The lack of oil drips after MB serive is probably more related to the use of a new copper seal on the oil pan than anything else.

This engine tends to leak oil around the front cover over the timing chain. If you don't use oil between changes, leave it alone, it takes several tries to get it better than it is.

Other MB engines have characteristic leaks al the oil pan "gasket" -- don't ask why, don't know, but they are usually only a nuicsance, causing occasional drips on the ground.

I wouldn't use an STP filter -- get Bosch or Hengst (preferably Hengst, as they are still make in Germany, not India like the new Bosch filters). Get them from FastLane or an independent shop, not the local autoparts stores. You can suit yourself, there probably isn't anything wrong with the filter, but aftermarket filters are famous for only fitting the hole, not being the same quality as OEM. If is possible that it is identical to the Bosch, though, given "globalization".

The Bosch and Hengst, etc OEM type filters will come with a new gasket for the oil filter housing, a new copper seal for the pan plug, and a new seal for the center bolt of the filter housing. You may not need the latter -- I do, my brother doesn't on the SDL, due to the difference in clearance around the filter housing.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!