What Oil Filter Does BMW Use?

BMW primarily uses OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) oil filters made by brands such as Mann+Hummel, Mahle, and sometimes Hengst, with the exact filter type and part number depending on the specific model and engine. In practice, the “BMW oil filter” is not one single part, but a range of cartridge or spin-on filters specified by BMW for different engines and sold under BMW part numbers and by the OEM suppliers under their own labels.

How BMW Specifies Its Oil Filters

BMW does not manufacture oil filters itself; instead, it works with a small group of specialized suppliers. These suppliers produce filters to BMW’s specifications, and the same companies often sell equivalent filters under their own brand names. For most owners, the “right” oil filter is the one that matches the engine code and model year, whether it carries a BMW logo or the OEM supplier’s logo.

The Main OEM Suppliers Behind BMW Oil Filters

Several large European filter manufacturers are responsible for most of BMW’s oil filters worldwide. Understanding who they are helps explain why the same part may appear with different branding but identical construction and performance.

The list below outlines the main OEM suppliers that manufacture oil filters used in BMW vehicles, both for factory fill and for genuine BMW parts sold at dealerships.

• Mann+Hummel (MANN-FILTER) – One of BMW’s largest filter suppliers; supplies cartridge-style filters for many modern BMW petrol and diesel engines, including B-series (B48, B58, B47) and older N-series engines.
• Mahle – A key OEM partner that provides both cartridge and spin-on filters; common on many older BMWs and some performance and diesel applications.
• Hengst – Another frequent OEM; often found in European-market BMWs and in some U.S. models as well.
• Bosch – Not as common as Mann or Mahle as factory-fill, but Bosch does produce filters that meet BMW specs and occasionally appear as OEM on certain models or in some markets.

These suppliers often produce identical or near-identical filters under their own brands and under the BMW brand. When you buy a “genuine BMW” oil filter, the name of one of these companies is typically printed on the side of the filter or on the inner core of a cartridge filter.

Genuine BMW vs. OEM vs. Aftermarket Filters

When drivers ask what oil filter BMW uses, they often want to know whether they should buy only “genuine BMW” filters, or if quality aftermarket filters are acceptable. The distinction revolves around branding, specification, and quality control.

Genuine BMW Filters (Dealer-Supplied)

Genuine BMW filters are those sold in BMW packaging at authorized dealers or official BMW parts outlets. They are built to BMW specifications and approved for warranty and service book requirements.

The points below summarize the main characteristics of genuine BMW oil filters.

• BMW part number – Each filter carries a BMW-specific part number (e.g., 11 42 8 647 166 for many B48/B58 engines; numbers change with updates and supercessions).
• Made by OEM suppliers – Inside the BMW box, the filter itself usually bears the name Mann, Mahle, or Hengst.
• Designed for extended service intervals – BMW filters are engineered to handle BMW’s long oil-change intervals (often 10,000–15,000 miles / 15,000–25,000 km in many markets, though many owners change sooner).
• Exact fit and spec – Matching bypass valve pressure, filtration media, dimensions, and sealing hardware for the specific engine.

For owners wanting to adhere strictly to BMW’s official maintenance recommendations or who are concerned with warranty, genuine BMW filters are the default and safest choice.

OEM-Brand Filters (Same Manufacturer, Different Box)

An “OEM” filter in enthusiast circles usually means a part made by the same manufacturer as the factory unit, but sold under the supplier’s own brand instead of BMW packaging. These often offer a cost advantage while effectively being the same core product.

The list below gives a sense of how OEM-branded filters relate to BMW filters in practice.

• Same manufacturer, same specs – A Mann or Mahle filter with the correct cross-reference is typically functionally identical to the genuine BMW filter.
• Lower price – Online and independent parts retailers often sell Mann or Mahle filters for significantly less than dealership-branded “genuine BMW.”
• Common in enthusiast maintenance – Many independent BMW specialists and DIY owners use Mann, Mahle, or Hengst filters as a matter of routine.
• Need correct cross-reference – It’s essential to match the OEM part number to the BMW part number or to the exact engine code/model year to avoid fit issues.

When chosen correctly by part number or fitment guide, OEM-brand filters from BMW’s actual suppliers are widely considered equivalent in quality to dealer-sold genuine BMW filters.

Aftermarket Filters (Non-OEM Brands)

Beyond BMW’s official suppliers, many other brands manufacture oil filters that physically fit BMW engines. Quality and engineering standards vary widely, so choosing aftermarket requires more care.

The following list highlights key considerations for using non-OEM aftermarket filters on BMW engines.

• Range of quality – Some brands (e.g., Bosch, Wix in certain lines, Fram’s higher-end ranges) offer good or excellent quality; others may cut costs in filtration media, anti-drainback valves, or bypass valve calibration.
• Certification and spec claims – Look for filters that explicitly meet or exceed BMW’s oil specifications (such as long-life standards) and are designed for extended service intervals.
• Risk of poor fit or construction – Cheap, no-name filters can suffer from weak end caps, poor sealing, or media that clogs or collapses prematurely, which is problematic on tightly-toleranced BMW engines.
• Warranty considerations – While in many jurisdictions a manufacturer cannot force you to buy only its branded parts, using low-quality filters could complicate a warranty claim if engine damage is traced back to lubrication issues.

Aftermarket filters from reputable brands can be a reasonable choice if they are designed to meet BMW specifications, but many BMW specialists still prefer genuine or OEM-brand filters, particularly on newer or performance models.

Different BMW Engines, Different Filter Types

BMW’s answer to “what oil filter do we use?” changes with each engine family. Modern BMWs mostly use cartridge-style filters with a permanent housing on the engine, while older models often used spin-on canister filters. The type and size are tailored to the engine’s design, oil flow needs, and service strategy.

Cartridge-Style Filters on Modern BMWs

Most BMW petrol and diesel engines from the mid-2000s onward use cartridge filters. The filter media is replaced while the housing on the engine remains in place, and a new O-ring is fitted to ensure proper sealing.

The key characteristics of cartridge-style BMW oil filters are summarized in the list below.

• External plastic or metal housing – The cap or housing remains on the engine; the filter element slides inside.
• Replaceable O-rings and drain plugs – BMW kits usually include the main cap O-ring and sometimes small crush washers or plugs associated with the oil filter housing.
• Used on B- and late N-series engines – Engines like the B48/B58 (2.0L and 3.0L turbo petrol), B47 (2.0L turbo diesel), and many N20/N55/N57 units all use cartridge filters.
• Requires correct tool size – Special sockets or hex sizes are often needed to remove the housing without damage.

For these engines, using the correct cartridge filter and O-rings is critical; incorrect sizing or cheap copies can cause leaks or inadequate filtration, undermining BMW’s extended service-interval strategy.

Spin-On Filters in Older BMW Models

Earlier BMW models, especially from the 1980s and 1990s and some early 2000s engines, relied more heavily on spin-on canister filters that screw directly to the engine block or to a filter head.

The list below highlights the main features of spin-on filters used in older BMWs.

• One-piece canister – The entire filter (casing plus media) is replaced as a single unit.
• Common brands – Mahle and Mann are common OEM sources; Bosch and other brands also supply spin-on equivalents.
• Examples of engines – M20, M30, early M50/M52, some M60/M62 and earlier diesel engines used spin-on filters in various configurations.
• Simpler service – Replacement is generally quicker, but requires attention to gasket lubrication and final torque to avoid leaks.

While many aftermarket brands offer spin-on filters that physically fit these older BMW engines, OEM or high-quality aftermarket filters remain preferable, especially for engines that owners intend to preserve for the long term.

How to Identify the Correct BMW Oil Filter for Your Car

Because there is no single “BMW oil filter,” the practical question is always model-specific: which filter fits your particular BMW and meets BMW’s requirements? The answer depends on the vehicle’s VIN, model designation, and engine code.

Using VIN and Official Parts Catalogs

The most reliable way to determine the correct BMW oil filter is to use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or precise model and production date in an official or OEM-based parts catalog.

The steps below outline a straightforward approach to identifying the correct oil filter.

1. Locate your VIN – Find it on the dashboard plate (seen through the windshield), on the driver’s door jamb sticker, or in the vehicle registration documents.
2. Access a BMW parts catalog – Use online resources such as RealOEM, ETK-based catalogs, or official dealer portals that allow VIN lookup.
3. Look under “Engine → Engine Oil Filter” – Once your vehicle is identified, navigate to the oil filter section to view the BMW part number.
4. Note supersessions – If the catalog shows that your original filter has been superseded by a newer part number, use the latest number shown.
5. Cross-reference with OEM brands – Use that BMW part number to find matching filters from Mann, Mahle, Hengst, or other trusted brands if you’re buying outside the dealership.

By starting with the VIN and a reliable catalog, you ensure you get the correct, up-to-date BMW part number, avoiding common mistakes such as buying a filter meant for a different engine variant or production year.

Verifying Filter Quality and Compatibility

Once you know the correct part number, the next step is ensuring that the filter you’re buying is not just the right shape, but built to the necessary standard. Especially with the rise of online marketplaces, counterfeit or low-quality copies can be an issue.

The list below outlines practical checks to help confirm you are buying a filter that is suitable for a BMW engine.

• Buy from reputable sources – Established parts retailers, official dealers, and well-known online stores are safer than unknown third-party sellers.
• Inspect branding and markings – Genuine and OEM filters typically have clear, precise printing with brand, part number, and sometimes “Made in …” details.
• Check for complete kit contents – For cartridge filters, ensure the kit includes the correct O-rings and any required washers or caps.
• Compare construction quality – Where possible, compare weight, end-cap materials, and media consistency with a known genuine filter; flimsy parts are a warning sign.

These checks, combined with correct part-number matching, give a strong level of confidence that the filter will perform properly over BMW’s expected service interval.

Why BMW’s Filter Choice Matters for Engine Longevity

BMW engines, particularly turbocharged and high-performance units, operate at high temperatures and pressures, placing significant demands on lubrication and filtration. The effectiveness of the oil filter directly influences the cleanliness of the oil and the long-term health of the engine.

Filtration Performance and Long Oil Change Intervals

BMW’s Longlife service concept allows relatively long distances between oil changes compared with older guidelines. That means the oil filter must continue to function effectively over many thousands of miles, with consistent flow and filtration efficiency.

The list below captures why the right filter specification is particularly important on BMW engines.

• Contaminant capture – High-quality filters use multi-layer, high-surface-area media to trap soot, metal particles, and other debris without clogging too quickly.
• Stable bypass valve behavior – The bypass valve must open at a precise pressure to prevent oil starvation in cold starts or heavy load situations while still prioritizing filtration when possible.
• Durability of components – End caps, glue, and pleat spacers must resist hot oil and pressure cycles over the entire service interval.
• Compatibility with modern oils – Filters must work with BMW-approved synthetic oils that meet current BMW Longlife specs (e.g., LL-01, LL-04, LL-17 FE+), which differ in viscosity and additive packages.

Because of these factors, BMW’s choice to partner closely with established filter manufacturers like Mann, Mahle, and Hengst is central to ensuring consistent lubrication performance across different markets and driving conditions.

Consequences of Using the Wrong or Low-Quality Filter

While many owners never see direct evidence of filter performance, the consequences of using an unsuitable filter often appear over the long term as increased engine wear or specific failures.

The following list summarizes potential issues that can arise when the filter is incorrect or substandard.

• Premature wear of bearings and camshafts – Inadequate filtration leaves abrasive particles in circulation, accelerating wear in high-load components.
• Oil pressure problems – Poorly designed filters can cause pressure drops or erratic bypass operation, triggering dashboard warnings or, in severe cases, engine damage.
• Sludge and varnish buildup – If filtration is insufficient, contaminants contribute to deposits in oil passages, vanos units, and turbocharger bearings.
• Leaks and housing damage – Incorrect dimensions or poor-quality O-rings can lead to externally visible oil leaks or damage to plastic filter housings.

These risks help explain why BMW, and most independent BMW specialists, emphasize using filters that meet or exceed BMW’s own specifications, even for out-of-warranty cars.

Summary

BMW does not rely on a single in-house oil filter but instead uses a range of filters produced to its specifications by established suppliers such as Mann+Hummel, Mahle, and Hengst. These filters are sold as genuine BMW parts through dealers and often in nearly identical form under the suppliers’ own brand names through independent retailers. The specific filter required depends on the model, engine code, and production year, and is best identified using the vehicle’s VIN in a BMW parts catalog. For most owners and workshops, a genuine BMW filter or an OEM-brand equivalent from Mann, Mahle, or Hengst offers the best balance of fit, performance, and reliability, particularly given BMW’s long oil-change intervals and the high demands placed on modern BMW engines.