Ok - now after my big leak, I have a new filter/gasket set here - Looking at it, what I did before was place the large o-ring in the large notch just above the threads, and just below the lip of the filter assembly. Is this right? I had it this way before, but it didn't look correct becuase I couldn't make the filter housings meet exactly - no major leaks resulted, just a little oil showing which had never happened before I started DIY!

What I recall is that the gasket was right against the filter housing above the large notch before, but I didn't want to force it up that high when I changed it. When I did this last night during trip check, is when the leak resulted.

I hope this makes sense.

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Francis E. Abate
Automotive Restoration & Preservation
Sheet metal, trim and upholstery

See link for steps to change the oil on (M112) engine that the ML320 has..

Oil Change DYI

Bulldog, thanks. I checked that procedure, but it is not specific - what I found is that there is a natural slot for the big O-Ring, however this doesn't let the two mating surfaces mate - which may be OK becuase this seems to work. Probelm I had last night is that I thought the ring needed to be moved up against the lip of the plastic filter housing, which causes the problem.

If others could help confirm this, that would be great!

__________________
Francis E. Abate
Automotive Restoration & Preservation
Sheet metal, trim and upholstery