Hello all!

Well, I've had the 240D (my first MB) for 2 1/2 months now (I am third owner) and have gone through and fixed a bunch of things. The list of things I want to do (about 15 things now) is not too bad and most can wait till I find the time/money.

Anyway, I fixed my one and only oil leak (from the oil filter housing gasket) but my car still drinks oil. The car has 242,000 miles on it and the engine has never been rebuilt. I am trying to narrow down the cause of the oil usage....so I will give you as much info about how the car acts/drives as I can to help with the diagnosis.

The car starts just like my Honda (always within a second from when I first turn the key to "start"). I did have to replace the glow plugs as one was bad when I bought the car...but even then, the car started right up. I don't even notice a difference when it is freezing outside (in the 20s).

The car does not smoke upon first starting it up, at idle, or under heavy throttle or load. I have even asked a friend who was once following behind me on the highway if the car "smoked" and he said that it didn't.

The car has plenty of power....at least compared to the other 240Ds I was testing out before I came across this one. I have heard many people on this forum complain about the power of the 240D, but mine isn't bad. Sure, it isn't a rocket, but it is ok...if you know what I mean.

The engine runs/idles very good and I don't have any knock or irregular running from the engine upon first starting it up cold. I guess you could say that it isn't a "cold-natured" diesel.

So here is my big concern: The car uses 1 qt of oil every 450-500 miles. I have simplified life by just adding 1/2 to 2/3 quart every time I go to fill the tank.

If the engine ran like crap, smoked, had no power, or was hard to start, I would consider a rebuild right away. But, as I already stated, the engine runs great.

Given the information at hand, I would appreciate any advice as to how to proceed on this. I really don't want to mess with the engine right now as it runs too good to tear it down.

BTW--I have not done a compression test. I know it would be key information in helping to diagnose the problem....but haven't done it. Not even sure if I really need to since it runs so well.


Thanks for the help and I look forward to reading your comments.

mike