KeithL

I had an 04 TL and was using the Mobil-1 M-110 filters, not sure why, think that is what I found when I looke dit up back then. I have an 06 TL and forgot which filter to get and the couter person looked it up as the M-104. So I had used a M-110 previously on the 04 and on the 06, is there a difference? Both seem to fit, one is slimmer and taller (M110) the other shorter and fatter (M104). Was I doing something wrong with the M110?

TLTrance

No. M110 is the correct part. Search the forums and you'll see....

Inaccurate

Agreed. The M-110 is the spec'ed item. However, many folks like to use the M-104 becuase it looks larger (for more filtering performance).

I suppose I will go ahead and open this can of worms. I was wanting to wait to include actual measurements.. perhaps if a big stink is stirred up, I followup with the facts.

The M-110 is has the SAME (perhaps more) filtering area as the M-104.

I cut both of them open and measured the filter element. What folks fail to understand is that the LENGTH of of M-110 makes-up for it's smaller diameter.

Now I am NOT talking about the outside metal can dimensions... I am refering the the actual filter element.

Sure, the large diameter of the M-104 looks intimidating compared to the skinny M-110. But the M-104 has a short element inside. The taller element inside the M-110 may not look that intimidating, but it does match the fat M-104 for surface area.

SodaLuvr

The larger is better conception is one that needs to die, seriously.

While a larger filter may increase the sump capacity by a small amount, a larger filter does not necessairly offer better filtration.

Filter manufacturers use different grades of media for different filter sizes, even for sizes within the same line-up.

This is due to the different service intervals spec'ed by OEMs.

A good example of this would be a Supertech ST8A sized filter versus a Supertech ST7317 sized filter. The latter is for Honda/Acura applications, while the former is for domestics.

The domestic OEMs happened to recommend a 3000 mi service interval for the engine that uses the ST8A filter. Honda recommends a 10,000 mi. service interval. Yet, the Honda filter is 1/2 or 1/3 the size of the ST8A.

The media used, despite that both only cost $2.07, is different as one must last longer due to the service intervals despite the smaller filter size.

So the concept of bigger is better is entirely incorrect. Media grades will vary depending on filter size.

And to the filter hoarders...DON'T. Media used in the filters in change yearly, and you will almost always fine better media in newer filters, even if they were from the same brand/model.

SouthernBoy

I use the M1-104. One good reason is because it is a little wider, most standard size filter wrenches will work fine with it.

vash68

I agree, when I switched to skinny filters I had to get a new wrench for it, but still it is harder to remove a skinny filter in comparison to a fat filter.

Waiting to use up my stock of skinny filters ...

KeithL

So is it safe to say there is no real big difference? Using the M-104 won't hurt anything, but the M-110 is the speced filter? Funny The Pep boys looked it up on their computer and showed the M-104 as the TL filter.

Inaccurate

Very interesting question.

Read this thread ---> https://acurazine.com/forums/cooking-dining-47/havent-seen-any-dessert-recipies-yet-112343/

It seems that there is a possibility that the suspension (lower control arm) could smash the larger M-104 from a lack of clearance.

KeithL

I would think the M-104 would be better then as it is shorter than the OEM and the M-110.

SodaLuvr

Yep, and in the rare event that a EP-104 filter fails due to a defect, your filter warranty would be void since you did not use the recommended part #.

DMZ

Beware! Many auto parts store lookup books still show the same air and oil filters for the 2002-2004 TL. From my experience, tell them you have a 2005 even if yours is an '04.

My air filter experience thread from a few months back:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...t=filter+alert

kosh2258

Ah, but is it the length of the filter that's causing the contact with the A arm, or is it the wider filter diameter causing the inside edge of the A arm to make contact with the filter housing?