the FL-820S is available in two part numbers-
f1az-6731-bd
f1az-6731-be

from what I see the 'BE' is the cheaper version, most of the 'BD' versions are a buck or so more... then ford racing sells one, its like a cm-6731-fl820...

I think it sucks the way they package the filters as fl820s when internally they can be different... from what ive read, most dealers use the BD, most retailers use the BE- I just wonder whats cheaper about one or the other. maybe I'll write motorcraft... kinda sucks ive always used FL820S assuming its what they came with, but here some Ive bought might have been the cheaper part number- never noticed till tonight...

anyways, wondered what else is out there in quality filters, and if anyone had much insight into the OEM part suffixes

 

You are right about the dealers. The last dozen I bought from the local dealer (they gave me a good deal on a bulk purchase) have the BD suffix. No issues with them. They seem to be fine. By the way, just $5 a pop.

 

The cheaper version has the black rubber internal washer while the more expensive has the red silicone washer. I don't see anything on the sealing Oring, but they could be of different materials though. Other than the washers, and possible sealing Oring, I see nothing that seems different including the filtration pleats and end caps.

 

good to know- I was just surprised to find that ford offered at least two different filters with the same FL-820-S part number... I think this type of thing is how wallmart gets their prices down by having manufacturers cheapen content as much as possible to meet requirements without exceeding... sure either are probably fine, but gut feeling is the more expensive one costs more for a reason- I'd rather spend the extra buck

did find a bunch on ebay, sample showed -BD, but case label read -BE...wrote seller, he verified they were -BD, but box labeled -BE...weird, but 50 bucks shipped for a dozen -BDs sounded pretty good