Mazda3 Cartridge Filter

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Anyone know anything about the new Mazda3 cartridge filter? I am using synthetic oil but I question the quality of this filter design over long intervals (over the 8k km).

Should I do the switch over from cartridge filter housing to canister filter housing (so I can have a wider variety of filter to use)?

Would the OEM cartridge filter be enough for 10k km or 12k km oil changes?
 
zimmerDN,
I have a Volvo with a cartridge filter and really like it. A cartridge filter is just a spin-on filter without the metal can. Inside of a spin-on filter, it has a filter cartridge.

The advantages to cartridge filters are that they usually have a lot of filter surface area. They do not have to be cut open to inspect the filter after change. They generate less waste than spin-on filters.

A cartridge filter can go the same distance as a spin-on filter, easily doing the 10-12k km you need. What is the Mazda change recommendation? I am betting that your owner's manual recommends an OCI that is even longer.

What makes you question the design? Have you had specific problems?
 
I also have a Mazda3 with the cartridge filter. I am currently only running a 5000 mile interval with a Wix filter. I dont see the problem in making the OCI longer.

I was also looking into switching to the spin-on filter. But, wouldnt that void the warranty because we modified the oil system? Thats why im sticking to the cartridge filter.
 
zimmerDN,

I'd highly recommend switching to the spin-on setup. I have an '05 Mazda3 2.3L. I dumped the factory oil at 1K miles and also changed over to the spin-on. The conversion took maybe 15 minutes.

I like having the spin-on setup better b/c I can use whatever brand of filter I want. The spin-on mount is straight from the 2.0L so that's what you use when you look for filters.

Click this link . It's an actual oem conversion kit for ~$32.

By the way, I kept the stock cartridge setup parts in case I need/want to put it back on for any warranty stuff or just if I have to take it back in for an engine related issue.
 
AFAIK, worldwide, only the 2.3 liter engines have the cartridge setup. All other displacements use the spin on filter.
 
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