Quote Originally Posted by lowell

Back in my "fix it inexpensively"/cheap dingo days, I bought the autozone rated STP filter for my car and discovered that they'd sold me a screw on type (M20) versus a canister filter. After that, I did a bit of research and learned a few things about the cheap(er) filters. The M50 STP one may fit (who knows until you try, right?), but I can practically guarantee that the OEM ones are of considerable better quality -- so much better that it's worth the dinero.
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best, whit
Chris,

Welcome! The only other advice I could give is join the BMWCCA. It's $40-45 a year and gives you access to discounts and special offrerings from dealers. When I change my oil I pay les than $10 for the BMW filter kit (includes all the washers and o-rings that many online types charge extra for).
Anyway welcome to the forum.
-ashley