An oil change is good until the pollution level increases, the detergents wear out, or the viscosity begins breaking down from heat and age. With the amount of oil these engines circulate, you can get away with some decently long oil changes if you use decent stuff. Even the cheapest Wal-Mart branded dreck in a jug is better than what was available in 1986.

Claiming someone with an OM603 is abusing their engine because of a cracked head is absolutely ridiculous. The early 603's with the #14 head casting are prone to cracking, even if maintained by the book and with your anal-retentive style of maintenance flushing money down the toilet all the time.

Before claiming people don't respect their cars, learn to respect your other forum members instead of spreading FUD and misinformation.

__________________
Current stable:
1995 E320 157K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 125K (SLoL)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Gone and wanting to forget:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™) [Definitely NOT a Benz]