Oil Consumption
 

My 88 560sl has been burning oil at startup and has been for years. I use to have to add a quart every 1k to 1500 miles but now it seems like it's ever 500 miles. Could this be because the engine has been running really hot in traffic due to the weather lately we've been experiencing in the Northeast or is it something else.

You need new valve guide seals. They are relatively easy to fix. Higher operating temperatures will increase oil consumption.