Has anyone noticed that the OEM oil filter has taken a big jump in price?

The last two times I had the oil changed, the dealer charged $9.95 for an OEM filter. Now all of the dealers here are charging anywhere from $18.95 to $26.95!!! Online at NewMoparParts.com, they want $14.20 plus $6.95 S&H = $21.15 for the same thing.

I checked into aftermarket filters and found Fram (P/N: CH8481) and STP (P/N: S8481) made oil filters for the Crossfire. I searched all the major auto stores in town. AutoZone was the only place that had the STP filters in stock for $10.99. The Fram filter was special order everywhere I checked (sorry, I didn't get a price on them).

On the way home from AutoZone, I stopped by the dealership and asked to see the OEM filter so I could compare it with the STP filter I had just bought. There was a BIG difference in quality. The STP filter does not appear to be as well built as the OEM filter and I can not imagine it lasting 7,000 miles. It's made out of cheap looking paper and does not have the thin teflon bands (or whatever they are) that are wrapped tightly around the OEM filter.

From the pictures shown in the DIY articles listed elsewhere in this forum, it appears the OEM filter has undergone a change. They are no longer that light brown color but are now white with heavy thin bands wrapped around it.

Has anyone used the Fram or STP filter or noticed a difference in the design of the OEM filter?

At this point, I think I’m going to return the STP filter and spend the few extra $$$ for an OEM filter. The price jump from $9.95 to $18.95 since my last oil change, wow!!! I guess the Chrysler dealers have been talking to the MB dealers and decided to jack up the price.

Thanks for any inputs.

 

Go on ebay. Search for mercedes 320 oil filters. I got 4 genuine mercedes filters for $25.00.

 

Thanks for the tip but I would be skeptical of four MB filters at that price. Call me old fashioned but I am very wary of ebay. Besides, that won't last long and I'm looking down the road at future oil changes and if aftermarket filters are up to par with the original MB filters.

 

I can assure you the filters I received were genuine. You can also get Mann or Mahle filters, which are Mercedes approved, for even less. Check the sellers feedback. If they are selling junk or ripping buyers off, it will reflect it. The Mann filters seem to be the ones you are describing. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ayphotohosting

 

One thing to check is make sure you are getting the "new" style filters. MB changed the material in their filters not all that long ago. The new ones are much better.

 

The filters are $13.25 each at: www.moparpart.com.

 

Plus S&H. Can get it at my dealer for that price.

 

The dealership 1/2 mile from my house has em' for $12.00 a pop!

 

I take mine to the dealer for LOF. I bring my own Mobil 1. They charge me $9.25 for the filter. Total cost with tax (less oil) is $21.00.....and I watch them doing it, as I take the car in on Saturday morning.

 

NAPA and WIX makes one for these cars.