My S2000 has original air filter, after 11 years 56k miles with pantyhose pre-filter it is not plug up yet. I probably will keep it in the air box for another 4-5 years.
The air filter in E430 was changed last month after 5 years 50k miles. The filter media is still good but the seal is hardened so I changed it. Yes, it has prefilter too.
The other cars filters have more than 40-50k miles and still in service.
12 month/12k miles is what filter companies want you to change so that they can sell more. Car manufactures recommendation is very conservative. Just changed air filter in my daughter 2014 Accord, with 24k miles the filter is barely dirty, but she likes to change it because the MM says do it. Also, changing filter according to MM to keep warranty intact.