I changed out the factory fill today at 2,347 miles. I could not find any VW 502 oil in 0w30 locally, so I used Valvoline MST 5w40 which is certified for VW 502, so no warranty concerns. I also used an OEM VW filter which was 15 bucks delivered also on line, but I hope to find those locally for a bit less in the future. I could see small shiny specs of debris in the creases of the old filter, which is why I (and many folks) don't like to run factory fill oil very long.
Mann is OEM to many manufacturers. Since I've been fixing German cars for 35 years, I'm pretty certain I have seen more used oil filters that you ever will. As a diagnostic technician for over 20 years, I bet I cut open more oil/fuel filters too. I have never seen a factory [Mann, Hengst, Mahle] filter not do their job in the time/mileage they are suppose to do it. I have seen them fail after 40k miles, but that is not what they are designed to last.
I noticed a huge difference in how clean the oil was midway between changes when I went to a Mann filter from a Purolator filter.
Best is sticking with OE stuff (VW, Mann, or Mahle - Mann filters can be had from many places online.) If I were to shotgun parts at this (read: not bother checking pressure with a gauge, just throw parts at it), I would do a good filter, and an actual VW pressure switch
I run all of my fleet either on OE VAG filters or Mahle and Mann who are the OEMs for VAG. I buy filters in bulk, depending on who has which filter at an attractive price at the moment. Right now I have a Mann HU 719/7x in the Eurovan - according to the maintenance spreadsheet I bought it for $7.72 from autohausaz.
Make sure you get ONLY an OEM Mann oil filter or you WILL have oil pressure issues and you WILL shorten the life of your motor, guaranteed.
Buy Mann/Mahle or equivalent filters - Amazon/ebay/rockauto. Those are OEM suppliers.
Last tip: if you change your oil yourself make ABSOLUTELY certain you use an OEM Mann filter. DO NOT use whatever Fram, M1, or whatever brand filter they have at your local autoparts store.
I always recommend using a genuine VW oil filter.
I loath pulling out the Mann filter that I use on my AMU motor. Total pain especially when the thing is like 200 degrees. Barely fits through but it always gets out of there somehow.
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