I've taken to buying made in japan mazda rx8 filters for my 2015 impreza.
The Mazda filter has a higher capacity and larger design compared to the OEM Subaru filter. So, it will hang down slightly lower than OEM. The anti-drain back pressure seems to be similar, but I have never verified myself. I ran this filter on my 2005 Impreza WRX STi for a few years.
I’d high recommend doing an oil change with 10w30, putting on a factory oil filter (they’re about $10 at the dealer and come with a crush washer), and seeing how it behaves then. I recommend factory filters because for some very odd reason, I had less (or no) lifter tick when I used factory filters vs. aftermarket.
Mazda oil filters are good but there are aftermarket filters equal and some are better than Mazda filters. Call the independent shop and ask what oil and filter they use then research it.
In my Turbo, I use what many consider the best oil for gdi engines, pennzoil ultra platinum 5w/30 with the oem mazda filter. Although some aftermarket filters have better filter media, none meet the 22 psi bypass valve specs on the turbo engine.
VW Genuine filters used on all oil changes too.
Since I change my oil every 3,500 miles, the OEM is the best choice.
Tbf the b6 passat will probably rust away just by existing before the engine gives up. That being said, 1.4tsi engine is not great not terrible. Many problems with them are caused by lack of maintenance and by cheap oil filters.
I'd just recommend getting a VW oil filter. Some of the aftermarkets are really cheap and can collapse in on themselves.
B5 Passat (and Audi A4, same gen), 1.8T.
Filter - a big-ass 1.5 liter spin-on - mounted at an angle, directly above the front subframe.
Remove from top, after relocating the coolant tank.
Strategically use absorbent mat (floor diaper) to contain the inevitable spill.
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If choosing oil filter across many manufacturers, check the part ranking. If your choice is down to two brands, the PartReview part comparisons help.
We compare oil filter across these categories:
In March 2026 on PartReview, oil filter OEM Mazda were overall better than OEM Volkswagen.
In March 2026 on PartReview, oil filter OEM Volkswagen were overall more popular than OEM Mazda.
By vote balance, oil filter OEM Volkswagen surpassed OEM Mazda:
By number of reviews, oil filter OEM Volkswagen surpassed OEM Mazda:
In March 2026, according to PartReview, oil filter OEM Mazda led more car-specific ratings than OEM Volkswagen:
OEM Mazda are chosen by owners of cars such as: Mazda 3, and others.
Oil filter OEM Volkswagen have not yet taken leading positions in car-specific ratings. You can help by adding a review and specifying your car.
If this comparison didn’t fully answer your question, there are many others on PartReview.
For example, comparisons of oil filter OEM Mazda with: Fram, Mann, Wix, Mobil, K&N, Bosch, OEM Toyota, Motorcraft, OEM Honda, AMSOIL.
Also available: comparisons of oil filter OEM Volkswagen with: Fram, Mann, Wix, Mobil, K&N, Bosch, OEM Toyota, Motorcraft, OEM Honda, AMSOIL.
You can also see who is better among other oil filter manufacturers: Fram or Mann, Fram or Wix, Fram or Mobil, Fram or K&N, Mann or Wix.
