Just pulled the OEM filter from our 2008 Nissan Sentra and replaced it with a Wix filter. The filters are identical down to every detail except for the name stamps. Is this common?
I'd say so. The Napa Gold and Purolator filter for my car look almost identical, both made in South Korea. A lot of air filters these days seem to be outsourced and made by a common manufacturer and rebranded.
I bought a STP oil filter for my wifes New beetle and it is a Mahle.
Just received two Beck Arnley air filters bought from Amazon and they are Manns. They look identical to the OEM, but do not have the gauze lining on the bottom of the pleats. For the price difference I can do without the gauze.....