'97 K11LT oil filters

[randlyn]

I have heard that oil filters for the K11LT's can be bought at the local car parts store. True? Name and number? Are they safe to use? randlyn@intergate.com

[kioolt]

I have gathered the following substitute filter information from various BMW websites. The only one that I have used is the Amsoil SMF-122. It is marketed by Amsoil as being for the BMW K-bikes and oil heads.

Purolator ML16825
Amsoil ASF-57
NAPA Gold Oil Filter #1348
Mobil 1 Oil Filter line : "M1 - 102".
AMSOIL: SMF-122
AC DELCO: PF-53
FRAM: PH-3614, PH6063
Hastings: 157A, LF157
Motorcraft: FL-271, FL-793
Purolator: FCO-201, PER-241
Wix: 51348, 51785
MANN W712/38
SAAB 9144445
Perf-form BMW-1

[gsmetal]

NO, They are NOT safe to use.

I once used a Framm aftermarket filter on my R1100GS.

The outside housing came apart from the main part so when you unscrewed it - it just spun.

Since it is recessed up in the engine, it was impossible to poke it with a screwdriver and turn it.

I had to take it to the dealer where the pan had to be dropped. Total cost for that oil change was $125.00.

DON"T DO IT - BUY OEM OR ELSE!

[deilenberger]

Originally posted by randlyn
I have heard that oil filters for the K11LT's can be bought at the local car parts store. True? Name and number? Are they safe to use? randlyn@intergate.com

There are one or two european substitue filters that I consider equal to the BMW filter (MANN is one, forget the other one), and I believe some of the US filter manufacturers import some of these and rebox them in their own boxes.

Most of the direct equivelant ones can be spotted by their lack of paint on the outside (since paint flaking off into your oil wouldn't be a good thing).

Some people were using a FRAM filter - which is listed as a replacement on the IBMWR website. Unfortunately - FRAM changed the design of the filter and added a sand coating to the painted shell to make it easier to remove by hand in the car application it was designed for. The people who installed this in their K bikes found the paint softened and the sand fell out into the oil. This is a VERY BAD THING.

At this point - I just stock up on a few BMW filters every year. Since the oil only REALLY needs changing every 6,000 miles or more - the expense of using one I know is good isn't all that much, considering the possible expensive failure I might experience using a different filter.

And the BMW filter seems to do a damn good job.. see:
http://www.eilenberger.net/K75S/C21138.pdf (Adobe Acrobat needed) for oil analysis results after 6,000 miles of Mobil-1 and the BMW filter. Note the very low number on "insoluables" - which is basically dirt in the oil. It's less than 1/2 of the normal expected number at less mileage.

Best,