so I do my own oil changes, mobil 1 fully synthetic and a FRAM oil filter.

generally, 5 quarts of mobil 1 synthetic 5w30 is ~25 bucks
the filter, about 8 from my local Kraigans.

I went today, two shops, both wanted ~28 bucks for the filter!!!! what are they kidding?

anyone else had this experience or know anything about this?

 

I've had FAR too many problems with Fram on VWs, so I'm leery of that brand (that said, I do use them on occasion on the Toyota business cat and Honda minivan in our household). For the MCS, I get an OEM filter for under $10, and synthetic oil. Not worth the $2 savings to go aftermarket since I get near the dealer often enough. Hadn't heard anything about other aftermarket filters other than they're more likely to have the o-ring "slip" and cause an oil leak. Lube the o-ring and tighten the housing carefully.

 

Fram filters have a bad reputation regarding filter medium and drainback valves. Why take a chance?

The OEM Mahle stuff is like 8 or 9 bucks at Pelican Parts. Buy half a dozen and you're set for quite a while.

 

Yeah seriously, the last time I used a Fram filter was on my POS 1990 Chrysler LeBaron almost 10 years ago! I use the OEM filters and you can pick them up either at OutMotoring (http://www.outmotoring.com 614-656-4315) or your local dealer or there are a few dealers on here that get mentioned quite a bit such as Classic Mini in Ohio (800.388.1098) and Morristown Mini in NJ (973-451-0009). They will ship all over the country and i'm pretty sure they both give a discount to NAM members as well. And yeah the OEM is basically just a rebranded version of the MAHLE filters which are made in Germany. Either one are far superior options to the Fram.

EDIT: Here ya go, I was just looking around on Morristown's website and ran across this: http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4164 . $8.33....not a bad price if ya ask me.
Good Luck,
Steve

 

Thanks, I don't have a MINI dealer near me, but I think I'll place an order and pick up 10-12 and just keep them in the garage.

Thank you

 

Mann filters are also a great option.

 

oil filter = NAPA 7303 at $7.99/each.
Also cabin filter = NAPA 4478 = $22.39
and intake filter available for my 2005 MCS.
Good products, good prices. All dealers in
my area are 100 + miles away.

 

+1 !!

Stay FAR away from Fram!!
NAPA Gold (Wix) has worked very well for me. 170,000 miles and still going strong!!

Jim

 

Classic MINI in Ohio, used to be a vendor but cannot find them now sells me the Gen 1 OEM filter for $6.75. Order a bunch and you are set.

YD

 

Yeah Wix makes the NAPA Gold and also Carquest Blue they are both the same quality filter in the box. Finding OE would be better though.

 

Oh no

 

Classic Mini is still in business, they are just not listed as a vendor on NAM.

YD

 

We sell the Mann OEM filter for less than $10. You should not have to pay much more than that anywhere and it is the same as the OEM.

 

I paid $7.60 for a Wix filter at a small, local, independent auto parts store. I can't believe the Mini's oil filter is more expensive than my New Beetle's traditional filter (Mahle, long-life 30,000km, 2x the size).

 

Just bought one today, NAPA 2800 = $13.
All of their filters exceed the factory ones
in construction and price.
Another shade tree home mechanic.
Happy Motoring...

 

Good Morning,try checking out www.mossmini.com i have a 05 S and oil
filters are 8.95 not badFactory Filter

 

+1 for the Napa 7303. Best filter for the Mini.