Some Ideas
I’m also trying to get some clear information about this as well for my ’81 300 D. The screws on each side of the oil filter canister can be difficult to remove. I used a ratchet with a u joint to apply even torque to the screws, as I do not want to strip them. Be careful to not overfill the crankcase, like I did. All of the oil does not come out; add about six quarts first and warm the engine. Check the oil level and add if needed. Pack some old shop towels around the top of the old filter canister to cover the engine, wires, hoses, etc. and put a drain pan on top the air cleaner housing, when you pull that oil filter element out it’s going to be a mess, dripping lots of hot oil everywhere.
It is possible one washer is used to replace the old washer on the oil drain plug. The other is for canisters with a center mount screw, like the one on my 500 SEL. I assume these filter elements have multiple applications and come with the washers accordingly. It is possible, therefore, that these washers are not needed for an oil change on the OM617.XXX. Confirmation of this would be appreciated.