Oil filter Fram or OEM BMW

I'll probably get downvoted for this, but Fram is perfectly fine and the higher line (Ultra / XG) gets excellent reviews. I've been using Fram on everything for years, including a boosted Mazdaspeed Protegé, my Miata, a Lexus, etc. Never an issue. I use the XG line for both my Miata and my daily driver 3, as it has excellent construction and fantastic filtration ratings. As an added bonus, the textured section of the filter means that I never have to use tools and I've never had a Fram seize or be a pain to remove (unlike other brands I've used in the past).

The Ultras are actually good. The grippy rubberized bottom is a nice convenience too.

I use either Mobil 1 0w20, or Royal Purple 0w20. For the filter, I use Fram Titanium. I do all routine maintenance myself. I've got a 2015 SR DC with 388k miles, and have never had any issues. It still runs perfectly.

Quality air filter changed regularly. Quality oil filter Frams higher end stuff are surprisingly well made for the $.

I typically go with Mobil 1. Fram has been manufacturing filters that use a little flap of tin for the bypass spring which comes on during high oil pressure situations, and at least in Canada i have seen these fail quite early. And not one or two, but closer to 3/10 i have cut open. I should cut more open as my observations are now a bit dated but in my opinion if it has a actual bypass spring inside of it, they will be more effective in the long run since the ones with a actual bypass spring inside of the filter i have personally never seen one fail yet.

And with filter media, you want it to be the vacuum bag. The canister that simply catches the most crap is not exactly the smallest micron rating, but the filter that returns to normal operation reliably when the vehicle hits operating temperature. And if that filter seems too expensive to run, then you really cannot afford to replace the engine.

Edit: Also it is worth checking out your factory supplied oil filter as they usually spring the bypass correctly for the designed engine oil pressure.

Fram is absolutely the worst filters ever. Years ago a motorcycle forum I belonged to cut open a bunch of major brand filters, K&N, WIX, FilterPro (store brand style) Fram and NAPA. NAPA and WIX were the best bang for the buck, K&N obviously the best but also much more expensive. Fram was shocking, all the internals were cardboard, no metal reinforcement etc. Absolute garbage.

I had a FRAM oil filter on my 05 Impreza, I think the part number was #PH6607, I noticed i i was “burning” a ton of oil! I went to do my usual 3K Mile oil change. I noticed the oil levels were alot lower than the time i check a few days prior! I looked under the car and there was oil EVERYWHERE! Mainly built up around the filter!

I used a FRAM oil filter on the car at my last oil change and it turns out it collapsed internally triggering a low engine oil pressure to my ECU. The garage (VW/Audi/Porsche specialized) told me to never use anything other than Mann filters on my GTI since everything else is either gonna collapse or be more expensive than the Mann for no added benefits.

The cardboard construction on a Fram filter would have come apart.

Only filter I’ve ever had fail on me is a FRAM. Never again.