I just changed my oil for the first time since buying my car. The car has 42k miles. I used the recommended Motorcraft Synthetic Blend 5W-20 and Motorcraft filter. Having owned several high performance (BMW) cars, I have done a pretty good amount of research about oil and filters. On paper, the Motorcraft oil and filters appear adequate. Has anyone had any experience good or bad with Motorcraft oil and filters? Is there a better option for the MGM?

Yes, any name brand 5W-20, and a Fram filter would suffice just as nice. Ford wants you to spend money on overpriced oil and filters that are no better than STP filters or Castrol oil. But if you have the money, I say Mobil 1 full-syn and K & N filters always.

Oil & Filter Updates
 

A lot has changed since your response -- which wasn't well thought out, in the first place.
Motorcraft Oil Filters now have their Pressure Relief Valves located at the INLET end of the filter case, which is superior to most other brands of filters having the PRV at the bottom of the filter. The Motorcraft FL-820S has the Silicone Anti-Drainback Valve, and is suitable for UP TO 5,000-mile drain intervals.
Although modern oil and filter manufacturers claim that extended-life oils and filters allow for changes up to 15,000 - 20,000 miles, I don't wanna go there -- 5,000 miles is JUST RIGHT for me.
Motor Oils have changed several times since your Merc was built, so factory recommendations need adjustment that reflects the improvements in oil technology. Even the ubiquitous Mobil 1 has changed, and latest tests show that it's now near the bottom of the list of superior oils.
Example: Pennzoil markets a "Full Synthetic" engine oil that's made from Natural Gas (no crude oil is used), and it is available almost everywhere (Walmart, Amazon, AutoZone, etc.) for less than U.S. $6.00 a quart.
Currently, the famous 95 MERC runs Pennzoil Ultra Platinum, 5-W-20; Bosch Premium Oil Filter #3410; and a FILTERMAG # SS365PR Magnet Kit. Oil & Filter changes at 5,000 miles.
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