I read with intrest the post on 300E oil consumption my 86 has this prob. 1 qt. per 1000 miles, are the stock guides better than the original? or are there better units (aftermarket etc.) I do all mech. work myself, but dont own a seat or valve face mach. so I'll send the head out but I want the best. thanks for your help Chris C.

THE "FACTORY" VALVE GUIDES WERE MODIFIED
DURNING THE 1989 MODEL YEAR & WILL LAST MUCH LONGER THAN ORIGINALS. MAKE SURE TO HAVE A QUALITY MACHINE SHOP DO THE WORK AS ALL M.B.
ENGINES REQUIRE A THREE(3) ANGLE VALVE JOB.
THIS ENGINE USES "STRETCH BOLTS TO SECURE THE CYLINDER HEAD, MAKE SURE TO INSPECT THEM
AND REPLACE AS NEEDED.

I agree with MBDOC.