Oil filter Mann or OEM Mazda
I use liqui molly and Mann filter every 6k miles on mine.
Mann 816x is the only thing I would use.
You wouldn't believe the damage I have seen from Chinese oil filters. A few months back, my buddy brought in his 528i with Vanos codes. The Chinese oil filter had torn and allowed unfiltered oil to plug up the vanos screens, vanos solenoids, and caused bearing damage. The oil was filled with engine glitter. I only use Mann or BMW.
I personally do an old and filter every 6-7000 km. I do it so frequently because, 1) I do it myself, so cost is down and I make sure the job is done right. 2) the sky active engines are known for carbon buildup, so more frequent oil changes should help. 3) Longevity, I want to see 300,000 or more on the dash one day.
People like me on the other hand are going for synthetic oil and Mazda OEM filters but still need to get an oil change at 5000 miles.
An oil change with decent full synthetic is 30-40$ for 5 quarts + OEM filter for another 5-10$. It's relatively cheap to do every 6-8 months to know it always has decent oil, and no problems should arise.
I'm going to use [this kit](https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mini-oil-change-kit-5w-40-liqui-moly-molygen-11427512446kt-lm) in our R52(base model) we just got. I use the same oil in our R57s, and the Purflux filter(OEM?). When you change your oil you send back the used oil, filter, gasket and drain plug/washer and get a full refund credit to purchase parts or your next oil change kit, after the first one. That kit uses a Mann filter. They are a good brand, used them for years in my VWs
Mann makes the best fitting one that I can tell. I ordered a Mahle filter once and the inner diameter seemed larger than it should be leading me to think it’ll let oil past without filtering. The Mann was nice and snug the way it should’ve been.
You want to stick to a reasonable quality of part. OE spec would be ideal. I won't use Crossland, Mann is the lowest I'll go.
The Miata is pretty easy to work on. But ironically, one of the simplest jobs is a major PITA, changing the oil filter The thing is buried underneath the intake manifold.
The five has been known to not fill up with oil upon starting due to the one way valve At the top to create a bubble. It is rare but has happened. The five was always difficult to fill because you had to fill the small holes instead of the center.
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