fram Oil filter for the 2.0t??

**79%N1** · 04-29-2009 07:07 PM

Have any of you guys that change your own oil used the fram ch1199 i believe it is? Im tempted.. i used to buy the german ones from ecs for 10 bucks plus shipping however after browsing walmart i found the fram version for 8.00 and change.... initially i didnt even consider it however after taking one out of the box i realized its the identical filter really. it even is made in germany which i suspect the same factory as mann and others, perhaps even the oem audi filters as well?

discuss.....

**WayzataAudi** · 04-29-2009 07:13 PM

i just changed my oil today and i was talkin to a guy at checker (a car parts store for those of you in CA) and he said wix was the best oil filter. especially if your usin high performance oil. i used 0w-40 full synthetic by royal purple. the wix filter has a better O-ring and it's got a better seal on it, id definantly do the wix again, its like five bucks extra but its worth it since you already invested in the car.

**Fast'n'Go** · 04-29-2009 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by WayzataAudi

i just changed my oil today and i was talkin to a guy at checker (a car parts store for those of you in CA).

We call that Kragen. In other parts of the country its also known as Schuck's, and Murray's. Just so theres no confusion there all the same place.

**acray** · 04-29-2009 09:01 PM

In Texas it's O'riely's. Same store though. The colors here are green and white.

But on a more serious matter, Audi's generally require a very high flow filter. You standard Fram is not high flow, even though the physical dimensions may be the same. If you know for sure that the Fram can flow enough oil through it...

For me, I like leaving the guess work out of it and spend an extra 5 bucks every 5,000 miles.

**LimiTed** · 04-29-2009 09:06 PM

is this forreal? 2 dollar difference?

**VZWalex** · 04-29-2009 09:12 PM

Just my $0.02 since I love to give it when peeps least want it ... but !!!!! If you guys really love your cars.... Only use the OEM VW/Audi filter or a MANN Filter. Ask any reputable shop and they will tell you the same .....

**cadave** · 04-29-2009 09:29 PM

I have used the Fram exclusively, and have not had any problems. If you notice the ends are made with a quality epoxy. I changed the oil shortly after I bought the car (used 07) and the cheap filter in it, literally fell apart in my hands when I removed it from the canister. That's my $.02 (or $2.00).

**clemsongt** · 04-29-2009 10:11 PM

I used the FRAM filter from the store when I did the oil change just after purchasing the car. It is the only filter I could get my hands on without ordering one offline, and I really wanted to go ahead and do the oil. I really doubt there is anything wrong with it, but then again see the sig.

**Subaru71** · 04-30-2009 04:15 AM

There has been some tests on FRAM filters agains OEM.. not with Audi's in particular, but the results have been really bad for FRAM.. WIX filters from my previous experience with other cars are awesome filters.. they're used in many racing applications.. you can never go wrong with an OEM one though.

**Hammer** · 05-01-2009 11:30 PM

Go with the OEM oil filter. A $2 savings isn't worth an inferior product.

**ngng** · 05-01-2009 11:45 PM

you drive an audi and are trying to save a few bucks?

**acray** · 05-02-2009 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by cadave

I have used the Fram exclusively, and have not had any problems. If you notice the ends are made with a quality epoxy. I changed the oil shortly after I bought the car (used 07) and the cheap filter in it, literally fell apart in my hands when I removed it from the canister. That's my $.02 (or $2.00).

I've never considered a Fram filter a low quality product, I've used them for years in the American cars I've worked on/maintained.

To my knowledge, the issue isn't the build quality (or the filtering capability) of the filter, it's the flow rate. Our engines want to flow more oil than the Fran will allow, creating excessive back pressure.

Kinda like high blood pressure in a person, does it mean that you'd die or have a heart attack tomorrow? No, but it's still not good for you and over time will cause problems.

**Italiano** · 09-01-2011 04:52 PM

what is the part number for the WIX filter on a 2006 B7 2.0? That is what i am going with, I have heard nothing but amazing things on these!

**golfvdude** · 09-01-2011 07:52 PM

If they stocked Wix for the Audi at the local autoparts store, I would use it. Unfortunately, they don't have anything other than fram. Good thing I order OEM in 3-5 packs....

**oneovdabestyet** · 09-01-2011 08:03 PM

what about the hengst oil filters?

**clemsongt** · 09-02-2011 08:50 AM

Since the filters for our cars are such oddballs and can only be used on 2.0T engines, I am VERY positive that FRAM and other manufacturers (like K&N) simply source their filters from someone else. Neither FRAM nor K&N makes filters in Germany, but yet both their filters say made in Germany and look exactly like the OEM and Mann filters...hmm...

Following pics are from this comparison thread saying the same thing as me:

Now here is your Mann filter:

And OEM 06D 115 562:

Now, make your own decision as to what filter to use and if saving $5 is worth the "risk".

**jvis08** · 09-02-2011 09:50 AM

i've found deals on ebay for mann filters. 4 for 36 bucks out the door with shipping off of reputable sellers. just picked 4 up recently....thought i'd mention it since saving bits of money is on people's mind right now.

**Hugh@EuropaParts** · 09-02-2011 10:08 AM

If I wouldn't put it on my car I wouldn't sell it... and I don't sell Fram

**clemsongt** · 09-02-2011 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by Hugh@EuropaParts

If I wouldn't put it on my car I wouldn't sell it... and I don't sell Fram

While that is all well and good, no one (other than myself) has presented any kind of logical bit of discussion as to the filters that are out there. Now my points are pretty weak as they rely on visual observation and not on any actual tests, but they are FAR better than, "I don't like FRAM!!!!1"

Carry on.

Oh and btw Hugh, I used that pic in my post :).

**Hugh@EuropaParts** · 09-02-2011 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by clemsongt

While that is all well and good, no one (other than myself) has presented any kind of logical bit of discussion as to the filters that are out there. Now my points are pretty weak as they rely on visual observation and not on any actual tests, but they are FAR better than, "I don't like FRAM!!!!1"

Carry on.

Oh and btw Hugh, I used that pic in my post :).

I could tell by the quality of the pic lol!!! Seriously though... it's one of those things like "Well, I only wear Nikes because they are better." A cheaper set of shoes will do the same thing... just not as well.

**clemsongt** · 09-02-2011 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by Hugh@EuropaParts

I could tell by the quality of the pic lol!!! Seriously though... it's one of those things like "Well, I only wear Nikes because they are better." A cheaper set of shoes will do the same thing... just not as well.

But the problem is that that logic is entirely flawed. While Nikes might be better, it is not because they cost more. A cheaper pair of shoes will do the same thing, and it may or may not do just as well or even better. While higher quality usually costs more, it is not the only thing that affects prices. People think Hondas and Toyotas are better than Hyundais and Kias because they cost more and are known for quality. The Hyundais and Kias are priced lowered in order to establish themselves in the market because quality is something that is assessed over time. In actuality Honda and Toyota both started out just as Hyundai and Kia did, but because they are now known for quality they can charge higher prices. Hyundai and Kia might be able to do the same in time.

No one has said anything to the quality of other filters other than I heard someone say one time that they suck. I would love to hear some real thoughts on their quality and not just silly unfounded opinions. My assessment from looking at the filters and knowing that FRAM has a supplier in Germany (how many different plants do you think are making filters in Germany for our engine?) is that they are more than adequate.

**p1nk50ck** · 09-02-2011 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by clemsongt

But the problem is that that logic is entirely flawed. While Nikes might be better, it is not because they cost more. A cheaper pair of shoes will do the same thing, and it may or may not do just as well or even better. While higher quality usually costs more, it is not the only thing that affects prices. People think Hondas and Toyotas are better than Hyundais and Kias because they cost more and are known for quality. The Hyundais and Kias are priced lowered in order to establish themselves in the market because quality is something that is assessed over time. In actuality Honda and Toyota both started out just as Hyundai and Kia did, but because they are now known for quality they can charge higher prices. Hyundai and Kia might be able to do the same in time.

No one has said anything to the quality of other filters other than I heard someone say one time that they suck. I would love to hear some real thoughts on their quality and not just silly unfounded opinions. My assessment from looking at the filters and knowing that FRAM has a supplier in Germany (how many different plants do you think are making filters in Germany for our engine?) is that they are more than adequate.

i agree, but my thought process is until the filter has been tested in a lab to meet or exceed the capabilities of OEM, then it's not worth my time. especially not for something that's only a couple bucks difference. if it was a dollar, and it's been proven to be exactly the same as OEM, then i'd be all over it.

any efforts of guessing that they look the same, or the coincidence that they both were made in germany and "probably" were made in the same factory isn't good enough for me, it's all speculation. even if race teams use it, it's still not good enough. yes, race teams drive their cars harder than i ever will, but they also replace parts, and tear their motor apart more frequently than i ever will as well, so it's still not a 1:1 comparison.

**elwigglero** · 09-02-2011 11:34 AM

FYI... Fram is regarded as the "Kia" of the oil filter world. Apparently the glue tends to fail after prolonged use (people that don't change oil frequently enough) and the filter falls apart. That being said, it really doesn't matter what oil filter you use if you plan on changing your oil regularly. I changed my oil the other week and picked up a cheap Fram from advanced auto without concern as I plan on changing my oil again in 4-5 thousand miles.

**matt94gt** · 09-02-2011 11:40 AM

Fram suck, WIX make great filters and you can get them at your local autoshop for a good price.

**Agrippa** · 09-04-2011 11:44 AM

I've been using the Fram for over 70k miles now. No problems noticed or diagnosed. I change my oil every 3500 to 4000 miles and will continue using the Fram filter.