Maybe not, from their website:quote:
Originally posted by sxg6:
im pretty sure its just a regular champion labs filter, just like STP. except your paying a few bucks more for the bosch name. good filter regardless though
I respectfully disagree. I just cut apart new Mobil-1 and Bosch filters in the size for my G35. They have exactly the same skeletal structure. They differ only in: 1) the color of the media (so I assume they are different stuff, but there's plenty of it in both), 2) the M1 has a silicone ADBV whereas the Bosch has a black nitrile version, and 3) the paint job on the outside of the can. They are both of very robust construction, esp as compared to the Fram, which I cut last week. Its can was so thin it buckled as I tried to cut it open. I'm not sure where this "bad Bosch" stuff started, but having now seen its insides for myself, I'm considering using it vs. the M1.quote:
Originally posted by TC:
Bosch North America = dog poopie. Bosch Euro filters are probably a different story. In the 54 cumulative filters surveyed in the Mercruiser, NTPOG.ORG (Honda group), and Overboost magazine studies, the Bosch 3312 (very popular Honda/Mazda/Mitsu applications) had the absolute LEAST amount of media, 81 sq in. Number 54 of 54. Even less media than the lowly Frams. For the same price as the Bosch, one can get a PureOne 24458 with 198 sq in. The Bosch's also have the cheap (and questionable) Champion "clicker" bypass valve. Probably a decent media composition and micron rating for the Bosch, but at twice the price of its Champion-made STP cousin, all you're getting for your extra money is a fancier label. Or as Overboost magazine said, "Bosch carries that snooty made-in-Germany aura, but don't let that promise fool you."
Especially as a result of my surgical experiments, I agree. Which of the CL filters have you found that offers max media for low price? The Bosch is half the price of the M1 and KN, at least at AZ. The Valuecrafts are the lowest I've seen, but they don't stock the one I want. STP?quote:
Originally posted by Thomas Pyrek:
I'm a fan of Champion Lab filters. Bosch oil filters are the last resort (next to mobil 1, k&n and the other $10+ filters) for me.
My bias lends towards cheap and lots of filter media, neither of these are the bosch.
Napa 1334: 0.017quote:
Originally posted by TC:
For Hondas at least, Bosch USA offers...
Bosch #3312: 0.0129"
Fram #PH3593A: 0.0132"
Mobil 1 #104: 0.0175"
Maybe the difference is between different sizes for different engines, but I see two problems with this info. First, comparing the Bosch and Mobil filters I cut apart Sunday night, the bypass is exactly the same. Both have a solid looking valve face backed by an all metal spring and retaining structure. Second, while I did not take a caliper to my cans, the Bosch and Mobil both felt substantial, where the Fram did not, and in fact, the Fram collapsed when I tried to cut it open. Using the same procedure, the Bosch and M1 maintained shape just fine. Of course, these were the long filters that fit the Nissan/Infiniti VQ35DE, not a Honda.quote:
Originally posted by TC:
For Hondas at least, Bosch USA offers...
1. 81 sq in of media, the least of any major brand including Fram.
2. A less expensive -- and inferior -- nitrile antidrainback valve instead of silicone.
3. A less expensive, unproven "clicker" bypass valve, as opposed to a proven coil spring valve.
In my mind, Bosch USA appears similar to SuperTech but at about three times the price. The black paint Bosch uses must contain incredibly rare and exotic pigments, I presume.
"They (Bosch and Mobil 1) are both of very robust construction, especially as compared to the Fram..." Shell thicknesses per the Oct. 2003 Overboost magazine study:
Bosch #3312: 0.0129"
Fram #PH3593A: 0.0132"
Mobil 1 #104: 0.0175"