I do my own oil changes as well and do not use a torque wrench. I have been using STP aftermarket oil filters and they come with the filter element as well as the o-ring for the filter housing cap and the copper gasket for the oil pan plug. At $9.99 the STP filter is a great deal that performs well. Of course, I am working on my SLK where everything goes together just a little bit easier than it does on the SL (**lol**)

Jim
1999 SLK230
Silver/Black 36,000 mi.