Thanks for the replies. No, I didn't crank it with the coil wire removed. I wish I had of. I have did this before on other cars, but not on this car. I had never owned a gasoline Mercedes before and was not sure if it should be done- so I did not do it. I was about to though.

Two560: Nope, I didn't have it on ramps, that wasn't necessary, as I could easily gain access to the drain plug. Luckily, the oil pan is far enough forward for this. The car was setting in level ground. I hope no future damage will occur sooner than it would have if this had not of happened. As mentioned- the knocking went away, but I cringe when I think about it doing it, because something was not properly oiled. I hope it did not weaken my chain tensioner.

I honestly think the MB has an anti-drainback valve, which keeps oil in that canister, which is why it was full the last time I changed it - then I used a NON-MB filter- which did allow the oil to drain out- hence the knocking. ??

I have another thread about a "VRRR" sound on frist startup of the day. Now I am almost sure it was not doing this before I changed the oil last time. I think the non-MB filter had something to do with it. I will know the next time I start it for the first time of the day. If no "VRR" or "ZRR" sound- I will know it was the filter that was causing it.