Turbo is new compliments of the trap oxidizer recall, performed earlier this year (none of the POs had it done). The turbo was damaged and so was replaced free along with a complete new exhaust system.

Blow-by does not seem excessive. Mechanic and I do not suspect rings or valve guides as compression is good -- engine starts easily, even without pre-glow, and idles smoothly.

You confirm what my mechanic says -- seal replacement is not easy.

Jeremy

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970