I recently purchased a brand new Mann and Mahle air filters to suit my D2a TD5. Both were listed as 'OEM' and I therefore assumed that I would have two of the same. What arrived:
Aside from the slightly different colouring, the first thing that I noticed is that the paper used on the Mahle was much rougher. Touching it confirmed this.
The Mahle also looked to have less pleats than the Mann - counting them confirmed this, 10 less pleats.
The orange rubber seal on the Mann is significantly softer and squishier than that of the Mahle - I suspect that it would seal better. It's also much neater in it's moulding and manufacturing.
I then held them up to a light:
The Mann filter was dark except for a pleat which was opened up to to being held curved, while the Mahle filter would light up with light coming through all over it.
While I've clearly done no scientific testing on either, it'll be Mann filter only for me from now on. The quality difference is significantly noticeable in it's feel.
EDIT: if you haven't already seen it, you may also be interested in OffTrack's comparison of Cooper vs Genuine LR air filter at
TD5 air filters .
Bookmarks