Guys,
I will try and find the link to that oil filter study.
Instead of testing american filters for big american cars, this guy decided to cut open and investigate German filters.
To cut a long story short, i stopped using the VW filters which are £8 each, and have found a supplier of MANN filters for £3.
MANN, MAHLE, BOSCH & HENGST are the only filters to use. Each company has made filters for VW in the past, just depends whos the cheapest option for VAG to buy and re-brand from year to year.
All above are made in Germany, except for the Bosch i beleive. If VW is currently selling Bosch filters, then they are made in Bosnia / Herzagovina (think thats spelt right), as stamped on my last 4 filters.
But anyway, MANN had best design, drainback function, sealing top and bottom and greatest filter media area. Only filter i would have.... unless i've a few extra £££ to go for the FRAM ! :lol: .... no seriously, do run from these !
When it comes to TDi's though, you must look inside the filter for a noticable plastic sleeve (blue i think), which is a possible update. Some users who have noticed the different part also noticed less 'tappet' noise from a cold start... but i doubt this applies to too many on here,.... good ol' IDI's.
Hope this helps.