Fram lineup vs. Supertech vs. Mann cartridges for VW/Audi EA888.3

[TiGeo]

To leverage off my last post comparing the Mann to the Fram Endurance, figured I'd go all-in and seek the BITOG filter-gods/overlords approval on this comparo of the cartridge filters for the VAG EA888.3 family of engines so Golf/GTI/R/Alltrack/Sportwagen, A3, S3, Arteon, probably Tiguan and Atlas too as I think these are the same with the new gen 4 EVO version of this venurable powerplant.

Video up on my YouTube channel...."These are the Cubans, baby. This is the Cohibas; the Montecristos. This is my Eiffel Tower. This is my Rachmaninoff's Third. My Piéta" - Justin Hammer, Iron Man 2



So the full Fram lineup from my Wallyworld. Toughgaurd ($7.50), Ultra ($11), Endurance ($13 ,had this one/currently using one in the car). Also grabbed a Supertech ($4). The Mann ($13) is from FCP Euro (FREE!).

The filters:

Unboxed/o-rings. O-rings seem to be rubber for the Mann and the Toughgaurd, not sure on the ST (blue) and Ultra (lighter red than Endurance), but the Endurance should be silicone. The Endurance is wire-backed, the Ultra has a "fishing line" type backing as well as the Mann. TG and ST have no backing. The Mann has a slightly different design with a different cap vs. the others that have a felt-like ring on top/bottom. The useable media length top-to-bottom is the same for all of them however. I'm sure any of these would be just fine. The backing thing isn't that critical in my mind b/c the filter housing on the car contains a tube that the filter slides onto that provides support for the filter. ST made in USA. Mann made in Germany. Endurance made in China. TG/Ultra made in Korea.

Number of pleats shown.

And finally, the weight of each in grams. Clearly the wire-backing produced the heaviest filter with the Endurance.

The end.

 

[Glenda W.]

Thanks for the detailed comparison!

 

[4WD]

Whip City eat your out !

 

[fantastic]

Mann or Ultra
The FE is ugly & can see why it's being discontinued in your comparison here, in just one example. Pass on it!
Yes, the Polymer reinforced backing "not important" but I think it's getting your moneys worth in piece of mind at the bare minimum. The Mann being the cost of return shipping would be my choice if it's less than the Ultra. Great comparison & you know folks eat up filter YT vids so +1 to put the comparison media out.

 

[53' Stude]

Whip City eat your out !

TiGeo videos are better and more informative as are all his posts.

 

[TiGeo]

Mann or Ultra
The FE is ugly & can see why it's being discontinued in your comparison here, in just one example. Pass on it!
Yes, the Polymer reinforced backing "not important" but I think it's getting your moneys worth in piece of mind at the bare minimum. The Mann being the cost of return shipping would be my choice if it's less than the Ultra. Great comparison & you know folks eat up filter YT vids so +1 to put the comparison out.

Yes. Filter content seems to be where it's at to propel my channel to glorious monetization!

 

[fantastic]

Yes. Filter content seems to be where it's at to propel my channel to glorious monetization!

 

[TiGeo]

View attachment 272988

On the phone with LSJR and PF about potential partnerships.

 

[TiGeo]

Mann or Ultra
The FE is ugly & can see why it's being discontinued in your comparison here, in just one example. Pass on it!
Yes, the Polymer reinforced backing "not important" but I think it's getting your moneys worth in piece of mind at the bare minimum. The Mann being the cost of return shipping would be my choice if it's less than the Ultra. Great comparison & you know folks eat up filter YT vids so +1 to put the comparison media out.

Undestand that - yeah, hard to fault sticking with free Mann filter, it's a proven and known quantity here and backing as you say isn't hurting anything but *could* be a positive here. I suspect the Endurance is the best w/r to filtration and flow here but I'm not filter sub-forum guru. I actually like the ST for whatever reason...made in the good ol' U S of A! I guess I could return them all to Wally, I have the receipt or just change them out each month b/c why not, top mount filters are so nice that way!

 

[TiGeo]

So I'm seeing the Mann is 99% @ 40 microns vs. all of the Fram are listed at 99% @ 20 microns and the ST is shown on the box to be 99% @ 30 microns. The Mann isn't as good at filtering here?

 

[TiGeo]

On the Fram website, I'm seeing the efficiency listed for the TG, Ultra, and Endurance as all the same - 99% @ 20 microns. Is that correct?

 

[DannyM]

So I'm seeing the Mann is 99% @ 40 microns vs. all of the Fram are listed at 99% @ 20 microns and the ST is shown on the box to be 99% @ 30 microns. The Mann isn't as good at filtering here?

Correct... I think most of their filters are around that fwir .

 

[ZeeOSix]

Number of pleats shown.

A better way to compare would be the total media area. It can be determined non-destructively by a few measurements. Use a thin metal scale to get the pleat depth. Although, on a cartridge filter the size of the cartridge is locked down, so number of pleats would be a decent comparison as long as the pleat depth was basically the same due to the center hole being basically the same size.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Unboxed/o-rings. O-rings seem to be rubber for the Mann and the Toughgaurd, not sure on the ST (blue) and Ultra (lighter red than Endurance), but the Endurance should be silicone.

I'd say all the colored O-rings are silicone. The blacks could be silicone, but you'd have to burn test to find out. Black ones are most likely nitrile rubber.

 

[ZeeOSix]

I'm sure any of these would be just fine.

Most likely all would work fine. In a case like this it would basically come down to efficiency, and how it seals on the end caps - felt ring gasket setup would provide a better end cap seal. dP vs flow may differ some, but not enough to worry about.

 

[fantastic]

So I'm seeing the Mann is 99% @ 40 microns vs. all of the Fram are listed at 99% @ 20 microns and the ST is shown on the box to be 99% @ 30 microns. The Mann isn't as good at filtering here?

Which filter model do they cite on the box statement?

On the Fram website, I'm seeing the efficiency listed for the TG, Ultra, and Endurance as all the same - 99% @ 20 microns. Is that correct?

Ideally use the ISO listed data for your individual filter that is cited for that efficiency. Unfortunately, Those claims are usually only on a handful of tested filters. Refer to your box or website link to see if they cite your model number. If not that Fram could also be 99%@40 (as an example).

Several here "gamble" which filter is higher efficiency & that solves the issue for them. Some look at the marketing & think their filter is that efficiency but may not be the case. Others, choose the OEM filter & send it. It's up to you which one you want to use, just know that data is lacking for the actual efficiencies.

 

[TiGeo]

Deleted - video link now in OP.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Ideally use the ISO listed data for your individual filter that is cited for that efficiency. Unfortunately, Those claims are usually only on a handful of tested filters. Refer to your box or website link to see if they cite your model number. If not that Fram could also be 99%@40 (as an example).

As mentioned in another thread with similar discussion.

Post in thread 'Maybe reconsider using M+H filters'

Apr 11, 2025

Like I've mentioned, the "average" is never better than "individual" ISO filter data if that's what you're referring to.

I'm referring to why a small, medium and large filter in the same line is efficiency tested. If they all use the same exact filter media, and the result is that the average ISO efficiency of that group is 99% @20u, then any size between them is going to also be that efficiency. If for some reason, certain models of filters in that filter line use a different filter media, and/or are much smaller than the smallest one in the referenced filters, then it could be...

• ZeeOSix

 

[ZeeOSix]

"The Car Center of Excellence" ... is that your new YT channel?

 

[Zee09]

It came up on my old big screen TV when I turned it on and I think you did a great job and as a VW owner I enjoyed it.