A few things I have learned from an AMG engineer in Affalterbach, Germany.
1) The American oil change intervals claimed by service stations are just to make money for them (3,000 miles usually). Per the engineer, synthetic oils can easily last 10-12K miles and sometimes more. He does caveat this with the fact that it's good quality oil (like 0W40 or 5W40).
2) Most importantly he said is that there is always enough oil in the engine - to him that was more important than these low mileage oil changes.
3) ALWAYS use a synthetic filter, NOT paper.
4) Mercedes Dealerships do NOT release the oil from under the vehicle. They use pneumatic pumps to extract the oil from the top, which is why oil and filter are readily available to withdraw from the top. He said that is perfectly fine and he claims if it's a good pump, taking your time, and the car is either perfectly straight or slightly lifted in the read, you will get as much out, if not more, than releasing from the bottom. If you have deposits in the pan, they won't come out if you release from the bottom.

I do trust the experts. I know some of those statements might come as a surprise. But was very interesting talking to him and seeing the factory. High tech, super clean, very cool place and fascinating.