Oil Filter - LotusTalk

fastliz · 11-19-2005, 09:39 AM

Well, I got tired of playing phone-tag with Palm Beach Motorcars - the service rep for Lotus NEVER answers his phone, which forces me to leave a voicemail or hang up. I don't have that kind of time during the week. So, I usually hang up. On Wednesday, I called, and even the receptionist wouldn't answer the phone! It just rang and rang at the main number.

So, I'm doing the oil change myself. I perused the oil filter threads, but I decided for this oil change (time was of the essence), rather than go all over town or place orders with the Toyota dealer, I'd buy the filter from the dealer this time.

It cost $26!

I also picked up a half-dozen plug gaskets for $1.64 each.

Here are photos of the filter. I noticed the P/N did not match any of the ones mentioned on the other threads.

Mike

Bruce · 11-19-2005, 10:06 AM

$26 for a filter made in Thailand

azskycop · 11-19-2005, 10:18 AM

I have not searched the threads here on filters but Mobil makes a very good Oil filter, marketed as a Mobil 1 filter. They should be available at any good auto parts store. They do cost a little more but from what I have read elsewhere are well worth the money.

I know its too late this time but maybe this info will help for next.

GOGO · 11-19-2005, 11:35 AM

After having my first oil changed at the 1000 mile inspection at MAG I perches 2 oil filters $62 something with tax when I got home and took them out of the Lotus box it was a Toyota filter. I called the parts counter at the Toyota dealer gave them the part number and was told that thy can not get that filter, it is the filter put on at the factory only so when the first oil change is made it can be noted, or if you never get the oil change and 15,000 miles later your motor blow and you swayer up and do you did it your self they can look at the filter number and prove you wrong. Which begs the question, if this filter can only be had from Lotus and not from Toyota for the above mentioned reason if you blow an engine and you have the filter on if from Toyota but has the wrong numbers what will happen. Me the next time I change the oil and the dealer dose not see my car for a while I will us the Toyota filer that is about $2 and only put the one out of the Lotus box on for mandated inspections to keep the warranty.

Stan · 11-19-2005, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOGO

After having my first oil changed at the 1000 mile inspection at MAG I perches 2 oil filters $62 something with tax when I got home and took them out of the Lotus box it was a Toyota filter. I called the parts counter at the Toyota dealer gave them the part number and was told that thy can not get that filter, it is the filter put on at the factory only so when the first oil change is made it can be noted, or if you never get the oil change and 15,000 miles later your motor blow and you swayer up and do you did it your self they can look at the filter number and prove you wrong. Which begs the question, if this filter can only be had from Lotus and not from Toyota for the above mentioned reason if you blow an engine and you have the filter on if from Toyota but has the wrong numbers what will happen. Me the next time I change the oil and the dealer dose not see my car for a while I will us the Toyota filer that is about $2 and only put the one out of the Lotus box on for mandated inspections to keep the warranty.

You should do what you are comfortable with, but I think you don't need to worry so much about the filter and warranty issues. Just use a quality filter and you'll be fine with motor life, protection, warranty if the engine blew and it was Toyota's or Lotus's fault and anything else.

Dave · 11-19-2005, 12:28 PM

I've been using the K&N Gold line of filters on all my cars...been happy so far. Easy wrench-off too.

http://www.knfilters.com/search/prod...x?Prod=HP-1003

Raindem · 11-19-2005, 06:10 PM

$7.99 at www.mcgeorgeparts.com. That's for the factory filter 90915-10004.

fastliz · 11-19-2005, 06:57 PM

OK... Here's the latest. I did the oil change. Backed the car onto ramps. Got all the engine panel bolts out. After that, access is EASY. Below, you'll see a photo of one of the panel bolts that was apparently "gorilla-handled" by a tech, ostensibly at PBMC. It's rather obvious the bolt was tight and a pair of pliers / vise-grips was used and boogered up the head AND part of the threads!

Of further note is the oil filter sold to me by PBMC is NOT the same filter as was on the car (that I removed).

New filter: 90915-TA002 Made in THAILAND

Old filter (put on at 1000 mile service??): 90915-10004 Made in JAPAN

It still fit fine, so I used it. Hopefully, it's not a problem. The new filter is obviously not of the same quality as the old one. Look at the photo of the "working end" of the new one in my previous post and compare it to the old filter. Curiously, the old filter is, ostensibly, one put on by PBMC. Why didn't they sell me the same one? Comments?

Here are some pics:

Mike

pianomaniac · 11-19-2005, 07:25 PM

Ouch.....about the bolt!

....but I don't see the "obviously not the same quality" regarding filter. Am I missing something.....other than country of origin?

fastliz · 11-19-2005, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pianomaniac

Ouch.....about the bolt!

....but I don't see the "obviously not the same quality" regarding filter. Am I missing something.....other than country of origin?

You should see what SOMEONE (besides me) did to the bottom of my Elise with a jack (not placed on the correct jack point). Never could get anyone to take responsibility. Click here for that thread.

As for the quality... I'm no expert, but the Thai filter looks like a single layer of sheet metal, whereas the JDM filter has reiforcements... and just LOOKS like a heavy-duty filter. Someone here, I'm sure, knows the difference between the two. What's odd, is that they BOTH came from my dealer. That is... unless, they don't change the filter at the 1000-mile service.

Mike

othafa · 11-20-2005, 02:46 AM

I'd be interested in the internal structure of the two filters. The external appearance could be deceptive. They could be similar or very different in filtering ability.
Do you have any recollection of the original factory filter versus the filter put on at the 1000 mile service? It makes you wonder if we are paying for extra protection on a high performance car or just a price gouge for a prestigious name. By the way, Mike, haven't I seen you post on Dentaltown?

fastliz · 11-20-2005, 06:11 AM

I never got to see the original factory filter, assuming it WAS changed at the 1000-mile service.

I will be calling PBMC to ask why the filter they sold me is different than the one they supposedly put on at the 1000-mile service.

Yep... that's me on DentalTown!

Mike

spider · 11-20-2005, 06:28 AM

The made-in-Thailand filter is the replacement filter for the JDM one which comes on our car from the factory. JDM filters are extremely hard to find in the US and most dealers don't stock them. Even when ordering online with the correct part number (90915-10004), you may still receive the replacement filter (ask me how I know

). I ended up ordering directly from a Toyota dealer and made the parts guy make sure they were indeed the JDM ones.

The made-in-Thailand filter should not be more than $5 and the JDM filter is around $8.50.

fastliz · 11-20-2005, 06:46 AM

Good info, Spider. Thanks. So, based on what you're saying.... the JDM filter is put on at the factory... I can assume that my dealer did NOT change the oil filter at the 1000-mile service? Is this normal?

Mike

mackinaugh · 11-20-2005, 07:05 AM

More likely that they had the 90915-10004 at the first oil change, but no longer stock it (or chose to go with the cheaper filter this time) I would think.

More info about filters:
http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13845

http://elisetalk.com/forums/showthre...7&page=1&pp=20

I didn't see any mention of the 90915-TA002 filter you got, though.

TimMullen · 11-20-2005, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by othafa

I'd be interested in the internal structure of the two filters. The external appearance could be deceptive. They could be similar or very different in filtering ability.

You can't tell a thing about the filter's ability to do its job (filtering) by looking at the internal structure of a filter. There are several web sites that take apart oil filters and judge its usefulness as a filter dependent on what it looks like. Totally meaning less, but it is being taken as Gospel by a whole generation of "car guys"...

Unfortunately, no one is actually doing tests on the filter's ability to filter, flow rate, expected filtering ability as the mileage piles up, etc...

choi0706 · 11-22-2005, 03:47 PM

The local Toyota Dealer in houston has 6 in stock for $10.85 each. About to pick one up next week!

Bruce · 11-22-2005, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choi0706

The local Toyota Dealer in houston has 6 in stock for $10.85 each. About to pick one up next week!

Is it the one across the road from the Porsche store?

choi0706 · 11-22-2005, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce

Is it the one across the road from the Porsche store?

nope! Champion Toyota. but it is quite far from my house in Katy

fitfan · 11-23-2005, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce

$26 for a filter made in Thailand

...you can get a lube job for a lot less than that in bangkok

11-19-2005, 09:39 AM	#1 (permalink)
fastliz formerly known as fastwrx Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Posts: 1,495	Oil Filter Well, I got tired of playing phone-tag with Palm Beach Motorcars - the service rep for Lotus NEVER answers his phone, which forces me to leave a voicemail or hang up. I don't have that kind of time during the week. So, I usually hang up. On Wednesday, I called, and even the receptionist wouldn't answer the phone! It just rang and rang at the main number. So, I'm doing the oil change myself. I perused the oil filter threads, but I decided for this oil change (time was of the essence), rather than go all over town or place orders with the Toyota dealer, I'd buy the filter from the dealer this time. It cost $26! I also picked up a half-dozen plug gaskets for $1.64 each. Here are photos of the filter. I noticed the P/N did not match any of the ones mentioned on the other threads. Mike Attached Images __________________ The "car-tist" formerly known as Fastwrx! 2004 Subaru WRX STi 2005 Lotus Elise CO, LSS, Hardtop, Starshield - Got it!! Last edited by fastliz : 11-19-2005 at 11:52 AM.

11-19-2005, 10:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
Bruce Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,579	$26 for a filter made in Thailand __________________ '05 Storm Titanium / Red Touring / Hardtop / Stage 1 / Exige Wheels / Ohlins / RTD Brace / Traqmate

11-19-2005, 10:18 AM	#3 (permalink)
azskycop Fly N Lowr Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 802	I have not searched the threads here on filters but Mobil makes a very good Oil filter, marketed as a Mobil 1 filter. They should be available at any good auto parts store. They do cost a little more but from what I have read elsewhere are well worth the money. I know its too late this time but maybe this info will help for next. __________________ If you're not living on the edge you're taking up too much space! www.GoodBodyHealth.com

11-19-2005, 12:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
Dave Mods are good for you Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,945	I've been using the K&N Gold line of filters on all my cars...been happy so far. Easy wrench-off too. http://www.knfilters.com/search/prod...x?Prod=HP-1003 __________________ 2008 Solar S240 Exige 2005 Saffron Elise - BOE TVS Supercharger 291WHP w/ EFI Engine Mgmt

11-19-2005, 06:10 PM	#7 (permalink)
Raindem Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Las Cruces, NM Posts: 494	$7.99 at www.mcgeorgeparts.com. That's for the factory filter 90915-10004. Last edited by Raindem : 11-19-2005 at 06:13 PM.

11-19-2005, 11:35 AM	#4 (permalink)
GOGO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 142	After having my first oil changed at the 1000 mile inspection at MAG I perches 2 oil filters $62 something with tax when I got home and took them out of the Lotus box it was a Toyota filter. I called the parts counter at the Toyota dealer gave them the part number and was told that thy can not get that filter, it is the filter put on at the factory only so when the first oil change is made it can be noted, or if you never get the oil change and 15,000 miles later your motor blow and you swayer up and do you did it your self they can look at the filter number and prove you wrong. Which begs the question, if this filter can only be had from Lotus and not from Toyota for the above mentioned reason if you blow an engine and you have the filter on if from Toyota but has the wrong numbers what will happen. Me the next time I change the oil and the dealer dose not see my car for a while I will us the Toyota filer that is about $2 and only put the one out of the Lotus box on for mandated inspections to keep the warranty.

11-19-2005, 06:57 PM	#8 (permalink)
fastliz formerly known as fastwrx Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Posts: 1,495	OK... Here's the latest. I did the oil change. Backed the car onto ramps. Got all the engine panel bolts out. After that, access is EASY. Below, you'll see a photo of one of the panel bolts that was apparently "gorilla-handled" by a tech, ostensibly at PBMC. It's rather obvious the bolt was tight and a pair of pliers / vise-grips was used and boogered up the head AND part of the threads! Of further note is the oil filter sold to me by PBMC is NOT the same filter as was on the car (that I removed). New filter: 90915-TA002 Made in THAILAND Old filter (put on at 1000 mile service??): 90915-10004 Made in JAPAN It still fit fine, so I used it. Hopefully, it's not a problem. The new filter is obviously not of the same quality as the old one. Look at the photo of the "working end" of the new one in my previous post and compare it to the old filter. Curiously, the old filter is, ostensibly, one put on by PBMC. Why didn't they sell me the same one? Comments? Here are some pics: Mike Attached Images __________________ The "car-tist" formerly known as Fastwrx! 2004 Subaru WRX STi 2005 Lotus Elise CO, LSS, Hardtop, Starshield - Got it!! Last edited by fastliz : 11-19-2005 at 07:05 PM.

11-19-2005, 07:25 PM	#9 (permalink)
pianomaniac Elise #76 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: SoCal Posts: 2,531	Ouch.....about the bolt! ....but I don't see the "obviously not the same quality" regarding filter. Am I missing something.....other than country of origin? __________________ Owner of '05 Elise S/T- touring- LSS-Stage 2 '07 Audi RS4 4.2L V-8 420 HP - 6 Sp..(sold) '07 Toyota Prius

11-20-2005, 02:46 AM	#11 (permalink)
othafa It's an Elise kind of day Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Edmonds, WA Posts: 91	I'd be interested in the internal structure of the two filters. The external appearance could be deceptive. They could be similar or very different in filtering ability. Do you have any recollection of the original factory filter versus the filter put on at the 1000 mile service? It makes you wonder if we are paying for extra protection on a high performance car or just a price gouge for a prestigious name. By the way, Mike, haven't I seen you post on Dentaltown?

11-20-2005, 06:11 AM	#12 (permalink)
fastliz formerly known as fastwrx Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Posts: 1,495	I never got to see the original factory filter, assuming it WAS changed at the 1000-mile service. I will be calling PBMC to ask why the filter they sold me is different than the one they supposedly put on at the 1000-mile service. Yep... that's me on DentalTown! Mike __________________ The "car-tist" formerly known as Fastwrx! 2004 Subaru WRX STi 2005 Lotus Elise CO, LSS, Hardtop, Starshield - Got it!!

11-20-2005, 06:28 AM	#13 (permalink)
spider Team Fiscal Irresponsible Join Date: May 2004 Location: Redondo Beach, Cali49A Posts: 803	The made-in-Thailand filter is the replacement filter for the JDM one which comes on our car from the factory. JDM filters are extremely hard to find in the US and most dealers don't stock them. Even when ordering online with the correct part number (90915-10004), you may still receive the replacement filter (ask me how I know ). I ended up ordering directly from a Toyota dealer and made the parts guy make sure they were indeed the JDM ones. The made-in-Thailand filter should not be more than $5 and the JDM filter is around $8.50. __________________ '05 Arctic Silver/Ruby Red - Touring/SS/HT Last edited by spider : 11-20-2005 at 06:31 AM.

11-20-2005, 06:46 AM	#14 (permalink)
fastliz formerly known as fastwrx Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Posts: 1,495	Good info, Spider. Thanks. So, based on what you're saying.... the JDM filter is put on at the factory... I can assume that my dealer did NOT change the oil filter at the 1000-mile service? Is this normal? Mike __________________ The "car-tist" formerly known as Fastwrx! 2004 Subaru WRX STi 2005 Lotus Elise CO, LSS, Hardtop, Starshield - Got it!!

11-20-2005, 07:05 AM	#15 (permalink)
mackinaugh Commence the jigglin' Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 164	More likely that they had the 90915-10004 at the first oil change, but no longer stock it (or chose to go with the cheaper filter this time) I would think. More info about filters: http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13845 http://elisetalk.com/forums/showthre...7&page=1&pp=20 I didn't see any mention of the 90915-TA002 filter you got, though. __________________ Y HELO THAR!

11-22-2005, 03:47 PM	#17 (permalink)
choi0706 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Houston/Austin Posts: 4,207	90915-10004 The local Toyota Dealer in houston has 6 in stock for $10.85 each. About to pick one up next week!

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