J K P,

N.A.M.B. will never retro-engineer the synthetic filter setup for a "drop in"
application(no financial incentive) We must remember that to New Jersey
we are cheapskates for NOT replacing the entire car with a new model
every six months.N.A.M.B. is dragged kicking and screaming to the concepts
of longevity and durability by the "Gnomes of Sindelfingen".

'Shows my ignorance.(about your model# and engine#) I assumed that you
already had the "Spin On" type filter setup.

I am in the same boat (drop in filter element)
I'm researching retro-fitting a "Spin on" filter head ,which would allow use of the
Mobil1 spin on oil filters. Space and road debris security are a couple of the
considerations.M.B.'s O.E. setup has the oil thermostat inside the oil filter
housing [opens at appropriate temp to oil cooler feed + return lines],Which is
another hoop to be jumped through.
'Would involve the O.E. setup as primary and the synthetic "spin on" as
secondary;IF oil pressure is not negatively effected.
(These engines last hundreds of thousands of miles with the O.E. setup
;BUT I've never had anyone suggest the oil can be too clean.)