unable to remove oil filter, HELP!

[BruceinGa]

While in the midst of changing the oil in our 2005 X5, 3.0 I find that I am unable to remove the oil filter. Last oil change it was somewhat of a problem but finally was able to remove it.
This time it won't budge. When I resorted to using a lever to pry up on the top plastic the filter began to seperate the plastic from the filter material.
Any suggestions?
I'm thinking of completely seperating the top piece and the filter material from the wedge in bottom piece and then screwing something through the bottom, trying to pull up on the installed screws.
Anyone with a better suggestion?
btw, the filters are Mahle, OX 154/1D purchased online from a forum sponsor.