My local autoparts store always has a bowl of metal case filters on the counter with the sign "special - $2.39". I use those just because they look more "vintage" than a clear plastic filter. Also I can write the install date in magic marker on the larger body of the metal filter (which doesn't look very original).
Yea, in theory you can inspect the plastic filters for debris. But my sense is that by the time the sediment became easily visible, you would already be experiencing problems.
So in summary, the metal filters might not be correct for my 2800cs, but I generally prefer anything made of metal over plastic.
