Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2004 11:39:49 -0400
Reply-To: The Bus Depot <vanagon@BUSDEPOT.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: The Bus Depot <vanagon@BUSDEPOT.COM>
Subject: Re: oil filter question
In-Reply-To: <40D92BF3.25413.24047E3A@localhost>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
> I see everyone say to only use MANN or Mahle oil filters,
> What about Bosch? Thanks -- Jim Newcomb
> Bosch are fine too. In Canada, Bosch appear identical to the
> VW filters sold at the dealer, made in the US by Champion.
> See this link for a test which seems to suggest this also:
>
http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilterstudy-german.html
I disagree. Mann and Mahle make a specific Vanagon oil filter.
Champion/Bosch does not. There is a difference.
If you look at the test linked above, it covers the Golf/Jetta filter
(Mahle OC47/49 and Mann W719/5). While this filter will physically fit a
watercooled Vanagon, it is NOT the correct oil filter for it. It's
completely different internally in all respects - the pressure bypass,
anti-drainback valve, and even the quality of the paper filter element -
as per original Volkswagen spec. In the U.S., only Mahle and Mann - not
Bosch - still offer the OEM Vanagon filter that meets original specs -
the Mahle OC108 or Mann W719/12. This is the filter that we sell for the
Vanagon, under the VW part number 070115561. (Direct link:
<http://busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=070115561>)
The fact that this filter is NOT interchangeable with the Golf/Jetta
filter was confirmed by Mahle themselves (who were OEM to Volkswagen
when the Vanagons were built). Several years ago (as this issue comes up
on the list periodically), a list member actually emailed Mahle in
Germany to ask whether the Golf/Jetta filter could safely be used on a
Vanagon. Mahle/Germany replied with a resounding "no," stating that
using that filter on a Vanagon could result in oil starvation on
startup. It's in the archives if anyone cares to look for it.
Despite this, the U.S. filter manufacturers all sell the Golf/Jetta
filter as being suitable for the Vanagon. I suppose they don't sell
enough Vanagon filters to justify producing a special filter for it, and
perhaps don't feel that the difference is significant (or even may be
unaware of it, since they were never OEM suppliers for the Vanagon to
begin with). Unfortunately, here in North America this applies to Bosch
as well, since they are simply rebranding U.S. made Champion filters
instead of selling their own OEM filter as they do elsewhere in the
world. If you look up a Vanagon in a U.S. Bosch filter catalog, it lists
the same 71250 filter that is indicated for Golf, Jetta, etc. Just as in
a Champion, Wix, or other U.S. filter catalog. By comparison, the Mann
and Mahle catalogs have never listed these filters as being
interchangeable.
We sell the correct Vanagon filter for only $4.29. Which is actually
cheaper than the Bosch costs at most places. Keep a few onhand, whether
you do oil changes yourself or just provide one to your mechanic to make
absolutely sure he uses the right one. Maybe the real-world difference
is insignificant, but the original suppliers of the Vanagon filter (who
should know) clearly think otherwise. Filters are cheap. Engines are
expensive. Why chance it?
- Ron Salmon
The Bus Depot, Inc.
www.busdepot.com
(215) 234-VWVW
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