Mercedes brand filter vs generic

[loneryder]

I've been seeing these off brand filters on Amazon and Ebay for a long time so I ordered a MB filter and a generic one to compare. The one on the left is Mercedes and the off brand on the right. The only difference I can ascertain is the Mercedes filter media feels slightly different, maybe a little thicker. I'm sure it's better but so much more expensive. I put the off brand in today with some QS Euro 5-40. I'll see how it holds up.

 

[BHopkins]

I've been using Purflux filters for my E350 for a very long time. They are about half the cost of the equivalent genuine MB filter. The appearance is very similar, if not identical, to the filters shown in the picture.

No need to buy generic to save money. Purflux makes the genuine MB filter also, so I'm using the same filter, sans the MB branding.

 

[Escape08]

No worries, it'll do its job. "Keep Calm and Carry On"

 

[mosaud1998]

I've been using Mann-branded filters in Mom's Mercedes.

 

[DuckRyder]

I was thinking “a generator uses a Mercedes filter?”

Both seem to be purflux.

 

[dnewton3]

Well, I guess the haters can't complain about wavy filters after use ...

 

[Astro14]

Both of my Mercedes hold 10 quarts of oil, so a change is not going to be cheap. I buy filters from my local dealer and they give me a discount. I think they are up to $15 each. I used to get them for about $10. That’s not expensive. In fact, they’re about the same, sometimes less, than aftermarket filters for that engine.

Over the course of a 10,000 mile OCI, saving a few dollars on a filter really saves me very little, when the oil is expensive.

I would worry about quality, honestly, with a brand I don’t know. Engines are expensive. Filters are not.

That said, I use Mahle for the Volvo fleet. They are less than half the price of OEM and they’re good quality.

 

[fantastic]

Yeah, looks like either will work. Purflux was the OE filter from GM on my old Saturn but then they changed to Hengst. Looks like either one are the same so just buy the cheaper one?

 

[Sayjac]

The non-MB cartridge does 'look' good and as mentioned like the MB Purflux design. As long as it fits well in the housing, should work. Perhaps you'll return with post use cartridge pics and commentary to tell us how it did.

 

[Fair enough]

Looking at a genuine Mercedes cartridge oil filter on a bright led light, it has by far the most light spots of the filters I have looked at. This was the fleece filter made by Mann which is now used in the Boss. The material was upgraded and improved from the Mann it seems, Boss material is much better. Surprising Mercedes used these for decades as their top choice over blended fiber filters.
If the Purflux and clones could be light checked for open pores it would be good to know for users of those. Like the surprise extreme light spots on the Roki filters, you never know by just looking at them from a distance.

 

[KevinMalone]

The only difference I can ascertain is the Mercedes filter media feels slightly different, maybe a little thicker.

So like, the most important part?

Call me crazy but I'd never trust a no name part for a critical component...

 

[loneryder]

Well, I guess the haters can't complain about wavy filters after use ...

Not when they start out that way.

 

[loneryder]

Both of my Mercedes hold 10 quarts of oil, so a change is not going to be cheap. I buy filters from my local dealer and they give me a discount. I think they are up to $15 each. I used to get them for about $10. That’s not expensive. In fact, they’re about the same, sometimes less, than aftermarket filters for that engine.

Over the course of a 10,000 mile OCI, saving a few dollars on a filter really saves me very little, when the oil is expensive.

I would worry about quality, honestly, with a brand I don’t know. Engines are expensive. Filters are not.

That said, I use Mahle for the Volvo fleet. They are less than half the price of OEM and they’re good quality.

Mahles are good. It's so easy to change out filters on the 3.5 that I can check it along the way.

 

[loneryder]

Looking at a genuine Mercedes cartridge oil filter on a bright led light, it has by far the most light spots of the filters I have looked at. This was the fleece filter made by Mann which is now used in the Boss. The material was upgraded and improved from the Mann it seems, Boss material is much better. Surprising Mercedes used these for decades as their top choice over blended fiber filters.
If the Purflux and clones could be light checked for open pores it would be good to know for users of those. Like the surprise extreme light spots on the Roki filters, you never know by just looking at them from a distance.

I can do that. I will check with a bright light. My first MB was a 08 diesel. It required a fleece filter but none of the ones sold, even MB, were fleece. They were that Mann filter with all the lines wrapped around it.

 

[loneryder]

I can do that. I will check with a bright light. My first MB was a 08 diesel. It required a fleece filter but none of the ones sold, even MB, were fleece. They were that Mann filter with all the lines wrapped around it.

I looked at both filters with an led work light. Not much difference. The aftermarket may have been a little brighter. I then looked a a Mahle filter and it seemed brighter than the other two. It was straight pleats. I didn't see any spots of light just brightness.