replacement oil filters
 

I went to my local Subaru dealer to get some replacement oil filters. What they gave me was not only a filter with a different part number but a different shape. The filter that came with the car was black and had a part number of 15208AA130. What they gave me was a filter that was blue, skinnier, taller and had a part number of 15208AA15A. The gaskets seem to line up fine and I know it fits but it looks much different in the cup-area that it is installed. I pointed out the differences to the parts guy and he said that this new filter supersedes the one that came from the factory and showed me on his computer screen. This just seems strange and wanted to see if anyone here can confirm.


Thanks,


Mike

Subaruparts.com shows the 15208AA130 as the correct filter. There have been a number of threads on here where people have ended up with the wrong filters in their cars because the local dealer techs don't know the difference. That 15A filter is made by a different company and has gotten some rather bad reviews by people who have cut them open.

If you use Google to search this site, you'll find all the discussion you could ever want about the oil filters, including this thread specifically about Subaru of America stating that the 130 filter is the correct one:

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37784

I researched a bit about this recently, and found out that the black one is made in Japan. The blue one is perhaps made by Fram?

@extrashaky's post seems to make sense.

They're made by Honeywell, the same company that makes Fram filters. Fram filters are regularly derided over in the Jeep community because people have had them collapse on their 4.0L I6 engines and cause all sorts of problems. My stroker even came with a warning that the warranty would be voided if I used a Fram filter. Obviously not the same engines with the same demands, but quality is quality (or lack thereof).

If I were the OP, I would take that 15A filter back and either insist on the correct Subaru filter or switch over to Wix. I'm probably going with Wix once my "free" oil changes are over.

Wow, good info there. I'll make sure to verify that the genuine Japanese Subaru filter is always installed on my incoming BRZ.

Any other part(s) that would need to be verified or confirmed within the oil change?

My understanding was the first "few" BRZ came with that lil blue one you speak of. Many other Subies use that filter. The filter was changed sometime during the 2013 model year. My 2013 came with the stubbier black filter but I saw some BRZs come through my shop with the other. There are top-mount-filter Subarus that called for that filter.

The people who are anal retentive prefer the black one, the blue one is probably just fine for a regular interval on regular driving once in awhile, it's up to you. @extrashaky is spot on, I've read the same thing a few times over.

If you're really bugged out about it just return it and check the box before you leave next time, you can always hit up another Subaru OR Toyota dealership (Toyota sells the OEM black filter, it just comes in a red Toyota box) or just order online.

You can find them for like $6 on ebay or other shops, I went with Amazon which basically met or beat the dealerships by me with a 3 pack with crush washers included. These OEM filters are relatively cheap considering how high strung the motors are, if I own this thing for 100k miles that's 13-14 oil changes at reasonable intervals, I would save literally less than $20 by going cheap on the filter.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/SUBARU-FORESTER-FILTER-NON-TURBO-15208AA130/dp/B00C1IM0PC/ref=pd_sim_sbs_auto_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1ER0Y53774A5S 7MKJ4NS"]Amazon.com: SUBARU FORESTER OIL FILTER 3PACK 2011 2.5 NON-TURBO W/CRUSH WASHER 15208AA130: Automotive[/ame]

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/2013-2015-GENUINE-FILTER-SUBARU-Filters/dp/B00KQRAYIU"]Amazon.com: 2013-2015 GENUINE OIL FILTER SCION FR-S / SUBARU BRZ Set of 5 Filters: Automotive[/ame]


My post is full of mixed messages, but so are opinions on maintenance. I would go back and get the black filter. If they don't agree or won't refund go somewhere else, hell just order one online, run the blue filter for a week or two and then swap it when it arrives in the mail, oh well <$10 out the window, bring your own lunch to work once or twice next week.

Edit: tl;dr it probably doesn't matter but it's cheap insurance and peace of mind.

Is there an oil filter that's better than our OEM ones? Since you mentioned the OEM filters are not that great...

Read extrashaky's post above, he is more clear than I am.

The blue oil filters manufactured by Honeywell are regarded as not as 'good' or well constructed as the black oil filters manufactured by Tokyo Roki. Both are listed in Subaru's databases as 'OEM Replacements'.

I plan on using the black Tokyo Roki filter until the car kicks the bucket and then a bit longer after that.

Edit: And for clarity I would assume that 99.99% of the time the blue Honeywell filter will perform as designed with zero issues.

Nothing wrong with the Tokyo Roki's. Toyota also has a specific oil filter for the FR-S which is a bit smaller in diameter and height then it's Subaru counterpart.

Thank you. Repped.

I'd like to ask, where is the evidence that the blue Subaru filter is any worse than the black one for the average owner?

Aside from internet hearsay and circumstantial evidence, has anyone provided proof that the blue Subaru filter (used on other non-BRZ vehicles) causes any damage?

People go crazy over these things for no reason. It's like ebola for BRZs....

-alex

You could say that I am your average owner. I personally can't prove to you that the blue version causes any damage, and it very likely does a job well done.

To me, it just comes down to preference. Being a product of Japan creates that supposed extra sense of authenticity and quality to go along with where the vehicle originates from, that's all. :)

No.

Both paper filters in metal cans with a vavle in the middle.

Just a general dislike for fram propagating.