[BER]

SteveC4,

You really do not want to see any metal particles in the oil filter. I would suggest getting it checked out ASAP.

There are some good suggestions here already for M96/97 engines with the original IMS. Use an oil high in Zinc (ZDDP or ZDP) like Joe Gibbs Racing DT40 or Royal Purple HPS. Use a spin-on oil filter; LN Engineering makes a very nice retrofit kit. You will need a filter cutter to open the oil filter to inspect the pleats. Get an oil analysis done at each oil change; I use Blackstone Labs in Indiana. Change your oil more frequently; I did oil changes on my Boxster every 3k miles.

Good luck.