legacycentral bbs

I need to find a way to catch up to you guys in posting, so here goes

The last time I changed my oil, I put the filter on without lubeing up the gasket with oil. I was in a hurry, so I was going as fast as I could...

Should I expect the oil filter to be very difficult to come off? Or will the gasket just tear apart when I unscrew it? Or will it come off the same as always??

It's not leaking so I'm not worried about that...

It shouldn't be too hard. The reason for lubricating the gasket is primarily to make sure it crushes and seals properly.

If you can't get it off for one reason or another, just stab it in the side with a screwdriver and use that as a handle. I had to do that on my friend's 2002 Legacy when he let Bruce's Sunoco station change his oil the previous time. They must have used a wrench to torque the filter down hard. They also turned the 17mm drain plug head into an 11/16"...

The last time (actually the next to last...) I changed my oil filter I didn't lube the seal and had the following happen.

Drove about four miles from home at night, parked up and locked the car. On my return I started the engine and immediately wound the driver's window down (I'm from Scotland - don't feel the cold!) and could hear an unusual noise. I reversed back and noticed a shiny trail about an inch wide so I immediately shut the engine off. Called my mechanic out who discovered that the seal had blown on the filter and the oil was spraying out. Another 30 seconds and the bearings would have been dry

WOW!!!

I am definitely checking my oil before I leave work tonight!!!

Do you remember what kind of filter it was? I use the trusty Purolator L14460...

I would have to say that it should come right off, as long as it wasn't over tightend.
One important thing to keep in mind with any car is to change the oil often and hot. Also always use OEM filters to assure proper quality. After owning my MB for a while I have learned that after market filters are just not worth buying...