Okay... I did some checking today. I called two 5-Star dealers and two MB dealers about the new and more expensive oil filters.

Both Chrysler dealers admit the "fleece" filters have been recalled and a newer version is replacing it. Neither dealer will say why this is happening other than they were told by Chrysler to do it.

My dealer is going to charge $50.00 + tax and the other dealer will be charging $66.15 + tax... go figure.

Both MB dealers I called knew nothing about a design change and a recall for oil filters on the SLK 320 motors. They both sell the identical fleece filters which are currently used on our cars for $18.50 + tax, which is what my dealer used to charge for them.

I asked my service manager if I continued to use the MB fleece filter instead of the newer Chrysler filter, if it would have an impact down the road should I have a warranty issue with my motor. His reply was, "not unless DC recalls and notifies owners of an issue with the fleece filter. While I am far from being a legal eagle, I tend to agree with his answer. After all, last year MB and Chrysler quietly replaced the paper filters using up their old stock first.

Until I get a good answer for the change, I plan on buying up a few of the MB filters. Screw Chrysler and their high prices. On my last oil change I brought my own oil that I bought for $4.95 a quart at WalMart. On my next oil change I'm bringing my own oil AND a MB filter. Screw their profit margin.

Something fishy is definitely going on with this filter issue. If someone has a contact within Chrysler, now is the time to get a hold of them. We deserve an answer as to why our filters have been replaced at three times the cost and MB continues on with no changes to their filters for the same motor.

IMO this whole Crossfire experience is turning into a real joke...