Soot is sub-micron particles. Very few filters will actually remove soot. Diesel rated oil has additives to keep the soot in suspension or from "agglomerating" which is a fancy way of saying sticking together. As long as its not sticking together to form larger particles that can do real damage its not a problem, up to a point. Most oil analysis labs allow up to 2% soot as a maximum. Most of the time the concentrations are far below that.

A bypass filter is still a good idea if you want the engine to last as long as possible. However, these engines seem to last 300K with ease without a bypass unit. Most of the time the body rots away before the engine gives out. The neatest thing about bypass systems is the extended oil changes and using less oil overall. Thats the true benefit regarding MB's with bypass systems.

RT

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