I don't have a picture, but during an oil change back in early december on my 2014 VW Jetta with the 1.8L turbo engine, i pulled out the STP S11784 cellulose media cartridge filter from the housing to see that it gone from the usual cylinder shape to an hourglass like figure. Oil used during that OCI was 6qts Mobil 1 FS HM 5w30 (this was before i realized the engine needed oil meeting VW 502.00) I am curious as to why the filter took this shape. My hypothesis is short tripping without an occasional long drive to remove moisture from the oil caused the cellulose media to deform. Anyone have any other possible ideas why this happened? (MS Paint recreation below)
Cartridge oil filter deformation?
- Thread starter 4bangrr
- Start date
CleanSump
Site Donor 2026
Common complaint on German Car Forums that not OEM filters for German cars collapse, tear, twist, are not the correct length. Stick to Mann, Mahle, Hengst, or Purflux. I've had failures of aftermarket filters in VWs, Mercedes, and two different BMWs.
Yeah after i pulled out the S11784, in went a microgard select MSL10396, which held up much better, but i might have to take advantage of AAP's oil change bundle for the next oil change because those Mann filters aren't cheap!
ahh nevermind i just remembered you can only get CQ filters in their bundle deal
Can't buy only the filter? Seems odd.ahh nevermind i just remembered you can only get CQ filters in their bundle deal
You can, but 16 USD is pretty steep for a Mann HU6013Z
$13.54 @ Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P9DZS9K?
I would opine that the reason these cartridge filters deform so much is due to the design of the bypass system. The entire cartridge is shoved in to the cap where the bypass spring is located. Less robustly designed filters will tend to deform more with all of the cycling during the service interval.
That's how I see it looking at the filter on my Pentastar anyways.
That's how I see it looking at the filter on my Pentastar anyways.
This here.
Because the filter didn't fit properly. Has nothing to do with the type of oil or lack of approval.
My local dealer charges about $12.50 for the VW branded Mann. Amazon has the same Mann filter for $13.50 and it gets delivered to my door. You can get them for much cheaper on Rock Auto (plus shipping) but you have to plan ahead.
*Cough*Cough* FCP Euro. My last 18 HU6013Z filters have been "free". Buy 3 or more (currently at $13.46 + tax where you live) and the total goes over $49, the shipping is free (to you).
I am a Cheap Charlie just as much as the next guy, but if I have to pay the extra coin from a OEM supplier brand to ensure quality is meeting performance expectations, I am going to pay it.
Every single one of my cars (except the Packard) has this kind of filter. Not one of them has ever been crushed in over a hundred oil changes.
Not one.
I use genuine Mercedes, genuine Volvo, or Mahle. That’s it.
Check out FCP Euro for good filters for your car - I think this is a filter brand problem, not a design problem.
Not one.
I use genuine Mercedes, genuine Volvo, or Mahle. That’s it.
Check out FCP Euro for good filters for your car - I think this is a filter brand problem, not a design problem.
I was thinking deformed from oil flow dP too. How is the filter center tube supported, and how much gap is between the filter center tube and any kind of support?
Please be aware there are some very good OEM fakes on Slamazon. I was duped and when I removed the filter from service it crumbled in my hands. So glad I didn't destroy my wife's engine.
Edit - Sorry, when I mean very good, the fake labeling is nearly identical to OEM. But the filter quality is horrific.
Edit - Sorry, when I mean very good, the fake labeling is nearly identical to OEM. But the filter quality is horrific.
Last edited:
Mann uses a Scan Trust enhanced QR code on most of their new boxes to help prevent the counterfeit issue.
https://www.mann-filter.com/en/service/product-authenticity.html
Similar threads
