Below is Mercedes marketing pitch.
Plastic instead of paper - it's the new Mercedes mantra with regards to oil filters. Modern lubricants can cause more rapid degradation of the cellulose (paper) filter in longer drain interval applications. In our new Fleece oil filters, the medium has been replaced with durable polyester, providing greater resistance to degradation.
Four reasons to stay faithful to FLEECE oil filters:
Compatibility. Our filters are compatible with the latest, fully synthetic oils and with mineral oils as well. Genuine Mercedes-Benz Fleece oil filters help ensure optimum engine lubrication, and are a required service item for all 2005 Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
High filtering precision. MB Fleece filters can remove particles as small as 0.005 millimeters which means cleaner oil is circulated through the engine, it’s an excellent replacement for the paper filter in pre-2005 models.
Durability. The new, highly durable filter medium provides greatly improved protection against material degradation and deformation from hot oil - even under the most difficult operating conditions.
Easy servicing and installation ensured. Only the vehicle manufacturer can work from the original vehicle drawings in developing replacement parts. Other manufacturers have to engage in guesswork in determining the tolerances for the oil filter system. Deviating from our exact dimensions and materials may cause installation problems or internal filter bypass leakages.
