Yeah I saw that episode of Royalty. As he says there are other channels and vids that have done some better analyses but it's always good to see a new one given these manufacturers switch things up over time, sometimes switching OEMs and designs and such. These just so happen to be the oil filter for the EA888s--Gen 1 & 2.

Another thing is Wix and Mann being the same company for some time now, I believe both the regular Wix and the XP may actually be the same filter these days too, lol. Also sometimes the Wix are white and sometimes black--I have a few of the black ones and yeah they are just rebranded Mann--as long as they say Made in Alemania (Germany) then it's those same ones.

As for the prices...I mean these are retail parts store prices. The Wix and the Mann both go for about $9 USD on RockAuto, they are something like 40-50 cents different in price. So they are affordable too, just have to remember to pop in a few in your RA orders each time so you don't have to worry too much about shipping (because you're buying other stuff anyway though this only works if same warehouse).

There's also another design out there for this filter--the Champion Labs design which is what I think the Mobil1 404 filter is...but I can't remember. That design was actually updated and much improved a year or two ago, but anyway it's not shown in the video...

 

As TT'sRevenge points out, the price difference between brands makes little difference at the end of the day. But I'll stick with the Mann brand name. At least for the European market they are produced here in Germany or Czech Republic. For air and cabin filters, any brand name will suffice as I don't think it really matters all that much as long as they are changed regularly.

For Haldex filters, you do need to be very cautious as the Chinese (AliExpress) are flooding the market with the Gen2 filters which I posted here -

https://www.ttforum.co.uk/threads/fake-chinese-haldex-filters-pumps-how-to-identify-them.2043455/?post_id=9722114#post-9722114

It's best to stick with Audi or OE manufacturers for engine critical parts; (e.g. Spark plugs, HPFP Cam Followers, etc.) as you don't want these to grenade inside your engine. For external items like the N80 EVAP system solenoid or the charcoal canister or even the air/cabin filters, it probably doesn't really matter that much if you go OE or store brand. But for the fuel filter located under the passengers door, I'd also stick with either Audi or OE. Audi's parts prices have come way down over the years as there's a lot of competition since OEMs (e.g. Febi Bilstein, Valeo, Mann, Hella, etc.) are selling the exact same parts less the VAG logo. I have found in a number of cases, it was actually cheaper to buy directly over the counter from Audi Parts than from resellers.

 

For external items like the N80 EVAP system solenoid or the charcoal canister or even the air/cabin filters...

As a note on the N80 in particular... For the EA113s these are pretty cheap. You can get a genuine Bosch valve for like $25-30 over here. No need to mess with aftermarkets, even if they are $10, not worth it to buy the China junk when can get the real Bosch for not much more. Meanwhile of course, stealer wants like $200 for one of these 🙄 Though as recently discussed these may be much cheaper in Europe at dealers.

On the EA888s you're supposed to replace the whole assembly for the N80 since the hoses are "shrunk fit" on there and are difficult to remove without breaking. So that you're kind of screwed on (in having to get the VAG part) unless you can do it w/o damage but depends on how brittle your hoses have become I suppose. One guy on here tried doing this but was not getting the right valve IIRC--some of them look similar but don't function exactly the same. I can't remember if he ended up buying the whole assembly to fix it or if he eventually found a valve that worked.

I'm not sure about the EA390/VR6 ones...

 

What bothers me the most is (VW/Audi tech 28 yrs/shop owner), the quality and performance of garbage filters. I use Mann/Purflux/Mahle filters exclusively as I hate seeing (and I show customers) these garbage aftermarket filters especially on the 2.0T drain back after shut off and every time you start your car you are starving it for oil till the filter fills up every time you start it... frustrating!

 

@ TT'sRevenge - Thankfully the N80 on the 3.2 VR6 is quite simple.

 

the quality and performance of garbage filters. I use Mann/Purflux/Mahle filters exclusively as I hate seeing (and I show customers) these garbage aftermarket filters especially on the 2.0T

Speed Test​

 

I have been using a larger Mann 940/25 on my 1.8t mk4 GTI for years, and after this video found some of the Hengst for sale at a euro parts supplier so thought I would try them. They have the same "T" bar removal stamping as the Mann 940/25 which I find handy and made my own to save a 30$ tool cost. will use these on my GTI and the 1.8t in my mk1 TT USA engine code AWP

 

I'm not shocked, but this is eye opening. Oil Filter Differences — What Are You Paying For?

And this is interesting 😏

 

these guys like so many in the so called 'developing worlds' are being taken advantage of. Compared to most in the west their quality/cost of life is so low that labour costs are minimal thereby increasing profits for the global brands who often source according to labour costs.
This is changing as 'the robots' appear and carry out these labour intensive jobs.
Anyone here remember the 'Luddites' ..

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luddite

 

As previously said it's no surprise that exactly the same filter has different prices but what I would like to know is, is the Hengst design actually better & worth paying the money for? Many, including myself buy genuine Audi thinking it is the best & therefore commands a premium but the reality could be different if the others are exactly the same filter or if the Hengst is a more efficient design as well. .

 

Too bad that both Mann and Mahle filters for VAG cars are made in China these days.

 

the video highlights what we already know, most items we buy we pay for the 'branding' hence why we now buy generic paracetomol etc. The issue for me is car makers like Audi giving us inferior 'OEM' parts to reduce their costs and increase their profits whilst advertising the overall 'high quality' of their product .. items that spring to mind are the mk2 window mech and the mk3 sports seat sides. They are eventually are 'called out' over repeated failures and are forced to increase the quality or forums like this help us find alternatives or solutions.