Mobil 1 EP better than Mobil 1?

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Looking at oil analysis reports it appears to me that the EP version has the same or slightly weaker additive pac and not stronger. Am I missing something?
 
A UOA/VOA only tells part of the story. Blackstone, for example, doesn't test for certain newer additives like antimony. Renewable Lube uses this in their oil, so don't think that ExxonMobil doesn't know about that sort of stuff.

Years ago, EP was markedly different based on the analyses and datasheets. Ever since Katrina, however, it seems to have been dialed back a bit. The older version actually didn't carry the API starburst, indicating it probably had a stronger add pack (likely AW).
 
Oil analysis' have generally shown no difference between the regular Mobil 1 and EP. Suggest you save your money and use the standard version.
 
EP is "better" for drains up to 15000 miles. M1 is good for 10000 miles as per their website.
If changing the oil before those mileages then both are a waste and use a conventional.
 
The fact that there are German vehicles running M1 0w40 out to 15k also leads me to believe it can handle that sort of drain interval, though those cars have very big sumps (8-10L).
 
I thought the difference was mainly in the base stock.

Drain intervals also have a lot to do with the specific vehicle and driving style. The GP in my sig has nearly 6k miles on the current fill and the OLM says there is still 33% remaining, meaning I could take conventional to nearly 9,000 miles so M1 should be able to handle 15k with ease and I would feel comfortable running EP to 20k, with a UAO showing TBN and TAN at 12-15k to verify. If I was a road warrior that was running highway 90%+ of the time and put 20k on the car in less than a year I would even consider 25k. However, I do about 80/20 highway/city and will put 12-15k per year on the car (promotion in December cut drive to an amount I still haven't completely figured out) and have a 4+ year stash of non-M1 or EP so I can't really test that.
 
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Originally Posted By: 147_Grain
Oil analysis' have generally shown no difference between the regular Mobil 1 and EP. Suggest you save your money and use the standard version.

I tend to agree with you plus I prefer the viscosity characteristics of M1 over EP.
Additionally it is just M1 that are OEM oils not EP.

But I'm opened minded. If someone would run a test for a few OCIs on M1 maximizing the OCI based on UOA and then run a series of of UOAs on EP to see how much longer they can extend the OCI then we'd have something to talk about.
I've never seen such a comparison.
 
Originally Posted By: NMBurb02
I thought the difference was mainly in the base stock.



Years ago that was true, but with Visom I don't think there's much difference any more.
 
From the Mobil 1 FAQ.

What is the difference between Mobil 1™ Extended Performance and Mobil 1?

Mobil 1 Extended Performance has an even more robust formula that has been proven in extensive field tests to help protect critical engine parts for 15,000 miles between oil changes. Guaranteed. We’ve selected specific synthetic components to deliver this outstanding level of performance.
 
Originally Posted By: dparm
The fact that there are German vehicles running M1 0w40 out to 15k also leads me to believe it can handle that sort of drain interval, though those cars have very big sumps (8-10L).


M1 0W40 was specially formulated to meet German car specs, which include increased longevity.
 
Originally Posted By: simple_gifts
From the Mobil 1 FAQ.

What is the difference between Mobil 1™ Extended Performance and Mobil 1?

Mobil 1 Extended Performance has an even more robust formula that has been proven in extensive field tests to help protect critical engine parts for 15,000 miles between oil changes. Guaranteed. We’ve selected specific synthetic components to deliver this outstanding level of performance.

Yes we know what the marketing claims are?
Before EP they used make much the same sort of extended mileage claims for Mobil 1.
 
That's my point. I am not noticing a robust additive package that is better than Mobil 1. Unless there is a magic ingredient.
 
Originally Posted By: Zako2
Originally Posted By: dparm
The fact that there are German vehicles running M1 0w40 out to 15k also leads me to believe it can handle that sort of drain interval, though those cars have very big sumps (8-10L).


M1 0W40 was specially formulated to meet German car specs, which include increased longevity.


Ever notice there is no 0W-40EP? I'd suspect the EP version base stock and add pack are similar to the European formula...
 
Originally Posted By: ZZman
I am not noticing a robust additive package that is better than Mobil 1. Unless there is a magic ingredient.


Perhaps the extra $2.50 per quart for EP goes towards the 15K Warranty and eye-appealing label on the bottle.
 
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