Brad --

Fram filters are either missing, or have a substandard flow-back check valve. That means that when the engine is shut off and oil pressure stops, the oil in the delivery system can slowly drain to the sump. When you start your engine the next morning, the pump must refill the filter and passages, so that the engine runs for 5-10 seconds with no oil in critical locations, such as bearings, cam, lifters, and so on.

I used to hear my engine "tap-tap" 'til the oil light went out.

Now, using Mann filters, the light is out in under a second. No "tap-tap" (except for the piston slap in my '91 740).

Also, Fram filters are reputed to have inferior and less filtering media (element) than the Volvo/Mann filter.

Other filters are, I'm sure, equally good to the OEM filter. But avoid the Fram.

Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)