads for another forum in my area but now that I am on here its probably a good chance to show some important articles with good information.
This one about aftermarket oil filters and a few problems I have had with them. The most concerning is the example in the pic and how new filters were collapsing even under normal oil pressure. I have seen quite a few like the one in the pic. If you do not change your oil then you probably never what your old filter looks like. With the filter collapsing it can restrict oil flow and when it collapses its now shorter and oil can flow around the filter. The oil now is flowing unfiltered.
Also the O rings you get with the filter usually leak, some of them very severely. This obviously causes low oil pressure, low oil levels and other problems related to excess oil on rubber components etc...
For the record I have never had a problem with OEM filters.
Info from: http://www.theultimateautomotiveblog.blogspot.com/

What filters?
What vehicle?
What type of usage?

I've seen hundreds of aftermarket oil filters and none have looked like that, from stock vehicles to turbo/supercharged M3's making 600whp+. I would be wary of which aftermarket supplier though, Mann/Mahle you typically will never see an issue with, would be very interested to hear what kind this is.

The filter in the pic is from a Gen 1 Mini Cooper (R50) but applies to BMW models as well with the replaceable filter element. This is a problem with Midas, Motomaster, etc type aftermarket filters. Mann and Mahle are OEM supplies of filters and I have not seen the OEM supplied filters have a problem. I also have not seen a problem with the OEM Mini and BMW branded filters either.
It would would not really matter if the car was making 100 horsepower or 600 since oil pressure is still regulated to about the same pressure. Its really the quality of filter in question. The R50 Mini Cooper only makes about 115 horsepower.
In 2002-2005 there were problems with engines being damaged because of aftermarket shops like Midas using these filters and also removing the tension spring in the filter housing and either not reinstalling it or installing it incorrectly. Since then the design has changed in Minis 2005 and up so its just the poor quality filters that are the problem. Also these shops do not always use synthetic oil which leads to its own problems

Midas/Motomaster explains everything ;) Wouldn't touch either of those brands with a 40 foot stick

Yeah exactly. People still buy this crap trying to save $0.50, here is just a good example of why not to buy them.