Hi Guys,
FYI, I have a 99 ML430 and it costs $160 for a glorified oil change from MB dealer. So I've been doing it myself for the last 6 years using MB oil filter at first, then changed to MANN filters and now Purolator. MB did not use fleece in their filter until about 3 or so years ago. The part counter guy told me if I change my oil every 5K miles or so, paper filter would just be fine. IMO, the Purolator filters look better than MANNs since they have plastic end caps instead of glued up paper element. BTW, must have the $20 MB oil filter tool to do the job.
I did an oil change in my 06 Xfire, same exact setup as the ML, guess what the dealer used Purolator filter in there. So I don't feel bad using a Purolator.
Have a wonderful day.