Mazda Oil Filter - Made in Mexico?

[Lbear]

The Mazda dealer is carrying a new oil filter called "Mazda Value Products" but it states "Made in Mexico" on the oil filter vs. the other oil filter I had in my possession (from a different Mazda dealer) which states "Made in Japan" on the oil filter.

I think I will stick with the Japanese version. Weird that Mazda is outsourcing filters to Mexico and selling them at Mazda dealers.

 

[MikeM.]

The Mazda dealer is carrying a new oil filter called "Mazda Value Products" but it states "Made in Mexico" on the oil filter vs. the other oil filter I had in my possession (from a different Mazda dealer) which states "Made in Japan" on the oil filter.

I think I will stick with the Japanese version. Weird that Mazda is outsourcing filters to Mexico and selling them at Mazda dealers.

Is it made with the same materials? Yes, a Japanese made item instills more confidence but as long as they are built to the same standards, who cares? Mazda builds cars in Mexico too.

 

[yrwei52]

The Mazda dealer is carrying a new oil filter called "Mazda Value Products" but it states "Made in Mexico" on the oil filter vs. the other oil filter I had in my possession (from a different Mazda dealer) which states "Made in Japan" on the oil filter.
I think I will stick with the Japanese version. Weird that Mazda is outsourcing filters to Mexico and selling them at Mazda dealers.

Do you know if the "new" Mexican made oil filter is having the same part number as the Japanese made one?

 

[banjos-n-beer]

My 19" GT rims state they're made in China.

 

[craigo]

The Mazda dealer is carrying a new oil filter called "Mazda Value Products" but it states "Made in Mexico" on the oil filter vs. the other oil filter I had in my possession (from a different Mazda dealer) which states "Made in Japan" on the oil filter.

I think I will stick with the Japanese version. Weird that Mazda is outsourcing filters to Mexico and selling them at Mazda dealers.

They have a new factory in Mexico so it makes sense to source products from nearby. In fact, I think they have to to qualify for duty-free import via nafta. Recent 3's and 2's are built there. The quality is the same, the cost savings comes from not having to ship across the ocean. Come to think of it, I commented the other day that our 3 has smaller panel gaps than my Japan-built cx-5.

 

[paris1]

They have a new factory in Mexico so it makes sense to source products from nearby. In fact, I think they have to to qualify for duty-free import via nafta. Recent 3's and 2's are built there. The quality is the same, the cost savings comes from not having to ship across the ocean. Come to think of it, I commented the other day that our 3 has smaller panel gaps than my Japan-built cx-5.

...and cheap Mexican labor.

 

[flyfisherdon]

I can remember a time when Japanese made products were on a par with what we now think of Chinese products.

 

[CX-5um]

Not as concerned with the build (metal plated stamping) and its a non moving part. More concerned with filter element and rubber seal. If a tear down reveals its basically the same then hey I guess it could be okay.

 

[CX-5um]

I can remember a time when Japanese made products were on a par with what we now think of Chinese products.

The misconception is that China makes only cheap products. The reality is that they'll make the product at a quality relative to cost. Apple products are made in China as are Apple knockoffs.

 

[Natey]

Yeah, I was just checking out one of their high-quality nuclear submarine bases hidden inside a mountain last night on TV. It should be finished by the end of '16. Stoked on Chinese made products!!


On topic: Who buy oil filters at the dealer anyway?

Just buy a Wix and there's no need to worry or overthink it. (drinks)

 

[MikeM.]

Just buy a Wix and there's no need to worry or overthink it. (drinks)

Wix manufactures filters in China and Mexico as well. So how is that allaying fears about country of manufacture?

I believe the country of manufacture is immaterial from a quality standpoint, it's all about the quality control in place at the manufacturing facility. I would trust Wix (but I don't think it's any better than the OEM Mazda oil filter).

The fact of the matter is oil filtration is not all that important on modern engines. You just want to insure you have a filter that's not going to disintegrate, block the flow of oil or split open (all very uncommon with decent brands) and meets the manufactures specs. The OEM filter does this at about $8 last I checked.

 

[Natey]

I have no fears about my oil filters. That's because I did my research, found a high quality brand of filter and stuck with it. If you think oil filtration is unimportant, that's your decision. I'll stick with one of the best filters on the market, which are available anywhere for around 2 fiddy.

http://autoplicity.com/8263117-wix-...GA9IXfHsb6nXrRLPVlgeJ7_uufumrepWShxoCETjw_wcB

 

[MikeM.]

I have no fears about my oil filters. That's because I did my research, found a high quality brand of filter and stuck with it. If you think oil filtration is unimportant, that's your decision. I'll stick with one of the best filters on the market, which are available anywhere for around 2 fiddy.

http://autoplicity.com/8263117-wix-...GA9IXfHsb6nXrRLPVlgeJ7_uufumrepWShxoCETjw_wcB

It might only cost $2.59 plus shipping but it looks like it's bypass pressure is too low (8-11 psi) vs. that specified by Mazda for the Skyactiv 2.0L (12.0-17.1 psi). Skyactiv engines have a lubrication system that is computer controlled and operates in two modes (high pressure, low pressure) depending upon certain parameters:

http://www.cx3forum.com/forum/attac...3-you-prefer-awd-fwd-cx-3-engine-overview.pdf

Does the 2.5L Skyactiv use a different bypass pressure?

 

[CX-5um]

It might only cost $2.59 plus shipping but it looks like it's bypass pressure is too low (8-11 psi) vs. that specified by Mazda for the Skyactiv 2.0L (12.0-17.1 psi). Skyactiv engines have a lubrication system that is computer controlled and operates in two modes (high pressure, low pressure) depending upon certain parameters:

http://www.cx3forum.com/forum/attac...3-you-prefer-awd-fwd-cx-3-engine-overview.pdf

Does the 2.5L Skyactiv use a different bypass pressure?

Looks like that's a universal racing Wix filter used for many different makes/models which doesn't meet skyactiv specs and has the Anti Drain back Valve. The correct Skyactiv Wix filter is part number 57002 which Wix took the time and engineered to meet skyactiv specs.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3446537/Wix's_custom_filter_57002_crea

 

[MikeM.]

Looks like that's a universal racing Wix filter used for many different makes/models which doesn't meet skyactiv specs and has the Anti Drain back Valve. The correct Skyactiv Wix filter is part number 57002 which Wix took the time and engineered to meet skyactiv specs.

But the Wix 57002 costs $9.57 at the same retailer. That's MORE than I've ever paid for an OEM Mazda filter (and I didn't have to do extensive research to determine it was suitable for my engine). The point of Natey's post was that he had done the research and he was getting the best filter on the market for only $2.50. However, when I look at Wix's own specs for those two filters, the cheap one only filters down to 21 microns while the one they sell for the CX-5 filters down to 15 microns. And the bypass pressure, even on the Wix filter costing $9.57 still isn't as high as that specified by Mazda in the info sheet I linked to above.

This is why I go with the Mazda filter.

 

[yrwei52]

I have no fears about my oil filters. That's because I did my research, found a high quality brand of filter and stuck with it. If you think oil filtration is unimportant, that's your decision. I'll stick with one of the best filters on the market, which are available anywhere for around 2 fiddy.
http://autoplicity.com/8263117-wix-...GA9IXfHsb6nXrRLPVlgeJ7_uufumrepWShxoCETjw_wcB

The description of this universal-fit Wix Racing Filters 168 Protec oil filter says "Provide Good Engine Protection Using Conventional Motor Oil"! And although it costs only $2.56 each, but the ground shipping to my address costs me additional $10.50! Thanks you very much I'll stick with cheaper and SkyActiv-friendly OEM oil filter!

Yeah, I also noticed that this Wix filter has unnecessary anti-drain-back valve and low by-pass valve setting.

Have no fears about getting an OEM oil filter. The price difference can't even buy me a meal from In-N-Out!

 

[CX-5um]

But the Wix 57002 costs $9.57 at the same retailer. That's MORE than I've ever paid for an OEM Mazda filter (and I didn't have to do extensive research to determine it was suitable for my engine). The point of Natey's post was that he had done the research and he was getting the best filter on the market for only $2.50. However, when I look at Wix's own specs for those two filters, the cheap one only filters down to 21 microns while the one they sell for the CX-5 filters down to 15 microns. And the bypass pressure, even on the Wix filter costing $9.57 still isn't as high as that specified by Mazda in the info sheet I linked to above.

This is why I go with the Mazda filter.

I came to the same conclusion a few weeks back too. Rockauto was selling the appropriate Wix filters really cheap BUT the shipping costs brought the pricing up. The Wix is a good solid backup but the OEM filter was cheaper shipped free via Amazon.

 

[madar]

I came to the same conclusion a few weeks back too. Rockauto was selling the appropriate Wix filters really cheap BUT the shipping costs brought the pricing up. The Wix is a good solid backup but the OEM filter was cheaper shipped free via Amazon.

Yep, just got 4 OEMs from Amazon Prime, 8 bucks and change, a few pennies cheaper than the dealers charge around here.

 

[Buzzer777]

Low mileage driver here

Yep, just got 4 OEMs from Amazon Prime, 8 bucks and change, a few pennies cheaper than the dealers charge around here.

Even though I am a low mileage driver, (and pay the stealership to change my oil)I have found through the years, that using OEM filters are almost always worth the few extra pennies over the car's life.

I have also noticed that with most brands, the oem oil filter is a re-badged Toyo Roki. Factors here that influence my choices: Lots of short trips;lots of dust in the air; keeping up with the INTERVAL, NOT just the Miles for warranty upkeep !! (oil absorbs water as does synthetic).

I do NOT relish supporting my dealer BUT they DO use 0w20 Mobile One and using the OEM Mazda Coupon, the synthetic change w/ Mazda Oil Filter is like $40! (about the same $$ as 3rd party stuff.) JMHO

 

[Lbear]

I went with a Made in Japan oil filter via Amazon. The Made in Mexico oil filter just didn't install confidence. It probably would be OK but just went with the Made in Japan filter.

I'm glad I changed the oil at just 2,500 miles on the oil/new engine. There was a strong fuel smell in the oil. Well worth the peace of mind to do an early oil change.