Hi just looking for a super quick reco on an oil filter. I have a 2002 E46 BMW 330Ci. The local oil change shop uses Service Champ filters and in the past I’ve used this Mann filter. I’ve heard BMW filters are just Mann filters with a BMW stamp on them. But anyways should I get one or the other or does it even matter? Thanks.
I’d pay extra to have a local mechanic do the oil change, not an ‘Iffy Lube” kind of place, and I’d use the equivalent of of the factory filter.
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Mann all the way. I use nothing else in my Audi.
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Nothing but MANN in a BMW (most any Euro), I have tried a lot of different brands and MANN is the only one that fit right every time in every BMW or Benz that I ever delt with on customer vehicles… BMW dealer parts is a given, but like said, I think MANN is the OEM filter manufacture anyway…
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Thanks guys Mann it is.
@texases This ain’t no Jiffy Lube. 9 Minute Oil is quite competent IMHO. 4.9 stars on Google and Yelp. Also last time my mechanic did it some twerp over filled by a half quart.
It depends on the franchisee. I found the local Jiffy Lube to be competent for quite a while. When I started using synthetic oil in my new Accord, the oil change price doubled. I could get the oil changed for less at my usual mechanic. I stopped using Jiffy Lube.
When I had knee surgery and my kids were still little, I had to find a place to do my oil changes for a few months. There’s a place in NH that is privately owned and all they do is fluid changes (oil, tranny, coolant…etc), The owners do all the work in their 2 bay garage. I think they only use Valvoline oil and Wix filters.
My goto filter is Wix. Never used Mann, but I’ve also never owned a European vehicle - only domestic and Asian.
Yes, that’s very much a Jiffy Lube. “Jiffy Lube” is a catch-all term for any quick oil change place. Outfits that basically do nothing but oil changes and various flushes. They aren’t staffed by actual mechanics per se. An actual “shop” does actual repair work in addition to regular maintenance. For example if you needed a new clutch put it or an evaporator core replacement, 9 Minute Oil couldn’t help you with that. But an actual repair shop could.
Our fleet stocks Wix filters
Actual Wix brand or the Pro-Tec made by Wix?
I’ll have to look closer next time 
I got a used car and it had 2 Mobil 1 filters in the trunk. I don’t use that brand normally
JL started doing more than fluid and filter replacement while I still went there. The shop I went to had a cork board with ASE certifications for their shop personnel posted. I never used their other services and have no comment on them.
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Nowadays you have to watch those ASE certs, they have oil change certs now and lite maintenance, I call them want to be ASE certs… Nothing like the ones that the pros on here have/had…
The ones that we have or had:
-
Automobile and Light Truck Certification Tests
- A1: Engine Repair
- A2: Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
- A3: Manual Drive Train and Axles
- A4: Suspension and Steering
- A5: Brakes
- A6: Electrical/Electronic Systems
- A7: Heating and Air Conditioning
- A8: Engine Performance
- A9: Light Vehicle Diesel Engines
-
Advanced Level Tests
- L1: Advanced Engine Performance Specialist
- L2: Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist
- L3: Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist
- L4: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Specialist
Then this one:
- Specialty Certification Test
- X1: Exhaust Systems
And the Jiffy Lube one:
- Maintenance and Light Repair Certification Test
- G1: Auto Maintenance and Light Repair
Here is the full list as far as I know…
For the A1-A9 levels, you have to have 2 years on the job experience, however a trade school like NADC/Lincoln Tech, UTI and the like counts as one of those years…
X1 has been discontinued, as of 12-31-2025, fwiw . . . apparently much of it is covered in other certifications
I recertied that particular one just this past December, as it was the last opportunity
I have A1- A8, plus L1, X1 and a few T-series
I’m thinking of trying to get L3 some day
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I thought I remembered X1 used to be A9 back years ago for some reason, could have just dreamt that one though… 
And I think the current A9: Light Vehicle Diesel Engines is fairly new, like added in 2009?
I never did understand the exhaust ASE cert anyway, didn’t know they discontinued it, good to know…
I also think it’s one of the “newer” ones
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If you want to be assured that your oil change is done to the Best Standards, DIY with a $20 oil pump, manufacturers specified oil and a manufacturer’s Top Tier oil filter.
Personally I use Mobile 5-40 European Blend with either Mann, Wix or Bosche top tier filters and at 200,000 miles the car still runs like new.
My current job requires that I maintain ASE Master Certification. I have A1-A9, the 4 L’s, and still also do the Service Consultant and Parts Specialist. I’m fully aware (always have been) that simply passing the tests does not indicate that one is a Master level technician. But it does demonstrate that someone is willing to prove some level of competency and understanding and is committed enough to this industry to try to improve and maintain an image of professionalism. It’s like being an AAA Approved shop. At least you care enough to try.
Go for it. Certainly you have a number of hybrids in your fleet and have some experience with them. I’m sure you would do fine.
I think you seriously overestimate the mechanical ability of the average driver out there. I’d give the average car owner a 50/50 chance that they can successfully perform an oil change. And then they have to get rid of the oil and filter, assuming they have a place to do the work in the first place.
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