Triffin,

The story about synthetic oils causing leaks in older cars if you change "later in the car's life" is a story I cannot verify, and I use only Mobil Delvac 1 in all my cars now, including the 1982 240D. While that car leaks at the rear crank seal, it is not an item that started when I bought the car and switched to synthetic oil.

Since using Mobil Delvac 1, my cars actually have lost some of their appetite for oil. I now go 6,000 miles between oil changes, and only the 240D with over 285,000 miles needs to be topped off in that interval. Using Mobil 1 0W-40 my 190E 2.3-16 needed a quart every 1500 or so miles, even after the head work was done.

If you are going to have work done at the dealer, I recommend you join the Mercedes-Benz Club of America. I get 15-20% off on parts, and labor, at my dealership in New London. So, the parts end up competitive with mail order stuff, and the labor is better than full price. They also do good work, and they have always been very honest and straight forward. I had an issue with my 1991 350SD, but the dealership ended up making me whole again by making the 1998 E300 Turbodiesel affordable. I also buy my Delvac from them as I get it at a wholesale price using my MBCA membership.

Good luck, sounds like a great car, Jim

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)