This has been a topic of user feedback for oil filters purchased off of EBAY and Amazon. I knew enough not to order a filter that didn't come in the original packaging, but even that is not enough to ensure authenticity. I got a fake Mercedes/Mann filter in the mail today. I have purchased both genuine Mann filters as well as the Mercedes re-branded filters from a dealership. Today I received this in the mail and it is fake:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Engine-Oil-...S/174145635781
Compare it to a genuine Mann filter (yes, I have ordered from THIS merchant and it is valid):

The first and BEST clue that the former is NOT GENUINE is that the 2 black "ink" marks denoting how far up the plastic shaft to place the filter are absent. Next you'll notice that the adhesive used at either end of the filter is a darker glue than that of the genuine filter. For ***** & giggles I've ordered a Hengst fleece filter to have that to compare against as well as another GENUINE Mann filter so I can sit all 3 side by side and take pictures for comparison purposes. Once I do i'll post that here.

 

I read that auction a couple of times, they do not say it is a MANN filter anywhere I can see. What did you see on it that told you it is a MANN filter?


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It's being sold as a Mercedes filter and in the pictures of the actual element (not the Mercedes-Benz box) the filter is clearly labelled "Mann". I received exactly what was pictured, but my point is that the filter is not what it is presented to be. Although labeled so it is neither Mercedes nor Mann, even though both names are printed on the filter.

BTW has anyone tried a Mahle OX 345/7D filter? It is another fleece (not paper) filter that has really good feedback from those who've bought it.

 

Under description brand it says it is unbranded that should tell you it is not a Mann Filter.

 

The way the product is pictured is EXACTLY how it comes. Do you call trying to pass a product off as both genuine Mercedes-Benz and genuine Mann unbranded? The product he is selling is 100% branded.

Ask a Mercedes-Benz lawyer if they consider that a misuse of their brand. I can't make a batch of whiskey in my bath-tub and sell it labelled "Jack Daniels." The same applies to oil filters.

 

I don't buy cheap **** on eBay or Amazon - and this is why.

Saving $4 on a filter - only to have this mess on your hands - is it worth it? (Obviously not.)
I can get reboxed Mann filters locally as a Purolator L25277 for $14 each. DONE.

Since I do one oil change a YEAR, that works for me.

 

I would like to see a picture of what they sent you. I see what you were talking about with the pictures, I didn't look at the pictures. I have seen a lot of 'descriptions' using syntax like "MANN replacement filter, vs Replacement MANN filter. They almost say the same but are quite different in syntax leading you to think both auctions were a MANN filter. That auction you referenced shows 'unbranded' in the description, so please post a picture of what they sent?

BTW, I got a set of 4 ACTUAL MANN filters delivered with tax for $30.97. I have a post here in the forum, with the link. Comes to $7.75 per filter with the tax and shipping.


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Hopefully no one will claim that this filter is not branded. They even reproduced the MB logo (3-pointed-star) image that only appears when viewed from a precise angle.

 

Only way you'll get to the bottom of this, is to email MANN with as many pictures they ask for (1st contact ask them if they can get pictures, many companies do not allow them OR have a different address for attachments). Then wait for their decision. Although the box doesn't look like what we get in the store, maybe it is legit? The 'unbranded' listing in the auction many times, is not filled out correctly. Let us know!


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That's the thing. I don't need to ask. I know it's not legit because the filter itself is physically different from the same filter purchased at a Mercedes 'stealership' or a Mann filter. And in the world of authentic filters the only difference between a Mann and a Mann/Mercedes filter is the labeling on the end of the filter. Although Mercedes' list price for the filter is $19.00 I can get one for only $13.98 at Aristocrat Motors (https://www.aristocratmercedes-benz.com/). They are the best "discount" Mercedes dealer I know of. I bought a filter from them before so I know what a legitimate one looks like and I may very well purchase another whenever I place my next order with them.

 

Rob at Needswings.com has the genuine Mann filters at $11.95

 

Buy your filters from Rob at Needswings and then you'll know it's the correct one.

Jim

 

Same goes for fuel pump, fuel filter, plugs, plug wires, valve cover bolts... the list goes on and on.
I am not made of money, but why try to "save a few bucks" only to struggle with fit issues or quality issues?

 

I do have the (almost $100) fuel pump/filter HOSE KIT on order with Needswings. It's all 4 hoses that connect to the filter as well as the hose from the gas tank to the pump. Yes, the fuel-line from the gas tank goes to the pump FIRST, then to the filter. Makes sense, right? Looking at the hairline cracks in those 15-year-old hoses I thought, what if one of them splits or cracks sufficient to leak when I remove the filter?... best to have a new set on hand and just replace them anyway. MercedesSource did a video about the safety aspect of checking any Mercedes you buy for the condition of these hoses.

 

To be honest, I like to only use mobil 1 oil filter Walmart's got them for 10$. Although they are supposed to be for "1 year or 20k miles" I use one every other 5,000 miles as it should be.

 

That is a paper filter, I would NEVER use a paper filter.
I made that mistake once, when I changed it, it was ripped apart, no telling how much paper crap ended up in the oil.

 

Totally agree. The Mobile one filter I tried collapsed and looked crushed when I removed it at the next oil change. Never again in a Crossfie or Mercedes engine.

 

Trouble is, there is no "crush/rip sensor" - you could be running thousands of miles with NO oil filtration.
I feel much better with a fleece filter that has never been reported as torn or crushed.
I wonder how many of the metal can filters on other cars are paper and fail without us ever knowing. ( unless we cut them apart to look )

 

Look for the page where I got a set of 4 ACTUAL MANN filters delivered with tax for $30.97. I have a post here in the forum, with the link. Comes to $7.75 per filter with the tax and shipping (after a coupon from retailmenot) at NEWPARTS.COM 4 filters good for 4 years worth of oil changes!


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I received an actual, authentic Mann filter in the mail today. Either today or tomorrow I'll take side-by-side pictures of the two filters showing how to spot the differences. Even the supporting "instructional" document is identical, but the printing quality on the fake one is very poor.
My guess is that the people selling these on EBAY are 100% aware of the fact they are fake. I'm sure these filters "work". I mean, how hard is it to make a filter? I just think you're not receiving the same quality of filtration.