O.K. not to **** anyone off here, but...
I'm beginning to think you would be happier with a FORD Taurus if you wanted an economical car with cheap parts you can pick out of the junk yard or the neighborhood Auto Zone. Or maybe a Nissan Z.
It's not cool getting ripped off, but the MB dealer gets $22.86 for this filter. The good news is you only replace it every 7,000 miles.
You have to pay to play... Or you can look on eBay (that rhymes).
Come on... Smile and be happy!
... Hang in there. You own a Crossfire.