What I've been told is that VW OEM filters have a spring loaded pressure valve inside them which helps with things like hydraulic tappets and oil squirters. When they're 15 bucks per filter why bother the risk with another brand.
I've got a Mk1 Gti style oil filter adapter for my 16v which has the fittings for an oil cooler rather than the original mk2/3/4 water/oil sandwich plate arrangement, also I'll be able to add an additional external oil filter which is never a bad thing.
Haven't fitted it up yet, one of many jobs that comes when I have the Passat registered in less than a week.