MB doesn't sell any OM603's with the old/bad rods anymore. All you can buy new are the "good" rods.
As to the oil consumption, I'll let Marshall explain to you in detail how those dipstick marks are not "Full" and "Add", they are "Max" and "Min" - two very different meanings that most people misinterpret. (It's one of his favorite subjects!)
Point to ponder: Have you ever considered just letting it go until it reaches the "Min" mark?
