SURVEY: Oil filter brand for all K bikes.

[QUOTE=tonycarlos;821214]My advice when asked about filters is to advise the questioner to cut open whatever filter they are considering. I've been doing this for years (I'm cheap, I do it AFTER I use them). Having done so I now almost universally use OE filters, bikes and cars. There is simply MUCH more filter paper inside OE filters than there is in aftermarket ones. Up to 50% more, which translates into 50% more filtering ability.
Now this assume the paper's filtering ability is the same, and of course I can't measure that. But I seriously doubt a discount filter is using better paper than the OE supplier.
The other argument is that the aftermarket filters may be "good enough." This is probably true. BMWs, especially the old bricks, have shown little sensitivity to oil problems, and most of us change it often enough that that alone protects the engine. But if you are interested enough to be reading this thread, one would think you'd want the added piece of mind, if nothing else, that comes with knowing you've got the best filter in your bike that you can buy.
Or maybe that's just me.[/QUOTE]

Thank you for your comments Tonycarlos. That is one more mark for the OEM filter. What type and year of K bike do you have?

I have to agree with you about the added piece of mind when you use a quality product. That is why we buy Beemers in the first place. Is it not?

You know as I sit here and write this, I have 4 oil filters on my desk. Just holding them you can tell, you get what you pay for. You would be amazed if you could feel the differences between them. Maybe I will cut into some of them to see what you get for your money. Personally, I feel a filter and oil change is cheap insurance for your bike's health. It does not cost very much and can't hurt the bike if done correctly.

There are only about 150 (so I hear) BMW motorcycle dealers in the US. Obviously not everyone can take their bike to a dealer for service. Because of this, I thought it would be fun to research who uses what filter and why. My goal is not to determine who makes the best filter. That is up to each bike owner. I just want to see if there is any sort of pattern or brand preference.

That cutting open your filter post is what did it for me; I went over to the dealer a little while ago and plunked down $21 in plastic for the primo Austrian job without hesitation.

The price included new O-rings and crush washer and a great deal of peace of mind. What a joy it is to be living so close to a BMW dealer, too. :thumb

The only drawback though: My wife has to wipe the drool from me when we are passing through the showroom on the way to the parts department. I never cared much for the new Beemers until I started seeing them in person now that we're back in civilization!

One further thought while I'm here, Lynn---perhaps you or a moderator might want to retitle your thread to include the word SURVEY; might garner even more response, eh?

Regards, Jeff

Glad to pay $21 for a filter? You must be ecstatic to be paying $4 for a gallon of gas! Think of how much better it is than that $2/gal swill we used to be forced to burn! (note sarcasm font):hungover:D

I believe you missed the point entirely.

No, I'm not happy about forking over $21 for an oil filter kit---I'm happy both because I'm now able to do so locally (after a ten+ year hiatus from the mailand USA) [I]and[/I] because there are many good reasons to employ said Austrian filter in lieu of the Napa cheapy that has been sufficing so far (lucky me). See some of the earlier posts about filter quality, construction and features and so on as to my change in attitude about oil filters.

I also realize that a Mann would probably cost about $8 or $9 if it was made in the USA but that's almost beside the point. Imported goods often cost more (excepting junk produced in China and the Far East, of course) so if I want one I have to bite the bullet. It'll last me a good while so no big deal at all.

While I probably could keep on doing fine with the Napa/Wix/Purolator route; why take the chance? Clean engine oil is important and probaly the singlemost important factor in engine longevity if I'm not mistaken.

Seems almost a bargain when I think about it, especially in regards to peace of mind. I know these K engines are essentially bulletproof but I'd rather pamper it with synthetic oil and Mann filters and know that I'm on the best track possible rather than scrimping and trying to get by with what's otherwise available or an apparent bargain.

Guess I'm not really sich a cheap bugger as I mentioned before but that's OK by me. Excuse my rambling on an on but I just had a really good beer from Trader Joe's a mile up the road---something else I was living without since 2001---so pardon my enthusiasm and general demeanor.:dance

Life (and riding) is good in Albuquerque!

[QUOTE=Zagando;821280]One further thought while I'm here, Lynn---perhaps you or a moderator might want to retitle your thread to include the word SURVEY; might garner even more response,eh. [/QUOTE]

Jeff, Putting the word SURVEY in the thread title is a great idea. How do you do that. I am not the best with computers.

BTW, Napa filters for the K bikes are not a poor quality filter. They are made by Wix and
considered top notch by many people. I have never had anyone make a bad comment to me about Wix or Napa products. If you use the one that Napa recommends for the K100 (#PS7936), it cost as much as the BMW filter from your local dealer. If you buy it in a Wix box, you can save a couple of bucks. What filter you have been buying?

I'll add "Survey" to the thread title.

[QUOTE=ARGENT BRICK;821365]

BTW, Napa filters for the K bikes are not a poor quality filter. They are made by Wix and
considered top notch by many people. I have never had anyone make a bad comment to me about Wix or Napa products. If you use the one that Napa recommends for the K100 (#PS7936), it cost as much as the BMW filter from your local dealer. If you buy it in a Wix box, you can save a couple of bucks. What filter you have been buying?[/QUOTE]

Lynn, I know the Napa filters are not poor quality but they are probably of lesser quality compared to the Mann. As mentioned in my original response I've used the Napa 1328 from Napa Auto Parts. I asked for the Wix equivalent one time but they didn't have any in stock.

Anyway, it's OEM for me from here on out. Glad Don managed to change your title, too. Regards, Jeff

[QUOTE=deilenberger;821445]I'll add "Survey" to the thread title.[/QUOTE]

Thank you.

Hiflofiltro HF 163 used in my K. I started using them when my local dealer started offering them.

'85 K100 -- I use BMW filters (and oil, too, BTW). I buy a case (12 qts) oil and three filters at a time, then have them to use as I need them.

Johnny

I use the BMW filter. As others have said, why not. Might be a little better. I ride enough to only warrant one oil change a year. So the price doesn't get too out of hand.

Also, I have been able to pick up the filters unused from others. Seems you beemer guys keep piles of parts laying around and after you are done with your bikes you sell the pile for pennies.

So I'll buy the filters a few at a time, sitting on about a decade's worth in the basement.

If my bike gives up its ghost before that I'm sure I'll sell them on to someone for cheap as well. And so it continues.

To whomever it was that asked, I ride a K1200RS. But I've owned a half dozen K11s and an '85 K100RS.
The point about there being more to a filter than just the amount of paper is a valid one, so general construction quality should be noted if you are going the "cut it open" route.
As for access to filters, my not-so-local dealer will drop them in the mail for me with just a phone call. I have to pay shipping of course, but it saves the trip and the temptation of buying more stuff once I walk into the showroom.
There are also some guys in the clubs who appear to buy filters in bulk and then sell them off singling at a reduced price. Haven't tried them yet, but have been tempted.