Probably more crap in the filter than in the oil. If it were me, I'd change oil and filter and see what happens in 5000 miles or so, 3000 if you want to do an "interum" analysis. Much cheaper in the long run than engine damage.

I'm not too fond of Amsoil -- I think it is overpriced for what you get, not that there is anything wrong with it. It is fine oil and will provide excellent service at extended change intervals.

However, any synthetic will provide extended service so long as the base fluid is synthetic -- have a care, as there is at least one product out there that is mineral oil with synthetic additives being sold as "full synthetic" at synthetic prices when it is the same stuff as the "dino" next to it on the shelf!

The usual reason synthetics need to be changed is soot accumulation, not degredation of additives, and this is the critical parameter if you don't have a bypass filter, or even if you do -- the soot becomes abrasive at levels over 1% or so.

I've not started an analysis program on any of my cars (no point on the 220D, the oil doesn't stay in it long enough!), but probably will on the 300D and 300TE.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!