2014 28i N20 different oil filters for housing

[elfhearse]

For the limited number of 28i drivers out there, beware that there are two different oil filter housings / oil filter kits available.

I have a 2014 Z4 28i and ordered a filter kit (ending in 291) from an online dealer and received a strange filter with white silicone disc at bottom of filter and an oil filter cap o-ring which had a much larger diameter than the original filter. The OEM filter box had an "AL" directions tab (aluminum) and "PL" directions tab (plastic). The 291 filter with white disc is only for use in the newer all plastic oil filter housings
The filter kit ending in 862 should be used in the N20 with aluminum oil filter housing.

[rking117]

thanks, yep I also just got a oil filter from OReillys, I think it was a K&N for my '14 3 series and noticed that it included an oil pan drain bolt compression washer. On the 3 (and I am sure most other 28s) that the oil pan drain plug is much larger and plastic with a rubber o-ring around it. After comparing the two oil filters I learned they were the same size and fit perfectly but that left me puzzled at why they included a compression washer only to learn that there are two kits even for the 3 series. I think it is part of BMWs move to a new system of oil filters as well as cheapen their over head on costs. Over all a 40K dollar car that will quickly start comparing to the chevys and fords of the US cheap parts and all.

Now don't hate on my Chevy and Ford reference. I know some of you really like BMW and I am not knocking them but the standards that they used to provide are going to the way side while the substandard parts are being more widely used. ie. plastic trim which used to be leather or even wood.

[alexm9999]

I brought my 2012 28I N20 in for service and the dealer replaced the plastic oil filter housing with an aluminum one. I didn't request this, it was called out as a service campaign (sorry, don't have the campaign). The write-up said "plastic oil filter housing mail fail and lead to an internal or external oil or coolant leak"

[elfhearse]

Interesting....I didn't mention it in the original post but I was talking to my Indy. BMW mechanic and he said the Technician forums have been talking about oil leaks from the plastic housings. (guess going cheap doesn't always work out)

[jitenmazee]

For the limited number of 28i drivers out there (that change their own oil), beware that there are two different oil filter housings / oil filter kits available.