When I had my 1993 300E2.8 into the dealer for a new head gasket and timing chain, they generously threw in a free oil (7.5 quarts of 15/40 castrol, according to the shop supplies list) & filter change at 161091 miles.

Now, a little over a month later and at 162618 miles, the oil level warning lamp has come on, and I'm down to the bottom of the dipstick.

Where could 7+ quarts of oil have gone in 1500 miles? the coolant is straw-coloured and free of oil, there's no drips on the driveway or on the bottom engine cover, and no blue smoke from the exhaust.

Where could the oil be going? The car did leak oil before the head gasket replacement, and I'd hoped it would go away with the new gasket. Should I be regretting not getting my valves done when I had the head off last month?