Oil Filters - Mobil 1 vs. K&N, absolutely no difference!

movin · 07-07-2001, 02:36 PM

Just purchased an oil filter for the next change. I won't mention the supplier, a Pelican competitor. Interestingly, they sell both Mahle, K&N, and Mobil 1. I've always used Mahle based on price and reputation. This time I wanted to check out the Mobil 1 and the K&N. Upon inspection it was evident they are made by the same manufacturer! They are identical in all aspects, (same mfr. mark embossed on threaded mounting plate), except the little hex fitting spot welded on the K&N to facilitate removal. Difference in price, $9.00! K&N is $19.00, Mobil 1 is $10.00.
I'm staying with the Mahle at 2 for $12.00.

pwd72s · 07-07-2001, 03:09 PM

Thanks BUNCHES for the tip!

cegerer · cegerer's Garage

I don't think I'd be inclined to buy the Mobil 1 or K&N anyway, but I'm wondering if maybe they are all buying the same cannister from a single manufacturer and then adding their own proprietary filter material/design inside?

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1971 911T - 2.5L Big Bore

juan ruiz · juan ruiz's Garage

Sometimes looks can be deciving,must of the difference is on the type of microns use in every particular manufactor assuming that ours is a 5 micron,they could ne using 10 or so, so theres the difference.just mu 00.02
http://MY88911.homestead.com/newwebpage.html

pwd72s · 07-07-2001, 04:49 PM

I've owned my car a LONG time. Remember well the days when you could get ONLY the Purolater #PC260 for the then "newer" 911. THe orange/red purolator...it was merely a Mahle painted purolator colors, and purolator had the USA distribution locked up!
Not saying Juan is wrong...there are many different filtering materials out there these days, size wise. But the old purolator? They bought 'em from Mahle...

[This message has been edited by pwd72s (edited 07-07-2001).]

movin · 07-07-2001, 04:52 PM

I suppose I could go on about this, but if you have the opportunity, check these (K&N and Mobil 1)filters out. The cases are very unique, and an interal view reveals indentical internals save the filter media that can't be seen. The manufacter's stamp is prominent on each, the same.

movin · 07-07-2001, 05:03 PM

I remember, Pep Boys used to sell the Purolator for $6.00. However, unlike the Mahle it was made in Germany not Austria and it had an anti-drain valve, the Mahle doesn't. Well, maybe things were a little different a while back, I've just been involved since owning a P-Kar last 3 years.

pwd72s · 07-07-2001, 05:20 PM

I have ONE Purolator Pc260 sitting on my table, one I bought long ago...keeping it in case I ever decide to concours again, use it for the show. I also have one Mahle OC 54 sitting here. Looking at both, I really can't tell any difference. The Mahle seems to have 6 little "crimps" to hold the gasket in place, no "crimps" on the old purolator..but check valves, size, everything else identical except for the color. Both say "made in Austria". Trivia, I know. Isn't it fun?

[This message has been edited by pwd72s (edited 07-07-2001).]

movin · 07-07-2001, 11:19 PM

That is interesting because the last Purolator I got from Pep Boys, 2 1/2 yrs. ago had a four or five digit number, was painted matte black, and said 'made in germany' on it. The current Purolator is of domestic manufacture. The Mahle I have in front of me, # OC 54 has no anti drain valve visible. Incidently, the filter from the local Porsche Dealer is also made in America, looks to be a standard Purolator, box is labeled as a standard Porsche part.

07-08-2001, 03:46 AM

Now that we're talking oil filters I have something to add. I've always bought my oil filters original from an official Porsche dealer. However strangley enough the filters are manufactured in the US? Why? I expected "Made in Germany"??

pwd72s · 07-08-2001, 10:33 AM

The year and model of your car? Some early 911 models can use a USA filter. Not as into the models as I am with my '72, but earlier cars use a different filter...not sure of the years here. Hope somebody else can weigh in. But, if you're buying from a dealer? I'd assume you're getting a proper fit.

movin · 07-08-2001, 11:52 AM

I did buy a Porsche Dealer filter, and as I said the box it came in was a typical Porsche Parts box. The filter appears to be a Purolator, made in USA. One thing more I didn't mention was the filter media retaining screen, as seen inside, was improperly assembled (out of line) with the threaded mounting or base plate. Pretty sloppy for a Porsche supplied part! The Mahle is far better. I hope this is not a trend for Porsche but after seening the DME relay 'Made in Rumania', I wonder, what next? Chinese brake rotors, Indian valve guides? Don't get me wrong on this, subcontracting out parts manufacturing is how it's done, whats important is QUALITY CONTROL! Assuring specifications and procedures/methods are complied with. It's Porsche's responsibility to provide that assurance. We'll just have to wait and see.

304065 · 03-30-2003, 04:41 PM

Interesting, I just installed a dealer oil filter p/n 930.107.764.01, made in USA and marked LS128. Old filter was a 930.107.764.00, stamped OC54. The LS128 was about 3/8" shorter than the old one, presumably to clear the air conditioning compressor a little easier. The Mahle filters for my '71 are an inch or so longer it seems.

Also, on my 964 it is NOT possible to get a 15mm socket and a torque wrench on the crankcase drain plug (without a wobble extension, which would change the torque)-- it interferes with the starboard heat exchanger. Used the ol' forearm for this one.