Oil Filters - OEM or Mahle/Hiflo

[David.]

I have a BMW "Boxed & Branded" Oil Filter (for a 2012 Twin Cam) it cost £13.28 & was made in Austria.

My understanding is that MAHLE based in Austria make BMW Filters, can anyone please confirm if this is the case.

If so, then OPIE offer the OC306 for £9.02, http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-62521-mahle-oil-filter-oc306-bmw-mcycle.aspx.

On the MAHLE Filter, it says made in Austria & on the Box, it says suitable for BMW.

This Amazon link http://www.amazon.co.uk/Knecht-OC-306-Oil-Filter/dp/B0068OBVN2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438422510&sr=8-1&keywords=mahle+oc306,
cross references the BMW Part No. 11.42.7.673.541.

Also confirmed by the MAHLE Product Catalogue, http://catalog.mahle-aftermarket.com/eu/modules/mahleFilter/detail.xhtml?filterId=4160&d=&show=oeFilter.

Another alternative is Hiflo HF164, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hiflo-HF164-Oil-Filter/dp/B000WJEX0C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1438428903&sr=8-2&keywords=hf164.

[Catfunt]

Have used the Hi-flo 164 for many oil changes. I buy them in bulk and do and oil/filter change twice a year.  I also have a quick valve fitted which means I can do a complete oil/filter change in around 15 minutes

[David.]

I use Hiflo Oil Filters on my XJ650.

Never previously heard of, or seen a "Quick Valve", http://www.quickvalve.co.uk/motorcycles ... tm?veh=BMW R 1200 RT 2005-

I have a Magnetic Sump Drain Plug fitted, http://www.nippynormans.com/products/k1 ... -24140-000.

[Catfunt]

Quickvalve is a brilliant bit of kit. Recommended

[Levisp]

I use BMW OEM filter and have one of these


http://www.stahlbus.com/products/en/oil ... /index.php


With the bike on my hydraulic stand I now drain oil straight into an old oil bottle ready for disposal. Works well, quick and clean.

[David.]

One of the advantages of both these oil draining systems is, once fitted, you don't need to continue to screw a Steel drain plug in & out of an Aluminium sump.

Have had experience of a sump drain hole thread becoming stripped on an RT by the plug not being fitted correctly or overtightened by a.n.other.
(Managed to recover sufficient of the thread using a plug tap).

Also, after having a car serviced, the sump drain plug partially worked it's way out, was finger tight, again by a.n.other.

[Levisp]

The Stahlbus drain plug is extremely well made and works a treat. The only thing I wasn't sure off is how quick the oil would drain through the tubing. Hot oil drains very quickly, no problem at all. If you do your own oil changes and plan to keep the bike I think its a good investment. Just makes life a little easier.

[T6pilot]

All my bikes have a DIMPLE MAGNETIC DRAIN PLUG, I do like the Stahlbus product, any concerns about how far the valve extends below the pan?

[David.]

Magnetic Plugs are fitted as standard to the Gearbox oil filler plug & Final drive oil drain plug on a Twin Cam.

Dimple Oil Plugs, http://www.drainplugmagnets.com/bmwmotorcycles.php.

[Levisp]

No problem with the Stahlbus valve extending below the sump. I have it fitted on my LC RT very neat, does not hang low.

[Catfunt]

The quickvalve does project downwards by about 20mm but doesn't affect clearance at all. The Stahlbus does look better and would also suit the gearbox oil drain bolt - stop that awkward drain all over the centrestand!

[David.]

The Stahlbus does look better and would also suit the gearbox oil drain bolt - stop that awkward drain all over the centrestand!

Recently changed the Gearbox Oil on my TC & would agree with you. Have used a cutdown plastic milk bottle to make a funnel with a handle to good effect in the past.

[Our Gee]

Just returned from the Dealer where I have purchased an Engine Oil Filter and Sump Seal Ring for our Twincam RT. To be on the safe side I quoted the VIN number at the parts counter.
Having just removed the Filter which was fitted by another BMW Dealer last year and comparing it to the one I bought today I notice that although they appear physically the same the numbering does have a variation.
Last year's filter is marked with the BMW Logo and Part Number 1142 7673541-01  14 W 28
Today's filter is also marked with the BMW Logo and Part Number 1142 7 673 541-02 MAHLE.  15 W 16
Anyone else noticed this or have any info ?.
Thanks.

[David.]

In both cases, the 11 digit Oil Filter Part No. is the same, i.e. 11 42 7 673 541, as per RealOEM, https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partxref?q=11427673541
& physically confirmed with an unused, boxed Filter I have ready for the next oil change on my 2012 TC.

The one I have has the BMW Logo on it, with the suffix -01 after the 11 digit Part No.

My guess is that the 14 W 35 could be the year & week no. of manufacture, confirmed by OPIE.

The Filter with the suffix -02 MAHLE could just be a different manufacturer to the -01 Filter.

Probably goes to show that MAHLE make Filters for BMW.

[David.]

Today's filter is also marked with the BMW Logo and Part Number 1142 7 673 541-02 MAHLE.

The Filter with the suffix -02 MAHLE could just be a different manufacturer to the -01 Filter.

Probably goes to show that MAHLE make Filters for BMW.