M104 Owners...Basic Oil Filter Question...Snap to Cap First or Snap to Engine?

[RLGDiesel]

Hi, quick question that has been bugging me for years...and I've finally decided to ask. On the 1995 E320 with the plastic oil filter cap (25 N-m on cover), what is the proper way to replace the filter element? I always remove the cap and replace the o-ring. I remove the oil filter element, and I insert the new one until it seats on the oil port in engine. On the new one, the hole points down towards the port and the closed side faces the cap. I then reinstall the cap.

Some say they are snapping the oil filter element to the cap and then inserting the cap and element as a unit. As stated above, I always insert the element until it seats and then screw the cap on top. Not to mention, there is not a lot of room with the hoses and lower wiring harness to fit the entire cap/element when they are already put together. So what's the right way or does it really make a difference? I'd love to hear some of the expert opinions on this little nagging issue.