Photos of Genuine Audi / VW packaging (oil filters in this set)

[stefdds]

Here is some Genuine packaging for a 2024 Audi RS5 oil filter (a loose large o-ring also in box). They were purchased from a trusted source, ECS Tuning in Wadsworth Ohio USA who most likely gets them from a local dealer.

I thought I would post these in a attempt to provide some reference to what genuine packaging should look like (an attempt).

This packaging appears to be fairly recent. And I'm sure VW/Audi is well aware of counterfeiting of their brand parts.

Texture of box is a smooth and semi-gloss finish. All information is printed, no stickers or paper labels.

There are several photos ; scroll on right boarder picture margin and click on arrow (>) to select.

https://imgur.com/a/N91bJEt

 

[Dr Sheldon]

That box looks "rough"

They were purchased from a trusted source, ECS Tuning in Wadsworth Ohio USA who most likely gets them from a local dealer.

So could be fake then ?

 

[Uwe]

So could be fake then ?

I would consider that highly unlikely.

-Uwe-

 

[TTT]

Still not from the dealer.

 

[Dr Sheldon]

I would consider that highly unlikely.

-Uwe-

Let us not ignore that the counterfeiters are indeed intelligent and resourceful individuals ?

It is often alleged that more effort and resource will go into the packaging, marketing, infiltrating supply channels than the product itself.


That box in that picture dont look good !!

I seen species in better shape after giving birth !! It is a ruin !!

I thought I would post these in a attempt to provide some reference to what genuine packaging should look like (an attempt).

Even OP is calling it an "attempt"

They were purchased from a trusted source, ECS Tuning in Wadsworth Ohio USA who most likely gets them from a local dealer.

Most likely is EXACTLY the same as:
"Likely does not" !? or It is "NOT KNOWN" where it comes from ?

The whole business model has holes in it.

1. I doubt you could buy from the Franchised Dealer cheap enough to make a reasonable profit - He is a Retailer not a Wholesaler.
2. You would have to be selling cheaper than the dealer - surely no one will pay the same or similar as they would the dealer.

Texture of box is a smooth and semi-gloss finish. All information is printed, no stickers or paper labels.

2024 Audi RS5 oil filter (a loose large o-ring also in box).

Often Dealer Supplied Oil Filters will come with the Drain Plug Washer ? Not sure if VAG do that ? Some VM's do.

Very rare for me to be involved in that kind of work so I am not sure.

Who wants to go get the same filter from a genuine dealer tomorrow and then compare ?

 

[EuroX]

That is a factory filter and box. Certain models have glossy boxes when it comes to oil filters. Others are plain jane non glossy boxes.

 

[EuroX]

Factory 2.0T oil filter box with filter. Note this is for gen3 and gen 4 2.0T engines.

 

[Dr Sheldon]

That is a factory filter and box.

Perhaps it is ??

Or a good copy - You not going to know that from a photo.

 

[EuroX]

I see that some people here always need to have the last word and have a really big head. Many things can be determined from a photograph. There is nothing about that packaging that indicates that its a fake.

 

[davisev5225]

Often Dealer Supplied Oil Filters will come with the Drain Plug Washer ? Not sure if VAG do that ?

VAG definitely won't. They won't even include the hardware necessary to install something, even if the hardware is listed as one-time use ("discard and install a new bolt" type directions) in the service manual. They make you buy everything separately, likely as a way to "encourage" you to go to the dealer instead of doing the work yourself.

I'm amazed they even include the filter o-ring in the box instead of making that a separate purchase as well.

@stefdds I wouldn't trust ECS. It looks like they did sell you a genuine filter, but I've got experience with them failing to fulfill their own advertised offers, specifically the "free shipping" offer on oil. I recommend shopping elsewhere, such as with FCP-Euro or Europa Parts.

 

[EuroX]

VAG definitely won't. They won't even include the hardware necessary to install something, even if the hardware is listed as one-time use ("discard and install a new bolt" type directions) in the service manual. They make you buy everything separately, likely as a way to "encourage" you to go to the dealer instead of doing the work yourself.

I'm amazed they even include the filter o-ring in the box instead of making that a separate purchase as well.

@stefdds I wouldn't trust ECS. It looks like they did sell you a genuine filter, but I've got experience with them failing to fulfill their own advertised offers, specifically the "free shipping" offer on oil. I recommend shopping elsewhere, such as with FCP-Euro or Europa Parts.

I avoid ECS like the plague that they are. They wanted my account in the worst way and took all of 6 months to ruin that relationship and gave zero fucks in the end. I have moved onto bigger and better things. Now I only deal with Northside imports and Worldpac.

 

[Uwe]

Now I only deal with Northside imports and Worldpac.

We had reports that was a time when Worldpac did not have good control over their supply chain, people ordered a Bosch parts from them and end up with fake Bosch parts. Have they cleaned up their act?

As for ECS, I'll just say: They wanted to be a dealer of ours, but we never let them.

-Uwe-

 

[Dr Sheldon]

They won't even include the hardware necessary to install something,

That is where the Japs are better.

 

[davisev5225]

We had reports that was a time when Worldpac did not have good control over their supply chain, people ordered a Bosch parts from them and end up with fake Bosch parts. Have they cleaned up their act?

Anecdotal: I've never had any issues with them. They're also owned by Carquest, who in turn is owned by Advance Auto Parts (or maybe the other way around? - it's a bit convoluted). Aside from one battery warranty (that they ultimately honored), I've never had any issues with Advance Auto either, though I rarely shop there. They seem to have a similar selection/quality to NAPA.

In particular, I like the brake parts that WorldPAC sells. They tend to work quite well and last me just as long if not longer than the dealer parts.

 

[golfi_vend]

Are we not gonna talk about the PurFlux filter itself?

 

[EuroX]

We had reports that was a time when Worldpac did not have good control over their supply chain, people ordered a Bosch parts from them and end up with fake Bosch parts. Have they cleaned up their act?

-Uwe-

I personally never ran into that issue with them. Perhaps it was a little bit ago? So far for the last 10 years or so I haven't had any issues with the authenticity of their parts.