Originally Posted by RD_3
Originally Posted by SnowmanCO
Looks strikingly similar to the Wix XP version of this filter
http://www.wixfilters.com/Lookup/PartDetails.aspx?Part=2091434. Note that many Wix cartridge filters are manufactured in Korea as well. Just saying....
Queue the ISO 4548-12 testing performance numbers, Wix's terrible performance with the XP, and Fram XG superiority discussions....
The NP/XP is metal wire backed and made in the US, the XG is synthetic backed and made in Korea.
Not always. The Wix XP for my Mazda is made in Poland, and has black plastic (synthetic) wire mesh:
https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/4772189/1. We know many Wix filters are also made in Korea, so my theory still stands.
It's also worth mentioning that the OEM filters for my Mercedes, made by MANN (Wix's parent company) use a white filter media with white plastic/synthetic backing.
https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/4764940/1. In fact, all filters I reviewed for my Mercedes had strikingly similar media appearance. The filters themselves varied, but the media did not appear to.
There is no reason that MANN (Wix) is not the supplier of the filter media on this model Fram filter, and possibly the manufacturer of the filter itself.