I rang up my local Skoda dealer last week to order a bunch of bits, including an oil filter, and supplied them with my VIN and Reg. no.

When I turned up I was faced with a jumbo oil filter that I'd never seen before. It was this one: http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-Golf_IV--1.8T/Maintenance/Engine/Oil_Filter/ES2342/

It was sealed up in a typical VAG box, so I opened it up and then assumed it was wrong and returned it. Now the parts lady claimed it was the one brought up by my VIN, but having never seen such a beast before, I assumed they got something wrong and asked for the "proper" one that I've always had. They didn't argue, and actually agreed with me and ordered me the smaller one I normally get. I thought that was case solved.....

But having looked on the ECS website and various forums I've opened a can of worms! Apparently a Technical Service Bulletin was issued to help reduce oil sludge issues. The bulletin stated the use of a larger filter and correct grade fully synthetic oils.

http://www.passatworld.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-210369.html

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=329327

Now with all the recent hysteria around blocked pick-up pipes, this has got me thinking that maybe we should be using this new bigger filter.

Original filter: 06A115561B

New 'Big' filter: 068115561B

I've read comments saying that the new filter is only required on longitudinal 1.8T's where the oil capacity is less than that of the transverse engines. But if that were the case, why would Skoda try and give it to me. Especially since no Octavia has ever had a longitudinal engine. Increasing the oil capacity of the engine is apparently supposed to reduce the chances of sludge build up.

If you google "TSB 17-04-01" then it brings up lots of info.

Is anyone using this bigger filter? Having read up on the Beetle forum, people say the big ones fit OK, but do touch a rad hose.

I think I need to have a proper chat with the Skoda parts people, and find out exactly what is specified as the latest filter type for my engine. Obviously the normal filter has been fine for the last 8.5yrs, so it's nothing to get too excited about! But if there's something out there that will prolong the life/quality of the oil in my engine, then I'm interested....

P.S. I have always used Castrol Edge 5W-30.

Just found another interesting thread on the Beetle forum: http://newbeetle.org/forums/technical-how/16596-larger-oil-filters-our-4-cyl-engines.html

Well I make that filter one for diesel engined VAG Cars. ( I have tecdoc at work so can see every model it fits) Its certainly not the one that we would supply for a 1.8t

Well I make that filter one for diesel engined VAG Cars. ( I have tecdoc at work so can see every model it fits) Its certainly not the one that we would supply for a 1.8t

Yeah apparently that's exactly what it is. They just decided to use it on the 1.8T's too, so it's not really a "new" filter, it's just new to this engine.

For 4 years I use only the standard small filter with good 5W40 oil.

3 months ago I changed the gasket from the engine cap ,and I found that the engine inside is very clean

so....no worries for me

Back in my MX5 days, people used to fit a Honda CRV oil filter to them. That filter was physically bigger. Not sure on the advantage of a larger filter.

On SWMBOs Leon (1.6 petrol) you have to use a short oil filter because otherwise the pipework from the aircon compressor gets in the way.

TSB #14-01 only seems to apply to engines AEB, AMB, ATW, AUG and AWM which are longitudinal.

Has someone misread AUQ as AUG?

TSB #14-01 only seems to apply to engines AEB, AMB, ATW, AUG and AWM which are longitudinal.

Has someone misread AUQ as AUG?

Ahhar, so it's only compulsory on those engines then. Did you manage to find the original document from VW?

I'll confirm with Skoda tomorrow if they made a mistake with me or not. They either made a mistake and picked up the wrong one, or they've changed the associated filter.

I've been chatting to one of the engine guys at work and he says if I can fit a bigger filter go for it, as it will only do good.

Interestingly both the Mahle and Mann web-catalogues list the standard sized filter for our engine, and the larger ones are listed for the Passat/A4 1.8T cars.

Standard - 06A115561B (Mahle OC264) : height=118mm, diameter=76mm, o-ring ID/OD=62/72mm

Big - 068115561B (Mahle OC51) : height=149mm, diameter=93.2mm, o-ring ID/OD=62/72mm

So it's 31mm longer and 17.2mm fatter.

I'll keep you posted.....

Wouldnt be the first time that ETKA was wrong though anyhow.

OK so it was just a coincidence! They gave me the filter off a diesel by mistake, which just so happened to be the same one fitted to the longitudinal 1.8T's to solve a sludge issue! I got a bit excited.....

The correct filter for our cars is still the 76mm diameter 06A115561B. But the larger 068115561B does fit, if you have the urge.

Skoda charge £5.50+vat, GSF charge £3+vat.

The OEM is MANN, and their part number is W719/30. The bypass valve has an opening pressure of 2.5Bar, and it uses the 14 sided 76mm filter socket.

I just picked up two MANN filters from GSF, so good to go.

The guy in GSF was also in the market for a low milage standard vRS, in the West Yorkshire area. So we had a good chat, and I directed him to the site. Always good to spread the vRS love!

Am sure i've got that filter on my car, last time i nipped to dealer i got a couple of them so i had one spare cos i never seem to have time to nip to dealer

If i could be bothered i would nip to shed and have a look

Was that from the huddersfield one?

Was that from the huddersfield one?

Yup that's the one!

For many years I have always used Mann filters but the one I purchased last october was stamped "Made In China".

Knowing what rubbish China makes I will be using Mahle filters from now on.

I've been using the UFI oil filter that Opie oils sell, had 2 of these monsters for the last 2 oil changes and never had any probs.

For many years I have always used Mann filters but the one I purchased last october was stamped "Made In China".

Knowing what rubbish China makes I will be using Mahle filters from now on.

Mine both say "Made in Germany" on them, and it says "AUDI-AG, VW (VOLKSWAGEN)" in big writing on the box.

Where did you get yours from? Where they for the Skoda?

Don't assume the stereotype that everything made in China is poor quality anyway. We have a manufacturing plant in China, and they probably make some of the better turbos. Their facility is currently the most advanced globally. Dodgy cheap copied items that fly out of China are obviously complete carp though! Which is where the stereotype has come from.

Automotive parts made in China for the European market have to meet the same standards and specs as anything made in Europe. Assuming they are genuine of course.

But yeah, I do know what you mean anyway. There's something comforting about those three words...... Made in Germany!

By the way, Mahle have several filter manufacturing plants in China too! So you're not necessarily safe there either! Sorry to p*ss on your chips! :p

Edited 16 December, 201015 yr by Bodge

Mine both say "Made in Germany" on them, and it says "AUDI-AG, VW (VOLKSWAGEN)" in big writing on the box.

Where did you get yours from? Where they for the Skoda?

Don't assume the stereotype that everything made in China is poor quality anyway. We have a manufacturing plant in China, and they probably make some of the better turbos. Their facility is currently the most advanced globally. Dodgy cheap copied items that fly out of China are obviously complete carp though! Which is where the stereotype has come from.

Automotive parts made in China for the European market have to meet the same standards and specs as anything made in Europe. Assuming they are genuine of course.

But yeah, I do know what you mean anyway. There's something comforting about those three words...... Made in Germany!

By the way, Mahle have several filter manufacturing plants in China too! So you're not necessarily safe there either! Sorry to p*ss on your chips!

Purchased from AVS Skoda Parts.

Edited 17 December, 201015 yr by hussarman