Kerry - No, sorry, I meant the OM603.96x exhaust is much different between Euro and USA. I believe the 617's are mostly the same, other than the funky 1985 CA version. Here's photos of the 603 setup, Euro and USA:
http://www.meimann.com/images/mercedes/OM603_intake/
82-300td - Yep, it's amazing what a little Mobil synthetic can do for ya, ain't it?
I've never heard of that particular side effect before but it doesn't surprise me. It can take 5-10kmi of using synthetics to get the full benefits, so don't be surprised if your engine runs a bit better still a few thousand miles from now!
