Well, did the oil change yesterday and while waiting for the oil suction to complete, I popped off the clips on the filter housing.

K&N filter, which has about 50,000 miles on it now, was in pretty good shape but after knocking the crud off of it, I decided to use the cleaner and re-oil spray that came with the kit.

Followed directions..sprayed cleaner on, let sit for 15 minutes, rinsed thoroughly with low pressure stream of water, and let air dry thoroughly. After completing these steps filter looked brand-new! Gave it a very light spray of the oil and let it soak in before reinstalling. Sure was nice not having to plunk down twenty bucks for a new filter !

BTW......Is it just psychological or does your ML actually run better/smoother after an oil change ? Mine definately seems to. This oil change was at 241,670 and the next at approx 250,000 will be a BIG milestone. I think I'll give her the full detail on that service !!