Mobil1 ATF Mercon V: old vs new: what is the diffe

[Izb]

In 2008 Mobil renewed formula of Mobil1 Synthetic ATF Mercon5.

The specification of old Mobil1 ATF MerconV now is absent on http://www.mobiloil.com, but you can found it on Australian site.

What is the difference?

OLD Mobil11 ATF Mercon V (2004-2007):
http://www.mobil.com/Australia-English/Lubes/PDS/GLXXENPVLMOMobil_1_Synthetic_ATF.asp
http://www.mobil.com/Australia-English/Lubes/PDS/glxxenpvlmomobil_1_synthetic_atf.pdf

Brookfield Viscosity, ASTM D 5293 -cP @ -40º C 5190
Pour Point, ºC, ASTM D 97 -54
Flash Point, ºC, ASTM D 92 236


NEW Mobil1 ATF Mercon V (since 2008, has yellow oval on the top of the bottle):
http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/NAUSENPVLMOMobil_1_Synthetic_ATF.asp
http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/nausenpvlmomobil_1_synthetic_atf.pdf
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Other_Products/Mobil_1_Synthetic_ATF.aspx

New values:
Brookfield Viscosity, ASTM D 5293 -cP @ -40º C 10,040
Pour Point, ºC, ASTM D 97 -41
Flash Point, ºC, ASTM D 92 200

As I understand, new formula is MUCH worse then old one?
Why?

 

[bmwtechguy]

I'm guessing a migration toward more group III basestock content, but better additives to cover additional specs and make up for somewhat lower quality basestock? I could be totally wrong, but those physical properties don't lie. Probably still a very good fluid, and I would not hesitate to use it if the price had not crept up over $7 a quart now, and it is hard to find as well.

 

[The Critic]

The new M1 ATF uses a multi-vehicle type additive package. Previously, it was approved for use in Mercon V applications and "suitable for use" in Dexron-III(H) and ATF+4 applications. Now it is "suitable for use" in a variety of application, but is no longer manufacturer approved for any application.

Does that help?

 

[92saturnsl2]

That's interesting. I just picked up 5qt of the new formula for my ATF change in a few weeks. Wondering if I should taken them back and go with Amsoil UATF.

 

[Izb]

I think new Mobil-1 is SEMI-Synthetic ATF:
"Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF combines high-performance synthetic hydrocarbon base oils and a superior balanced additive system to provide significantly higher levels of performance above conventional fluids."

 

[kschachn]

The only thing I can add is that it does smell different. I just did another flush in my Sienna, and (due to the cost of the stuff) I've been collecting bottles over the past 6-8 months. I certanily noted that the old formula smelled different than the new one.

Hopefully there isn't any incompatibility since my stash was about 50-50 new/old. Mobil said it was fine to mix the two in my application (Dex II/III).

 

[Eddie]

+ 1 Critic: Suitable for and OEM approved do not mean the same. Suitable probably means it will work but, approved means it is the best for the application. At least that is my interpretation.

 

[bmwtechguy]

"synthetic hydrocarbon" is synonymous with PAO, as far as I know. But the new physical specs do point to at least partially group III base oil. Not a real negative IMO.