WORLD MARKET OVERVIEW OF OIL FILTERS FOR MIRAGE
Note: All listed here feature an anti drain-back valve, and also a bypass valve as well.
They are a little taller (20mm more) than the original, but fit perfectly in our cars!
They are also OEM in very many Diesel-engined AUDI / SEAT / VW from 1978 on, thus their much greater capacity and capability.
BRAND and TYPE:
MANN: W610/3
(MANN und Hummel)
WIX / FILTRON: OP575
Both WIX and FILTRON have now become part of MANN and HUMMEL, but Filtron and M&H filters are not identical! The Filtron version come from the newest factory in Poland and were built from the best and most modern materials using the latest machinery.
Bosch: 0 986 452 041
Fram: PH5949
Hengst: H97W05
Knecht / Mahle: OC196 (1.0 bar opening pressure for integrated bypass valve)
or OC986 (1.3 bar opening pressure for integrated bypass valve)
Purflux: LS910
Changing procedure:
For removal, use a regular 65mm x 14 cap which fits all listed, and the original one as well.
This is the preferred means of removal and installation in our cars, see FSM for details.
I don't have any personal preference, all are good.
These manufacturers have been known for decades as the OEM suppliers of the European luxury car market.
EDIT:October 2017
Meanwhile I have tried out very many filters, and differences have become obvious.
I prefer the Filtron OP575 for two reasons:
A) Filtration is very good, with parts as small as 2µm being filtered out. Usually 20µm is considered normal.
B) The non-return valve of the OP575 is the most effective. Even with 0W20, the rattle of starting the engine with a drained oilfilter is gone, because of the superior non-return valve of the OP575. It is made of PTFE rather than cheaper silicone.