2005 OBW OEM Oil Filter Differences

[G.R. Aydelotte]

I just did my first do-it-yourself oil change on our 2005 OBW ltd, and
I noticed that the filter I bought from the dealer parts counter was
smaller, black, and looked to have some internal differences than the
one I took off which was from the same dealership doing the first oil
change. The small one is PN 15208AA080 which the manual lists in a
table as requiring 1 full turn to tighten. The larger filter is PN
15208AA060. It also is listed in the manual as requiring 3/4 turn to
tighten. Another filter is listed for the turbo 2.5 and the non turbo
2.5; it is 15208AA009A. So, my question is which is the best? My guess
is the turbo filter would be superior. Also, I would think the larger
filter would have more filter media (better) than the smaller. It sure
is hard to get an oil filter wrench to fit that small one. Any
comments on a good wrench? I used a rubber strap type tool from Sears,
but it's not good for tightening and comes off often. I just started
the new subie out on Mobil 1 Synthetic 5W 30 with this oil change. It
has 5545 miles, and I look forward to several hundred thousand more.

Later,
Gregg

 

[Alan]

I just did my first do-it-yourself oil change on our 2005 OBW ltd, and
I noticed that the filter I bought from the dealer parts counter was
smaller, black, and looked to have some internal differences than the
one I took off which was from the same dealership doing the first oil
change. The small one is PN 15208AA080 which the manual lists in a
table as requiring 1 full turn to tighten. The larger filter is PN
15208AA060. It also is listed in the manual as requiring 3/4 turn to
tighten. Another filter is listed for the turbo 2.5 and the non turbo
2.5; it is 15208AA009A. So, my question is which is the best? My guess
is the turbo filter would be superior. Also, I would think the larger
filter would have more filter media (better) than the smaller. It sure
is hard to get an oil filter wrench to fit that small one. Any
comments on a good wrench? I used a rubber strap type tool from Sears,
but it's not good for tightening and comes off often. I just started
the new subie out on Mobil 1 Synthetic 5W 30 with this oil change. It
has 5545 miles, and I look forward to several hundred thousand more.

Later,
Gregg

The best one is the one that is specified for your car. Bigger is not always
better, and there may even be less filter material in it.

 

[G.R. Aydelotte]

The best one is the one that is specified for your car. Bigger is not always
better, and there may even be less filter material in it.

That's just it: they are all specified for my car! I doubt they offer
three different filters just for the joy of keeping up with the part
numbers.

Gregg

 

[tcassette]

You might check directly with Subaru Technical Support to find your answers.
Also, I have never used any device besides my hands to tighten the oil
filter on my 96 Outback, and I have never had a leak. Future removal is
also easier if you don't overtighten.

 

[y_p_w]

The best one is the one that is specified for your car. Bigger is not always
better, and there may even be less filter material in it.

However - the primary reason for the smaller turbo filter is because
it's mounted extremely close to the exhaust heat shields on three
sides. They introduced the smaller filter because they thought that
having the filter so close might cause problems. It only increases
the clearance by maybe 1/4", but I guess that was important.

However - the "turbo" filter is made in Japan, and appears to be
of very high quality materials and design. I have a lot more
confidence in this one over the Purolator made OEM filter.