Originally Posted By: DudeNiceRide
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
There are 2 oil filter types: spin-on and cartridge.
Mann cartridge oil filters are usually very high quality for European vehicles.
Mann spin-on oil filters are mix-bags, the black ones made in Germany for older European vehicles that used spin-on filter are very good, the white ones are most of the times re-bagged Purolators, and these are not so good.
I've seen both black and white Mann filters that are actually made in the US at a Purolator plant. The big giveaway is the tell-tale Purolator design: they don't weld the gasket retention plate to the thread plate -- they stake it over the thread plate. Under the gasket you won't find the spot-weld marks you'll find on virtually every other brand (FRAM, NAPA/Wix, Baldwin, etc).
I'd 1000000% prefer a weld over a press-fit type of union!
The Puro made oil filters are usually pretty light and thin like a FRAM/Wix. The EU-made Manns are generally built like tanks and cost a lot more.
Purolator has the gasket retention plate extend over the inlet holes and is also pressed into the inlet holes. Under the plate is adhesive to bond to the tapping plate. The retention plate is crimped to the can also, it's very strong. The Puro baseplate assembly is also quite a bit heavier than a wix etc in standard sizes. I have some cut open here and that's how I can make these comments.