If the existing filter was 2 yrs. old and had 17,000 miles on it, the oil would be black irregardless of who made it.

As far as I know Hengst, Mann; Mahle-Knecht are OEM.

I wonder if this is the french-made filter MB dealers are now selling? If so, there has been some bad press.

Consider what M.B.DOC had to say in these threads.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=56315&highlight=oil+filter

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=48857&highlight=oil+filter