I have used the Napa Gold oil filter on my last two oil changes with Mobil 1. This filter is readily available here and since my nearest dealer is 3 hours away i decided to give it a try. The filter looks almost identical to the OEM Mini filter. I have been using this combo on my 99 Civic Si for years and at the 3500 mile change interval the oil looks like honey! Can anyone see a reason not to use this filter?

 

How about denial of warranty coverage if it doesn't fit quite right and you wind up damaging your engine? (I have no idea how likely this scenario is.)

Order a few OEM filters from Classic MINI in Ohio - ttheir prices for parts are very low to begin with, and plus you get a NAM discount if you ask for it. This was cheaper for me than buying them over the counter from my local dealer, Herb Bleeping Chambers MINI.

 

No offense to Classic MINI. Do you have a local MINI club? Have they worked out a discount with the local dealer? Might not match Classic's price, but might save you shipping.

I joined MINI Car Club of Indiana and they have a deal worked out at D&R in Indy.

 

Isnt Napa oil filters made by Wix. Wix filters are one of the best filters you can buy.

 

In my opinion the filter fits exactly like the OEM and I think its highly unlikely that any problems would be traced back to a high quality oil filter like the Napa Gold.

Yes I believe you are right about the Napa Oil filters being made by Wix. This is why I use their filters. I think I will order an OEM filter and compare it with the Napa next time i change the oil. I will also examine how both filters fit in the housing. I will give a report when I do this but it will be a few months since I just changed it 2 weeks ago.

 

Does the Napa Gold filter have the plastic "cage" inside like the OEM filter?

Jim Williams

 

NAPA filters are made by Wix, as another said, and are some of the best filters you can get. If Fram were to make a filter for the MINI though, I'd stay clear of it. I will pick up a NAPA filter soon and see how it matches up with the stock MINI filter. If experience is any teacher, it will match it or even be better.

 

Pictures and measured specs for many brands on this page: http://www.frankhunt.com/FRANK/corve...lterstudy.html

Be sure to read the recommendations on the Oil Filters Overview page. Ford filters tested for Mopars on a Chevy guy's page...

 

This is the only filter I use .... (napa by wix)