2004 S55 AMG ... Oil Filter Recommendations

M

MattLawz

Joined
Feb 18, 2024
Messages
32
Location
Michigan
I have a 2004 Mercedes S55 AMG. I am looking to choose an effective and high quality filter but I am not sure which one to choose out of these. Opinions appreciated, thanks in advance.

Fram Ultra Synthetic XG8481
99% efficiency at 20 microns
$16.14 from RockAuto

Service Pro Extended Life E5276
99% efficiency at 25 microns
$5.82 from a local wholesaler

Mighty Max MX985
99% efficiency at 20 microns (flyer claim, not sure if this is still correct)
$5 from a local wholesaler

I was considering the WIX XP or Hengst, but i cannot find an accurate source of their efficiency. All recommendations are appreciated, id also take recommendations for filters not on this list.
 
Cartridge filters are a whole different ball game than what we commonly get asked here on the forum with canister filters.

For this engine, in particular, there are two main build styles that manufacturers have employed. A more conventional style media and then one with a reinforced media. I would only go with the reinforced media for this car, similar to what is OEM. The reinforced is on the left and the conventional is on the right, shown below.
1762325234216.webp
1762325244209.webp


That leaves you with: Hengst E11H02D155, MANN HU7185X, and the MAHLE OX3457D. All of which may be found on RockAuto for $7.20 to $11.36. If you want a more budget option, Premium Guard also makes a filter, the PG5277, for $5.45. This will more than likely be the same filter as the currently on wholesale closeout Famous Brand 84078 for $4.48.

1762325140245.webp


WIX XP will have a lower efficiency. Hengst filters are well regarded, having a very good build quality across the board. They don't usually have any of their ratings posted, but I would guess that they would be in the same realm as the MANN or MAHLE, probably in the <30 micron absolute.

Edit: To add some more info. The OEM filter is made by MANN, shown below in the first picture. Seeing how this is the OEM filtration style, I would stick with this style rather than the other ones, shown below the Weistec Engineering Picture.

1762324992058.webp

1762325067115.webp
 
Last edited:
MurkyAsparagus said:
Cartridge filters are a whole different ball game than what we commonly get asked here on the forum with canister filters.

For this engine, in particular, there are two main build styles that manufacturers have employed. A more conventional style media and then one with a reinforced media. I would only go with the reinforced media for this car, similar to what is OEM. The reinforced is on the left and the conventional is on the right, shown below.
View attachment 308604View attachment 308605

That leaves you with: Hengst E11H02D155, MANN HU7185X, and the MAHLE OX3457D. All of which may be found on RockAuto for $7.20 to $11.36. If you want a more budget option, Premium Guard also makes a filter, the PG5277, for $5.45. This will more than likely be the same filter as the currently on wholesale closeout Famous Brand 84078 for $4.48.

View attachment 308603

WIX XP will have a lower efficiency. Hengst filters are well regarded, having a very good build quality across the board. They don't usually have any of their ratings posted, but I would guess that they would be in the same realm as the MANN or MAHLE, probably in the <30 micron absolute.

Edit: To add some more info. The OEM filter is made by MANN, shown below in the first picture. Seeing how this is the OEM filtration style, I would stick with this style rather than the other ones, shown below the Weistec Engineering Picture.

View attachment 308601
View attachment 308602
Click to expand...
I believe the service pro has the reinforced media, I have included a link in my original post when you click on the part number.
 
MattLawz said:
I believe the service pro has the reinforced media, I have included a link in my original post when you click on the part number.
Click to expand...
Many Service Pro filters are made by Premium Guard. I cannot say for certain if these are, but they look similar to how the PG5277 or Carquest 84078 are constructed. However, this is based solely on pictures alone. This filter would suit you fine for the application, if you have easy access to them.
 
The Fram Ultra still looks like it's wire backed BUT they've turned into an end cap popper (Plastic disc ends come loose during service or upon removal). That Service Pro looks really good & I'd be willing to try it, especially at that price point, but the OEM Mann is good as well. Let us know what you decide.
 
The Mann white polymer mesh backed media is what went in to the Purolator Boss. I think they may have greatly improved it for the Boss. Could be they now improved it for the Mann cartridge. Mercedes dealer filter is of course what they would use for service, it’s probably the Mann.
 
A tech from a MB/Jag/Audi dealer made it very clear Mann fleece filters only on the 113 engines. That was about 10 years ago and I’ve followed that.
 
Fair enough said:
The Mann white polymer mesh backed media is what went in to the Purolator Boss. I think they may have greatly improved it for the Boss. Could be they now improved it for the Mann cartridge. Mercedes dealer filter is of course what they would use for service, it’s probably the Mann.
Click to expand...
If 48 micron is the improved version, I'd hate to see how awful the old version is.
 
I don’t remember the reasoning but any 112/113 that comes through gets a Mann. It’s funny because on any of the other engines he didn’t have preference hengst mahle etc
 
Hohn said:
which is not made by Mercedes. Likely Mahle.
Click to expand...
I understand. However, he has a 500 hp supercharged that holds nearly 10 quarts of oil. This isn’t a time to save a dollar or two.

The Mercedes filter costs no more than the aftermarket, when bought at the dealer with a goodwill discount.

And I am certain that it will meet specifications.
 
Astro14 said:
I understand. However, he has a 500 hp supercharged that holds nearly 10 quarts of oil. This isn’t a time to save a dollar or two.

The Mercedes filter costs no more than the aftermarket, when bought at the dealer with a goodwill discount.

And I am certain that it will meet specifications.
Click to expand...
Can't disagree with that at all. Unless you have a known demonstrably better alternative, I'd stick with OEM also.

It pains me to say that, knowing the OEM Honda A02 for my car is now a Fram, but i think it's still true.
 
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