Originally Posted By: Sayjac
As I noted earlier, after looking at multiple WM M1 applications there's no doubt for me they are still Champ Labs made. In addition to the points about dome date code color and format, on some smaller sized applications the Champ made blue (color) button bypass can be seen. Only Champ Labs ever used that design, same as the previous Champ made Super Tech used them. Confident at this point they remain Champ Labs made.
Are they 'exactly' the same as those previously sold at other places? I'd 'imagine'. That said, also mentioned before the WM M1 states on the box, efficiency 4548-12
>30um. Much as the new Super Tech rated @29um wouldn't keep me from buying/using it, same goes for the WM M1. But the current WM M1 price would.
For me the announced M1 20k mile limit is much a do about nothing. Only thing it means for most if not all cars is that if your vehicle is out of manufacturer's warranty, then you 'could' be covered by the filter warranty should something catastrophic happen to the engine, caused by the filter. First, good luck proving the filter caused the engine failure/damage. Second, good luck collecting from the filter manufacturer. Lastly, what's the chances of that happening? Very low I'd think.
I suppose for some it might bring added piece of mind to have the 20k on the box. Even with no added box fci length I'd run the generally less expensive FU for 20k miles out of vehicle warranty, especially after my experience with an XG3614 posted
here. As noted there at least one member has taken the FU to 20k miles with no issues. But, all one has to do is read this board to see that 'some' (not me) can't get past the idea of running a filter more than one oci, let alone to 20k miles ever.
So I think the blended media M1 is a solid filter, good construction. With the current WM price currently though, just not seeing the ROI as compared to some competitors in the same tier.
As for the HM and BD+ filters that have provided shelf space for the M1, based how they are being closed out with some in separate store locations, it 'seems' in this area as though they are both gone for good. At least from WM.
Champ has made awesome filters in the past, the Royal Purple ones being the best example-my big concern is, are they going to join K&N in the "race to the bottom"-and who is going to be the contact in the event something DOES go wrong in 20K (i.e. non-existent Purolator customer "service")?