OK fellas... I pulled out the oil filter to inspect all of that business.. and it looks like the plastic tube that goes through the middle of the oil filter came off (broke off?) and got thrown out with the old oil filter? How I could have done something this dumb, I don't know, but it's totally missing. Bone headed move on my part. I am guessing this is the culprit. Got another one coming. Will keep it parked until it comes.

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2003 3.0 5MT Topasblau
Purchased in 2016 and sold in 2024
2012 35d Platingrau