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Ed, changing the filter won't affect the color of the oil; the high quality detergent additives in the oil are working as intended.  I'm advising a filter change to head off excess deposits plugging the filter and putting it in bypass - which means the engine's circulating unfiltered oil.  If you want to check for evidence, cut the old filter apart when you change it.  A bit messy perhaps, but you'll see for yourself.  Another cause of that smell could be from vicinity of oil filter; it's near the exhaust pipe on that side, so some oil may have splashed on it during the change.  BTW, what brand of filter are you using?