Oil filter Fram or AMSOIL

I run AMSoil European Blend (specifically for VW,AUDI, BMW,) and the filter as well. I change my oil around 4-5K depending on my driving during that time. My oil always comes out slightly 'browned' .... never dark.

OEM is best for the 1.8T, larger filter, more ooil, better flow. FRAM is not good for your 1.8T-problems.

I guess after 24 years and almost 300k miles I should have realized that using Fram filters was a bad idea. I added a factory oil cooler to my GTI to deal with the additional thermal load caused by my turbocharger. I has been very effective in dropping oil temperatures and has not significantly raised my coolant temperatures (I added a cooler fan switch as well), it's a great way to go.

I run the 5w30 Amsoil 15,000 mile stuff in our 1.8t... it gets changed once a year. Every 4 months i put a new filter on it and top it off. The samples i've sent in and been returned all looked good if the car is just a driver with some occasional track time i wouldn't sweat running Amsoil or any other really good synthetic 10k or more.

amsoil makes a filter that filters better than stock

I don't think Fram filters are all that bad. I've used them before with no problems. I have been scared away from them, though. There are much better filters out there for a couple more bucks. I have not read any horror stories on the 'tex about a Fram actually causing an engine to die, but maybe I have not looked hard enough.

cut a few fram filters before and they were horrid. if you do use a fram filter, use the Xtended Gaurd, much better then the fram PH filters

Years ago Fram was a quality filter manufacturer. Now their standard filter (the radioactive-orange cans) is one of the worst out there. These filters are manufactured by Allied Signal, Inc. Please do not buy these filters. By boycotting it, we may be able to cause some change. I have personally had one if these filters fail and actually cause engine damage due to bits of paper and glue floating around in the engine. For some inside dirt on Fram filters, see this email from an Allied Signal production engineer. " "Fram Extra Guard PH8A This filter cartridge has a small outside diameter with a rather low filter element surface area (193 sqin), and features cardboard end caps that are glued in place. The rubber anti-drainback valve seals against the cardboard and easily leaks, causing dirty oil to drain back into the pan. If you have a noisy valve train at startup, this filter is likely the cause. The bypass valves are plastic and are sometimes not molded correctly, which allows them to leak all the time, but they often leak anyway. The backplate has smaller and fewer oil inlet holes, which may restrict flow, and is made of thin material.

Get a dealer filter, or Mahle or something, don't get a Fram. I use a Fram on my 66 Mustang 289, but not on my 1.8T.

Oil filter Mann/Mahle NOT Fram... much better quality than fram.