Don't use STP or FRAM oil filters. They collapse.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 443
Likes: 118
'03 S55 (79K miles)
Don't use STP or FRAM oil filters. They collapse.
I used an STP brand oil filter at my last change 4k miles ago. I had run out my stock of the MANN filters, so went by the local parts store and found the STP had a match to the S55AMG.
I was shocked when I took the STP out yesterday to find it had collapsed in the middle and was shaped like an hour glass. The media was all sucked in toward the center axis. The effect of this is the oil has to pump harder to squeeze through the reduced surface area to get to the center of the filter stalk.
I put in a fresh MANN filter. The noticeable difference when you compare the media I the MANN has reinforcement glue rings all the way around the filter at half inch spacings. Of the 6 or 7 I have used in past oil changes, the MANN filters were never collapsed like the STP.
I also bought a FRAM that has no reinforcement ribs. Tossed that in the trash...
I was shocked when I took the STP out yesterday to find it had collapsed in the middle and was shaped like an hour glass. The media was all sucked in toward the center axis. The effect of this is the oil has to pump harder to squeeze through the reduced surface area to get to the center of the filter stalk.
I put in a fresh MANN filter. The noticeable difference when you compare the media I the MANN has reinforcement glue rings all the way around the filter at half inch spacings. Of the 6 or 7 I have used in past oil changes, the MANN filters were never collapsed like the STP.
I also bought a FRAM that has no reinforcement ribs. Tossed that in the trash...
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3
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cadillac cts-v
I am the tech manager at FRAM, if your filter collapsed, it was full of dirt and your bypass valve is sticking. Before you just bash the filters, maybe you should do some investigation before it costs you an engine.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 443
Likes: 118
'03 S55 (79K miles)
I'll check that in 4,000 miles for you
Aside: I love the CTS-V. Maybe for my next supercar purchase.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,359
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From: California
06 C55, 09 E350
Why would put that trash in your Benz? OEM is only 20 bucks I have never heard of a collapsed oil filter regardless of what the tech manager says. Also google collapsed fram oil filter 
Last edited by JonMBZ; Jun 20, 2013 at 01:11 AM.
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Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 1
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C250
OEM Mercedes vs. STP vs MANN
I used an STP brand oil filter at my last change 4k miles ago. I had run out my stock of the MANN filters, so went by the local parts store and found the STP had a match to the S55AMG.
I was shocked when I took the STP out yesterday to find it had collapsed in the middle and was shaped like an hour glass. The media was all sucked in toward the center axis. The effect of this is the oil has to pump harder to squeeze through the reduced surface area to get to the center of the filter stalk.
I put in a fresh MANN filter. The noticeable difference when you compare the media I the MANN has reinforcement glue rings all the way around the filter at half inch spacings. Of the 6 or 7 I have used in past oil changes, the MANN filters were never collapsed like the STP.
I also bought a FRAM that has no reinforcement ribs. Tossed that in the trash...
I was shocked when I took the STP out yesterday to find it had collapsed in the middle and was shaped like an hour glass. The media was all sucked in toward the center axis. The effect of this is the oil has to pump harder to squeeze through the reduced surface area to get to the center of the filter stalk.
I put in a fresh MANN filter. The noticeable difference when you compare the media I the MANN has reinforcement glue rings all the way around the filter at half inch spacings. Of the 6 or 7 I have used in past oil changes, the MANN filters were never collapsed like the STP.
I also bought a FRAM that has no reinforcement ribs. Tossed that in the trash...
