For those who like to change their own oil, some possible good news. Purolator does have a filter in production. The number to look for is L15465. The catch is that many vendors and distributors have not yet decided to stock it.
Purolator is quick to point out that they only manufacture and do not market, so it could take a while to show up.
They do state that there is inventory in the warehouses, so keep an eye out!
Thanks to the folks at a local Advance Auto Parts for their help. In their book, but had to be ordered in. $6.99 ea.and no need to venture to the dealer. I'm at 1800 now so I will be busy over the holiday. Amsoil 5w-30 going in.
Paul
'03 IB/W S
Last edited by Splicer65; Nov 26th, 2002 at 10:28 PM.
I just paid $7.40 for an OEM filter at the MINI dealer yesterday, so the price is similar.
I wonder how the two filters compare in performance?
+ 2002 MINI Cooper S - Dark Silver / White roof, Sport, Premium, Lapis blue leather
+ 1965 Mini Traveller - Tartan Red / White roof, 1275, Cooper S discs, fully restored/renewed
HIDING! Ugh, actually, it was a really hectic day at work today, and I didn't even get a chance to look at the board (how dare they make me do REAL work, sheesh).
Anyway, Purolator doesn't make their own filters, they're made by Champion (no, not the spark plug people). I'm not a fan of Purolator, but the Pure One is supposed to be well built with decent filter media. However, this filter isn't a Pure One.
*BUT*, since this is an open filter, it's easy to examine to see how well it's built. I may have to go down to the local parts store and put my hands on one.
I want to also mention that BMW/MINI doesn't manufacture their own filters either. I haven't been able to get confirmation on who's building it for MINI, but don't be surprised if the filters you're buying under different brand names are the exact same filter you're buying from the dealership. Since the car is fairly new to market, and there may be legal issues with duplicating the factory filter (if not that, then the time to tool up to manufacture a new filter). It's sometimes cheaper/easier/faster to procure the filters from the same source as the factory to just to get them on the shelf. Only way to really tell is to compare the filters side-by-side, but if they are the same now, it doesn't mean that the next batch will be.
So what's my point? Pull the filter out of the box, inspect it, and if you're happy with the construction, filter media and price, buy it. Aren't open filters great?
Thats the first time I've seen Champion and Purolator in the same sentence ( except in comparison) ArvinMeritor claims to have filter facilities all over the world as well as the largest in Fayetteville NC. They produce many of the private labels around. Why would they sub?
I will be comparing with the OEM at change time.
Paul
'03 IB/W S
Last edited by Splicer65; Nov 27th, 2002 at 12:57 AM.
Actually, you are correct, I posted the wrong information. Purolator (which is owned by Arvin Meritor) does in fact, manufacture their own filters. I had them in the wrong column on my index. But, some filter manufacturers have been known to procure filters from the same source as OEM until they tool to manufacture their own filter.
There is a website that has some good information, although some of it differs from the information I have (such as WIX producing both the Silver and Gold NAPA filters):
I don't think he's updated his information for some time, and at one point, he had removed the website after being threatened by Fram for the negative publicity.
When replacing the metal oil filter housing on the MINI during an oil change, is there a certain amount of turns to ensure proper tightness? You know how you're supposed to torque lug nuts to proper spec...I've also heard your supposed to torque the filter housing to proper spec...not too tight, not too loose. Or does it really matter that much? Who from the forum has changed the oil on their MINI...how long did it take, and exactly what tools does one need? (Sorry if these questions are basic...I'm a shadetree mechanic...not even...I'm a "bring it to Jiffy Lube" mechanic, but I won't be bringing my MINI there, that's for sure!
Thanks for the info,
Mighty Boognish
Also, the filter for the MINI is the same as for the S, correct? (same engine, should be same filter)...
Here's a comparison (take it with a grain of salt. It's a few years old now) of oil filters you may find interesting. (Oh--and this will clear up an earlier question. Champion is Champion Labs, who make quite a few filters.)
The oil change went well and the Purolator is in. Definitely different units. Construction style, media and rubber end gasket for example. As has been mentioned elsewhere, they seem small to be expected to last 10k even if the oil does. I will be changing the filter again at 5k.
My old VW rear drum socket back in use after many idle years, 1 7/16 subs nicely for 36mm.
I'm debating which synthetic oil to use, I have narrowed the choices to Amsoil or Red Line. I don't have experience with either brand I only know about them from what I have read on their respective websites and in other forums.
Sounds like Red Line might be better than Amsoil. What is your opinion on Amsoil and on what do you base your opinion? I don't like MLM's and Amsoil is a big MLM operation.
Thanks for any ideas on this subject.
Anyone else is welcome to give their 2 cents.
retroom
2003 MC,LY/W, sport package, wht wheels, cruise, chrome, Kaleido cloth/black, OB computer
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Oil filter info 
And here it is 
Champion? 
ArvinMeritor claims to have filter facilities all over the world as well as the largest in Fayetteville NC. They produce many of the private labels around. Why would they sub?
