Canged the air filter on my 83 300SD (260,000 miles) and noticed that part of the filter was covered in oil and the housing was very messy with oil. I did not notice this porblem a few months ago when I changed the filter. Wat causes the oil buildup and how much shopuld be expected.

dp,

i had the same problem with my 84 300. the problem seems to have resolved on mine by checking the O-ring sealing the drain
pipe at the bottom of the air filter (there was none!) and replaced
it with a small piece of old heater hose; and then i also learned
from a prior thread not to fill the oil up to the top line. i suspect
that really did the trick. now i only fill between the lines to the
midpoint. that also seems to have helped on other oil leaks.
beyond that, i'm sure wiser folks than i will chime in.

good luck.

__________________
rayroyw
_______
'85 380SE (238,300) my "new" old car!
'84 300D (303,000+)
'72 250/8 (mercy heaven)

Check to see if the BREATHER HOSES & TURBO OIL RETURN PIPE are plugged . . .

NOT UNCOMMON with that many miles . . .

Thank you for the replies. The weather is going to get better later in the week so I will be looking at the problem then. The o-ring idea is great - Thank you - Dennis