Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
These photos are copied from Quattro Pete's post, cartridge filter for '00 E430 is the same construction, the only difference is size.
These photos are of the filters for my 530i and they actually only cost about $5-$6 online, so less than a spin-on type M1 filter for example. So in fact yes, they are cheaper to make and cost less to the consumer. Of course some shops will put a huge markup on them, but that's another story.
If I'm not mistaken, the reason your E430 filters are more expensive is because they use fleece media as opposed to regular paper media like in my 530i. The paper version of your filter costs about $6-7 online.