My OM603 with 211,000 miles uses less than a quart in 7000 miles.

Oil consumption on the newer engines is negligable.

Oil leaks on Benz engines are fairly common, and can be cured if you want to spend the money. All European engines seem to leak a bit, for some reason. Some are MUCH worse than others.....

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!