Quote:
Originally Posted by EdwardDennis
Why not? Bosch lists it as an OEM replacement. I would surmise that staff researched the Mitsu engine application requirements and concluded that the 3300 equals or excels those requirements.
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Yup, but to clarify, if I am to deviate from the OEM specification, I choose to do so after personal interface with the filter manufacturer.
In the case of PurolatorUSA, I actually percipitated their decision to "benchmark" the OEM Tokyo Roki/Mitsu 1230A040 filter. There were both phone and email interface with their product engineering people. In time they reported back to me that they would recommend the existing L14612 and PL14612 to the marketing people. But before they actually fitted a 14612 to a smart, marketing included the two filters on their application list. I am disappointed that the 14612s are enough longer than the OEM to be slightly exposed under the car. I alerted them to that fact based upon Kane's findings from the 14612s that I sent to him. They continue to be listed on the application list. Yes, Bosch lists the 3300 for the I3 1l smart. There is a presumption of testing, but it doesn't always hold true that everything is the same.
Purolator is owned by Bosch and Mann+Hummel. So, did Bosch do original analysis, or did they adopt PurolatorUSA's information? Or did they just continue with an existing cross-reference? Dunno. PurolatorUSA crosses the 3300 with the 14612, and that didn't work out.
Similarly, Hastings lists their LF113 as a replacement for an absolute clone of the OEM Mitsu (a Yamaha 5DM-13440-00), but digging further, the LF113 is considerably longer, and would be exposed like the 14612s.
In the case of Mobil, when I first talked to their technical staffer on the phone he said that they had already completed the lab analysis of the characteristics of the OEM , and had determined that the parameters of the M1-108 were appropriate. They were then waiting to get access to a smart to observe the filter's mounting and surroundings.
In the case of AMSoil, they initially told me on the phone that the full-synthetic EAO-12 "looked like it would work." They had done no analysis, nor did it seem like they were inclined to. A showstopper! Recently, I re-approached them, and had the email posted in "AMSoil Filter" returned. AMSoil is affiliated with Dana/Wix, and indicated that Wix is working on something.
For my own research, I have cut two OEM Tokyo Roki/Mitsu 1230A040s and two Tokyo Roki/Yamaha 5DM-13440-00s. They are absolutely identical, inside and out, even the manufacturing tool marks. The only difference is the name on the can. Even the shade of ink color on the respective boxes is the same.
So where am I at? I am using a M1-108 because I have talked with Mobil about their testing and, it is readily available locally. I obviously would use an OEM again, as well as a somewhat more available T.R./Yamaha (25 miles away vs. 50 to the dealer). I remain disappointed with the PL14612 outcome. I would like to have more info directly from Bosch engineering about the 3300 before having 100% confidence, though I may prove to be niggling.
BTW, I have only been looking into full-synthetic and semi-synthetic filters. I am hoping that Mann+Hummel will produce a spin-on filter for the W451 as they do for the W450. Mann+Hummel developed the original full-synthetic fleece technology for M-B Sheet 229.5.
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