That filter with a hole in the side of it was the previous oil change (first one I had done to it). At that time, the canister was full and that was a geniune MB filter, however, there was no "washers" or "springs" in there when I removed it. When I changed the oil at that time, I did not use a MB filter. I think it was a "WIX" filter, which obviously does not have an anti-drainback valve- which is why I think the canister was empty. This time, I did use a genuine Mercedes filter I bought from the dealer today.

Funny- there was a couple of washers (different sizes) as well as a new gasket for the canister- which I used. I did not use any washers though, because I did not know what they were for, as the first time I changed the oil, there were none in there before, so I was thinking this may have been something in there for a different engine that uses the same type filter. Did I do something wrong with this filter installation by not putting in any washers in the canister somewhere? I saw no place to put any. No one mentioned that before, so now I am confused.

I think my initial post was confusing, so I will explain step by step here:

Purchased car in early December- changed old oil and filter - it had a MB filter - canister was full of oil when I removed filter (were no springs or spacers/washers in it) - I replaced with a "WIX"? filter and used RotellaT 15W-40 oil as recommended as the oil was very dirty and I was told this would "clean out" engine - drove 1000 miles (which was up today). Checked oil level before oil drain today - level was still FULL - drained RotellaT oil today - reinstalled drain plug. Removed oil filter canister cover - canister was empty - save for a little in the bottom - removed WIX filter I had installed 1000 miles ago and discarded. Reinstalled new filter which was a Mercedes filter purchased today at the local dealer- filled car with 8 quarts of 20W-50 oil - checked level and it was full - started car - initially it stalled after a half of a second - restarted and it was knocking rather heavily and almost seemed to be missing - after 3-4 seconds, it stopped knocking and smoothed out, but still had the usual lifter tapping from right side of engine - let it idle for about 8 minutes - checked for leaks - no leaks - turned off car - let set for a few minutes - checked oil level again - FULL - cleaned up mess - discarded oil bottles/jugs in garbage - went in house - washed hands - ate dinner.

Hope all is well. I am probably making a big deal out of nothing- but I have learned to use nothing but a MERCEDES filter from now on. However, what I should have done today was pour oil into the canister, but I never thought about it at the time.

Thanks