Third filter on heavily coked ML320 cut-open after 4000 miles

[folzag2]

The first oil filter's show-and-tell. This is looking much better. Still some cleaning going on.

After the horrifying first one, I ran a FRAM XG for 1k miles. (wasn't interesting, didn't take photos)

Replaced it with this, MicroGuard Select, and ran for 4k miles. Same oil entire 5k miles, Restore & Protect 5W-30.

New filter is a Mahle OX and more Valvoline Restore and Protect 5W-30. Will do one more 5k interval on the filter and if it looks good will switch to 10k. Will stay at 5k intervals on the Valvoline Restore and Protect though.

 

[folzag2]

Ops. Wrong forum. Not sure who to ask to get this moved to filtration. Sorry. Ah, fixed now. TY.

 

[fantastic]

Looks way better than your last one to say the least.

 

[CleanSump]

You're getting there. I'd stick to Mann, Mahle, or Hengst filters. Others seem to be hit or miss when it comes to correct length, tears and collapsing.
The engines were solid. The bad timing gears didn't show up until about 2004 MY.