Hi guys and gals,

As of late, my car has been "burning" alot of oil. Between oil changes it eats up about 3.5 quarts of oil (horrible). The car is mainly driven on the highway. The other day when I was on the freeway doing about 60mph, I downshifted to "2", got up to about 75mph and then kicked it back up to "D". As soon as the tranny upshifted into "D" I noticed in my rear view mirror a bunch of black smoke. I think it time to change the seals on this badboy. What I dont understand is there is absolutely no smoke when I start the car up. Although the belly pan seems to be alittle saturated with some oil gunk, I think the problem is the valve seals. I've noticed also that If I smash the pedal from a dead start, say at a red light, once the tranny shifts into 2nd gear there is a huge cloud of black smoke. I was wondering what you guys think I should do?? Should I opt only for the seals, or do the complete valve job? I was quoted $1200 for the entire valve job, I've yet to ask a shop on a price for only the seals. If I only do the seals, will the consumption go away or just reduce it? The car runs like a champ by the way, great acceleration, etc. I change the oil every 3k miles using Castrol GTX 10W-40, and a new filter. It currently has 120k miles on it. Im waiting to hear from the techs on this..

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Agron
1989 300E ("E 300"-Badged)
Monotoned Astral Silver w/ rear lid deck panel
97 Style Replica E420 Rims 205/55/16
Euro Headlights
Clear Corners
94/95 Taillights
Black Grille Insert
Chrome Exhaust Tips
20% Tint
Pioneer Sound system w/ Sub-enclosure and CD-changer