If that engine has a problem.........it WILL use oil.

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

A leak down test will not give you an indication of bad valve stem seals. You may be able to check for a bad valve seal at the seat. That's a bad valve which would cause a dead miss, not a puff of smoke on restarts.

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1984 280SEL, 62,000 miles
Euro model in the USA
1983 300D (Totaled out 10/2004)
New Factory Mint Green paint
Palomino int
1982 240D (Steak dinner for two)

Update on issue: The dealer did a leak down and compression test w/printed results. Everything was WELL within spec. The explaination, which I agree with and understand is; when the car is first started the FI system sets up in a rich mode until a certain temp is reached. This rich mixture along with any oil that may be in the cylinder just sits there. Since the car only moves from the garage to the street, (engine run time 30-45 sec.) then sits for several hours then on restart I get the puff of smoke. Now, when I go through this same motion I go down the street one block and turn around and park it....no problem on restart....I'm satisfied, and NO oil consumption between 6K mile oil changes. Dennis

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....just drive'em!
'89 300TE White w/Blue, 152K SOLD!
'93 300E Blue w/Tan, 154K SOLD!
'01 E-320 4-Matic wagon, 130K
'67 Vette Conv. White w/Blue, 217,421K