Originally Posted By: billt460
Originally Posted By: OVERKILL
Check the filter section, there actually have been some issues with FRAM's cartridge filters, particularly for BMW's.
I doubt their "failure rate" is as bad as anyone else's out there. And they most likely sell far more, which makes it less overall. This is something that get's rolling on the Internet, then feeds off of it from there. As I said, I've used countless Fram oil and air filters in hundreds of thousands of miles, and many vehicles in 2 different climates, and never had a single problem... Ever.
I've never seen an OEM filter fail in the manner in which the FRAM did. It's the different style of construction that I believe is the issue. I'm not saying FRAM filters are bad, I currently have a decent stash of FRAM Ultra's, I'm saying that in this particular application, there is an issue due to the significantly different mode of construction when compared to the OEM and OEM-style aftermarket replacements from the regulars like MANN, Hengst...etc.
Also, for BMW's, I doubt FRAM sells anywhere near as many cartridges as MANN/Hengst and their OEM-branded siblings. Their BMW equivalent filters aren't even on the shelves at the local Canadian Tire, you have to ask for them.
Again, I believe this to be a very application-specific issue.