KNOW-HOW TRANSFER

The MAHLE oil filter module: several units (oil filter, oil mist separator, oil cooler) on one base plate.

Development partnership from the beginning
Oil temperatures up to 150 °C, oil pressures up to 16 bar – the oil filters for the V6 and V8 diesel engines, which had to be developed for VW/Audi, must withstand extreme thermal and pressure loads. In addition, demanding design targets had to be met. And, of course, the filters had to work reliably during operation, weigh as little as possible and offer a favourable costbenefit ratio.

As longstanding and experienced system supplier, MAHLE has been involved in the development process of the car manufacturers from early on in order to satisfy these varied demands and to implement optimum solutions for the respective vehicle types – and developed the filter modules, exactly matched to the vehicle engines, within 2 and 3 years ready for series production.

The oil drainage facility for easier oil change (arrow indicates the oil drainage direction).

MAHLE oil filter modules: 3 in 1
The oil filter modules developed by MAHLE combine 3 functions: oil filtration, oil cooling and oil mist separation. They are also called hybrid modules, as several units are placed on one base plate.

The oil filter assembly consists of a lid, a housing, the filter element with all-plastic oil filter and a filter by-pass valve with integrated clips for the oil filter element. The by-pass valve in the lid assures secure supply of the engine lubricating points during cold start or filter malfunction (e.g. when the filter is too dirty). In order to reduce weight and increase leak resitance, fibreglassreinforced high-performance plastics are used instead of the usual die-cast aluminium alloys.

At the heart of the filter module: the oil filter element made of plastic end plates and long-life filter paper that can be incinerated completely.

Light, efficient, flexible, economical and very maintenance friendly
The MAHLE oil filter modules offer many advantages:

• Up to 15 % weight savings compared to oil filters with aluminium housings
• Highly economical thanks to reducing individual modules into one integrated system
• The option to integrate more functions into the modular system with flexibility in design
• Safe supply of engine lubrication points thanks to the by-pass valve
• High leak resistance
• Easier access to the modules
• Maintenance friendly due to the integration of a reliable drainage system, patented by MAHLE, that prevents mixing of unfiltered and filtered oil
• Straightforward filter change – the element can be drawn easily from the housing after unscrewing the lid with a socket spanner

Good times for filter change
At the heart of the module is an oil filter element made of plastic end plates and long-life filter paper that can be incinerated completely. This element is available in 2 versions that are different according to model year, engine code and chassis number: OX 196/1D ECO and OX 196/3D ECO. The recommended replacement interval for both versions is 30,000 km or 2 years.

The two versions of oil filter elements are used in different TDI engines from VW and Audi: the V6 engines (120–176 kW) from Audi A4, A5, A6, A8, Q7 as well as VW Phaeton and Touareg and the V8 engines (202–240 kW) of Audi A8 and Q7.

Filter expertise from one source
In addition to the above mentioned oil filters, MAHLE offers also fuel, air and cabin filters for these vehicle models in its programme. Like all MAHLE products, they are distinguished by exact fit, high functionality and reliability and contribute therefore significantly to the contentment of your customers.