Anyone change their oil filter without making a huge mess?

As soon as I pull the cover, oil starts leaking out. Pull the filter, regardless of how long you wait, and there is more oil spilt.

Am I doing something wrong, or is this just a MB quirk in these models? Any helpful pointers to reduce the mess?

__________________
Peter
1985 300TD 4-speed 212K
1992 400E 343K
2001 E320 72K