My feeling is that if you want to be cheap and not change the filter - well it is your car - your choice. However I think you are missing the point a bit about the process of changing the filter.

The process of draining through the lowest point - carrying heavier crud with it is important. Sucking oil out of the top of the transmission might leave heavier elements in the transmission. Not wiping out the lowest point in the transmission might also leave crud behind.

As I said the filter only protects the valve body. Have you seen the price of replacement brake bands for a 722.3?

Please don't misunderstand me - I'm not preaching - I'm just playing the FSM's advocate!

__________________
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!