Oil filter Mahle or K&N

I had an e90 with the n52 engine. When i first got the car i installed a Mahle filter that fit. After a bit of driving the engine started making weird noises, similar to vacum leaks. And I did som research. Apperantly my experiance was common with "aftermarket" oil filters. Switched to Mann filter on my next oil change, specificaly the same variant as the right one in your picture. The problem disappeared instantly. Also the Mahle filter had kind of colapsed in on itself.

I have no problem with using a Bosch, MAN, Mahle as long as it’s a good brand.

If opting for third-party filters, choose high-quality brands like WIX, Purolator, or K&N, which offer reliable alternatives that match Subaru’s specifications.

i use k&n wrench off filters because they use solid oem designs, but add a useful hex head i can use for when i was an idiot before and cranked it on there calling it hand tight XD

Picked up a K&N clean it every 5-6 months with my Pennzoil Platinum oil change. I got the filter with Ford loyalty points when I bought the car. Always use K&N.

I wanted to get a Wix filter last time, but they were out. I ended up getting a k&n and it's pretty good.

For oil i used : Motul 7100 10W-40 (4L but only 3L required.)

K&N KN-303 Filter

Engine carbon cause the dirty looking oil no filter can get rid of the carbon color and I don't wait 5000 miles I change every month but put on 500 km every week highway also your oils detergents could have cleaned some crap from engine I would do a change sooner myself am switching to Pennzoil ultra platinum 5w 30 and k&n gold for maximum flow rate/ oil pressure and 30 micron rating (70 micron is human hair) year round I've got about 335,000 km on Buick Lucerne 3800 series and aiming for 500,000 I used wix XP for years bought bulk from rockauto and got carbon black every change including my ram1500 only 150,000 km highway

I have pulled multiple K&n filters out that have looked a little bent like this. The smashed K&n is definitely shorter.

First and only time i tried a k&n filter the bypass valve did not open and oil sprayed everywhere .I Will never try one again.