I totally agree with the sentiments that have been given before that say - the filter was designed to be there and so it should be changed.

There is some measured pressure "evidence" in this thread that shows the effect of a new filter =>

240D potential transmission failure

(722.117 transmission)

Don't forget that the 722.1 and 722.3 (and probably the 722.4 and .5) transmissions have vents at the top of their casings that go directly to atmosphere - no filter - where perhaps additional muck could find its way in after 20+ years...

__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!