Mobil 1 212, 212A oil filter changes

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

lt1gmc

Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2011
Posts
66
Reaction score
19
I have been using the Mobil 1 Oil filters on my vehicles for quite a while and use the M1-212 on my 13 Denali since it is longer and has more filter area than the original. Mobil recently replaced the M1-212 with the M1-212A which is supposed to be "Extended Performance". Below are 2 pictures, both of filters labeled M!-212A. The longer one is identical to the older M1-212, while the shorter one is the M1-212A and the only one available now. Notice the newer filter is over 1/4" shorter, has less filter media, appears to have less folds (I did not count) and has a cheaper looking relief valve (flat metal spring sealing against metal compared to the rubber seal of the older one). Why change size and quality of a particular part number?

Just an FYI. I may try some other brands upscale models. BTW, the standard Fram, AC Delco, and others are pretty much cheap inside, the upscale ones like Fram Extra Guard, AC Delco Ultra, and such are made much better.
Oil Filter 1.jpg Oil Filter 2.jpg Oil Filter 2.jpg
 

jj88

TYF Newbie
Joined
Jan 23, 2021
Posts
26
Reaction score
14
yeah Mobil 1 filters I think are still some of the best, but they have cheaped out in their newest update (the A versions), not just for Tahoe filters but other car makes. I guess stock holders run and ruin the day in today's age. And the business leaders to seek to please them with profits over quality.
 

killjoy

TYF Newbie
Joined
Aug 2, 2011
Posts
15
Reaction score
11
I'm getting ready to do my first oil change on a '21 AT4 and just ran out to the garage to inventory oil and filters on hand. I have 3 M1-212A... 2 are the longer ones, 1 shorter. 2 longer ones have a copyright 2016 date. Shorter one is 2019. I probably didn't even realize the size difference last time I was at Walmart picking up jugs of 0w-20 EP and grabbed the shorter filter too.

I've never heard/seen a manufacturer change a product this drastically and keep the exact same model #. I mean the physical size is different, let alone the interior components.

I certainly like the looks of the older, longer filter. If Mobil is only making the shorter one now, might be time to look for a new filter. Sad since quality is why I've always used Mobil 1 filters for decades.
 

roosh725

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2016
Posts
101
Reaction score
39
I’ve used the mobil for a long time but recently I’ve been using the fram-XG10575.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

BG1988

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2018
Posts
2,925
Reaction score
1,329
I’ve used the mobil for a long time but recently I’ve been using the fram-XG10575.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
fram filters are not great mine stopped filtering after 1,000 miles had to spend another 60$

you know what they say the "cheap " comes out expensive..
 

Fifty

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 26, 2015
Posts
790
Reaction score
193
I was on btog and they did a break down on filters.

I couldn’t believe how different the different levels of Fram and wix filters were.

I’d have to go back and look, but the extra guard or what ever were pretty legit.
 

roosh725

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2016
Posts
101
Reaction score
39
fram filters are not great mine stopped filtering after 1,000 miles had to spend another 60$

you know what they say the "cheap " comes out expensive..
You just be thinking of the basic Fram filters. Check out the fram ultra. Beats out mobil 1 on most tests.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

roosh725

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2016
Posts
101
Reaction score
39
I was on btog and they did a break down on filters.

I couldn’t believe how different the different levels of Fram and wix filters were.

I’d have to go back and look, but the extra guard or what ever were pretty legit.
Absolutely, lots of good YouTube videos of disassembled filters. Fram ultra looks to be better than mobil is most tests.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

sealandsky

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 28, 2019
Posts
510
Reaction score
251
Location
Minneapolis, MN
I have been using the Mobil 1 Oil filters on my vehicles for quite a while and use the M1-212 on my 13 Denali since it is longer and has more filter area than the original. Mobil recently replaced the M1-212 with the M1-212A which is supposed to be "Extended Performance". Below are 2 pictures, both of filters labeled M!-212A. The longer one is identical to the older M1-212, while the shorter one is the M1-212A and the only one available now. Notice the newer filter is over 1/4" shorter, has less filter media, appears to have less folds (I did not count) and has a cheaper looking relief valve (flat metal spring sealing against metal compared to the rubber seal of the older one). Why change size and quality of a particular part number?

Just an FYI. I may try some other brands upscale models. BTW, the standard Fram, AC Delco, and others are pretty much cheap inside, the upscale ones like Fram Extra Guard, AC Delco Ultra, and such are made much better.
View attachment 271351 View attachment 271352 View attachment 271352
Looks like they are squeezing the manufacturing cost by reducing content. On the other hand, their marketing department isn't missing out on an opportunity to provide less for more!
 

Forum statistics

Threads
128,781
Posts
1,805,301
Members
91,760
Latest member
MyCleftNut

Latest posts

Top