I would expect a lot of it is simply from oil changes. There's almost no way to avoid pouring oil from the filter all over the right mount. You can stuff a rag under there, but sometimes a lot comes out, and it's hot, and you don't want to burn yourself...
Best bet is a couple of things already suggested:
replace the flame trap + holder ($3 or so)
make certain the intake nipple is clear
replace the oil cap gasket (less than $1, by the way)
and power wash the engine. This year car shouldn't have any harness problems or anything that would preclude a thorough washing with a commercial car-wash power washer. The results should be pretty satisfying (though I'd bring paper towels and a screwdriver in case you have to open the dist cap and dry it out- always happens to me). Oh, and remove the front splash pan to get everything under the engine clean as well.
With it cleaned off, you can see where the leaks are coming from, and address them before they get worse.
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M47- 225K, 88 744GLE- 209K, 91 244 183K. Also responsible for the care and feeding of: 88 745GLE, 229K, 88 244GL, 146K, 87 244DL, 235K, 88 245DL, 236K