Oil filter Fram or OEM Volkswagen

I changed out the factory fill today at 2,347 miles. I could not find any VW 502 oil in 0w30 locally, so I used Valvoline MST 5w40 which is certified for VW 502, so no warranty concerns. I also used an OEM VW filter which was 15 bucks delivered also on line, but I hope to find those locally for a bit less in the future. I could see small shiny specs of debris in the creases of the old filter, which is why I (and many folks) don't like to run factory fill oil very long.

Fram makes GM oil filters. At least they used to. Compare the black (factory) filter or the AC blue filter next to a Fram. Same dimples beneath the grip on the Fram. IIRC there are two companies that make most of the normal oil filters. Even the expensive Mobile 1 filters, though those just use higher micron elements is all. Wix is the other company. Not sure who makes Subaru's but I'm sure it's the same story. Been personally using them for decades, never had an issue. Wife rolled her Honda over 500K using them every 5,000 miles.

There is that possibility, I have had a Fram filter that self disintegrate inside due to age of the filter ( I had them for a while before use).... when I finally took out the filter and shakes it, it was definitely loose. It was causing that same oil filter light intermittently.

I have used Fram for 20+ years. Every single car lasted well over 116,000 miles. I have seen the issues, complaints, and so on, just lucky I guess. If I could get the FRAM filter for it, I used it. Then again, back then, on some of those models, they were a better filter.

These oils are only as good as the filters you pair them with.

Wal-mart typically only stocks the Fram filter (gross) for my truck. FRAM (avoid) is PH2. All of them are fine except Fram, unless you are in a pinch.

I certainly would never put in a Fram and would highly recommend to anyone to stay away from that company for your German product.

I just watched an interesting video on Fram and other filters last night. Part of the problem is that Fram doesn't use a normal bypass spring in case the filter gets clogged, and can lead to starving the engine for oil. It's also just a really crappy filter.

I was just doing research on this because my oil pressure warning started going off, someone had done a flow test and the Fram was one of the worst flowing filters they tested

last time I did my oil, i made the mistake of using a fram filter. When I went to take it off this week, it wouldn't budge. Only hand tightened when i put it on, wet the seal with oil, and I had no reason to believe there was anything wrong. It took me being at the most awkward angle possible under the car and using every bit of strenght I have for it to finally come off. To this point i have never had to use more than halfish strength to remove one.