Does anyone have any experience with the K&N OIL FILTER for our motor? I am used to using and maintaining the air filters, but I wonder about the oil filter. It claims to be re-useable but is there seriously value in doing that? I've been using the Mann Fleece but found what appears to be a good deal on the K&N. Is it actually a single use product?

Any thoughts would be appreciated, especially comparison with the fleece vs K&N )even if for single use).

 

Just an update to my question about the K&N Pro Oil Filter - this is NOT claimed to be a reusable cartridge. Sorry about that mistake. So the question remains... It is supposed to be a "Premium Media" but no statement as to exactly what it is. K&N cartridge or Mann fleece. Which one would be the best assuming the price was the same?

 

I'd go with the proven product : Mann fleece.

 

 

Max, that is the PAPER one, you want this one :

( Amazon says it won't fit the Crossfire, but it does fit the MB SLK32 AMG 3.2L )
Go figure.

 

Curious that when I click on either of those links you guys provided it's telling me those filters are NOT COMPATIBLE for a Crossfire?? Amazon is telling me that we need this filter . . .

 

OK Bob, that one is also fleece and fits BOTH the XF and MB SLK32 ......

 

Absolutely correct, my bad.

That is the # from the MANNfiltersus website.

The 718/5 is correct, fits and is 100% synthetic media.

 

I've primarily use the Mann / Bosch filters. However, I have a stockpile of some of the other filters that come with the oil change kits, primarily the Mobil filters. While they aren;t the Manns, they are now built for the long oil change intervals. They are very sturdy and get good ratings. What' I've started doing is changing out the filters mid oil change so that I'm putting a new filter in at about 2 to 3K miles. That way if it is deteriorating, I will see it and the new one will be better positioned to handle quality filtering for the remaining mileage on the interval. I have yet to find a bad filter yet.

Of course, I only drive the car about 3-4 K miles a year now anyway and I usually change it before she goes into hibernation for the winter anyway so the oil never really gets the mileage on it it's designed for anyway, nor does the filter.

But, for you guys who put a lot of miles on them, I would suggest changing the filer every 3 k miles. It's easy, provides some piece of mind no mater what filter you use and you'll get better filtering throughout the full interval. NOTE: If you do change it out mid-interval, make sure to add a little oil back in given the filter holds a fair amount.

 

Why I won't buy a paper filter evey again. K&N after 5,000 miles.

20140520_090209_zpskygi7lvz.jpg

 

My oil rarely makes it to 2000 miles before being drained and changed. I also use the fleece filters. Paper filters were good enough for years and years so I don't think badly of people that use them as long as they change them frequently. My other car gets Mobil 1 filters or Purolater Pure 1. It gets infrequent oil changes.

Les

 

The pictures look like a reflection of the oil, not so much a bad filter. Even if the filter is, or appears worse off than what the Mann might have looked like after 5k miles, it looks like changin the filer mid cycle (as I suggested earlier in the thread, might be a good idea for you.

 

I edited the picture to make the oily one clearer to see.

 

Thanks. The point being is that the paper filter seemed to "implode" while the fleece filters have always retained their shape.

 

The K&N filters in this web page are paper filters.
They do mention reusable filters though, I would not use them, maybe for fleet service.
Click.

 

The cheap filter I found in my car had a waist in the middle where the opposite sides touched each other.

 

Never ever use a cheap paper oil filter. The paper filter is not designed for synthetic oil. Do a little reading and you will use only fleece oil filters. Why do people constantly cheap out when it comes to oil filters. Fram is junk. Only put fram in your junker car. Just my opinion. Mann are the best. I am sure there are others also.

 

I have 3 cars that use the mann fleece filters. I order a case from Rob at Needswings and they last me a few years. I don't have to worry about sales and you all know I stock up on Mobil 1 anytime it's on sale. I am good for two years right now. Just buy in bulk and don't worry about it. LOL....

 

Just picked up a 7078 napa gold filter and they have changed, it is no longer like the mann filter.

 

All of the comments are helpful. Thanks, guys! I agree that the Mann filter seems most desirable. The reason I even asked was to determine weather the K&N carried forth the high credibility of their air filters. Seems that they are paper media which may be alright but is second choice. Surprisingly, they are within spitting distance of each other price wise.

Lake many others, I only put on a few miles annually and change before "hibernation". Actually, this is the first year I've done a mid season oil/filter air filter change.

Thanks to all for your insights. BTW, nice job on the Photoshop work, Dave. I always wondered why your car looked so good. Maybe I should send along a pic of myself for "enhancement"!