Coldwar,

NO problem with driving the car without either or both filters in the can except possibility of dirt getting into bearings. With new oil in sump, you are probably OK. As long as you have oil pressure you are OK.

How do you know the mechanic you are going to take your MB to knows anymore about installing the filter than you do? You should find a picture on how the filter goes together. Possibly a picture in a parts book.

I like the idea of welding/brazing a drain on the filter can. That way you can change the filter with out getting an oil bath. I think you can get the filter can out if you loosen the engine mounts and jack up the engine. I might do that the the next time I change the filter on my 220D or 240D. I hate to change the oil filters on both of them.

P E H