Ryan-
My OM615 is a mess to change the oil on. The filter drops downward toward the floor. My understanding is that you change the oil from above on a OM617. So I highly doubt they are the same. But I actually don't know for sure. You posted this in the sub-forum that focuses mostly on gasoline cars. Perhaps if you reposted your question in the diesel section (or contacted a moderator to move it), you would get a more definitive answer. Good luck.

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1968 220D, w115, /8, OM615, Automatic transmission.
My 1987 300TD wagon was sold and my 2003 W210 E320 wagon was totaled (sheds tear).