Tim,

While this note may sound like a continuation of the "great oil debate," my opinion is that the debate has been over for about 10 years ... many simply have not picked up on it.

You will obviously find my comments and those of many others to be interesting material ... I still do. But, I gotta tell ya, other than the cost versus goodness debate (while I admit is still not absolutely clear unless you own your car for a LONG TIME), the technical issue debate is over.

A new debate we will be seeing in America is likely the one the Europeans have gone through over the last 10 years - another simple, but incredibly interesting debate ... do you need to change your oil as often with better engines, better filters, better oil and in the presence of relatively inexpensive testing? Add in environmental issues and now ya got a great topic.

Your can should not be using much oil ... give the synthetic a try ... don't panic with a couple of drips ... pan the garag floor and keep driving it - what have you got to loose?

__________________
George Stephenson
1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet)
former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car
former 1985 300 CD - great car
former 1981 300 TD - good car
former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car
a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg