Thanks for the replies...I know on the M112, there is a black line on the filter. On the V6s, I push the element up into the cap until the black line is flush with the threads.

I figured I should put the filter element in the engine first because I wanted to make sure it was seated correctly and not wobbling around loose. Also there is no shaft on the cap, so I thought it would possibly pop off when I try to navigate it around all those hoses (it's a tight fit to get to the filter).

Thanks again for the advice!

__________________
1982 300D-T (sold)
1988 300E (sold)
1994 E320 Wagon (sold)
1995 E320
1998 E300D-T
1999 E3204M Wagon
2001 E320
2005 E320 CDI