Thinking of a gasser..... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vwbuge · #1 03-21-2004, 09:16 AM

I love my 300SD but my cousin bought a 300E sometime ago and I liked it. However, me being the gearhead that I am, I need to go faster. I have been sucked in by the 400E. I want one really bad. I posted in Open Discussion about the pros and cons of The 400E or the E420. You guys have any ideas?

Hatterasguy · #2 03-21-2004, 11:28 AM

Really nice cars. If gas was cheaper, and I didn't have my SDL they would be on my shoping list. The M119 V8 is powerfull, and from what I gather from this forum bullet proof if maintained properly. If you want speed and have the money a 500E would be pretty sweet.

#3 03-21-2004, 12:24 PM

Hi Vwbug.

I you really like the w126 body then a 560 SEC or SEL
would most certainly take care of that speed craving.

Louis.

DslBnz · #4 03-21-2004, 12:34 PM

560SEL and SEC = (GLUG, GLUG, GLUG) Augggggh!! Where'd all 23.8 gallons premium 93 octane gas go in just 300 something miles?

The M119 is pretty much as reliable as a gasser can get. As opposed to the M117 in the 560SEL and SEC, it actually gets decent fuel economy and doesn't have a chain that's guaranteed to snap after 130K miles.

If you could ever afford it, buy a 400E and keep your SD, too. You would miss the diesel, even if you think you're tired of it now.

lietuviai · #5 03-21-2004, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DslBnz
The M119 is pretty much as reliable as a gasser can get. As opposed to the M117 in the 560SEL and SEC, it actually gets decent fuel economy and doesn't have a chain that's guaranteed to snap after 130K miles.

What engine is the M119? I'm confused about the part about "it doesn't have a chain to go out at 130K", so what does it have?
I'm thinking about a gasser as well.

vwbuge · #6 03-21-2004, 01:20 PM

Yes, I would like to keep it and have both. I would really hate to sell my 300SD. It is kind of unique, I guess. I have seen pics of everybody's cars here on this forum. Not taking away anything from anyone else, but the car I happened to stumble on is just one of the nicer ones here. Nice in terms of condition but nicer in terms of maintenance records. I would hate to see it go. My son was born last June and I brought him home from the hospital in that car. As we were driving home my wife and I both agreed that it would be his car someday. Somehting you feel totally safe in.
As far as the 560 SEL, I looked at a few of those before I got my 300SD. I love the forever classic body style but wanted a little more longevity than performance. I just like the V8 package in the small sedan. I have not had the chance to drive a 400 but I drove my cousin's 300. It had decent power but I would like the same car with 275HP over 180HP.

I will keep dreaming for now.

DslBnz · #7 03-21-2004, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lietuviai
What engine is the M119? I'm confused about the part about "it doesn't have a chain to go out at 130K", so what does it have?
I'm thinking about a gasser as well.

The M119 is Mercedes V8 engine family they used starting in the R129 SL model from '90 up to the last S500 model of '99. The M119 engine ended up only being produced exclusively for the S-Class model toward the end of its production life.

It does have a chain, its just that it doesn't stretch as badly as the 560 engines do(every 130K miles). It should still be checked at normal intervals, its just unusual for one to let go.

Go for the 400E. They are not much different in pricing than the 300E, but get about the same fuel economy, and have a real "fun-factor" when you push the throttle down on the highway(hang on, they will scare the crap out of you if it is your first time).

DslBnz · #8 03-21-2004, 01:49 PM

M119 0 - 250 km/h

Although it is a 500E, a 400E shouldn't be that far behind.

TimFreeh · #9 03-21-2004, 02:01 PM

I've had a 400E for a couple of years now - its a very impressive piece. The only real downside of the V8 is the tight engine compartment, its not an easy car to work on.

Since the 400E is equipped with a 2.24 rear end highway mileage is impressive, my car will typically return 24-25 MPG on the open road. It's the best highway car I've ever driven. It just has tons of power at any speed and the M119 is a very refined and bulletproof engine.

lietuviai · #10 03-21-2004, 02:37 PM

I like my 300D but it has an engine problem that is driving me and a few forum members crazy. I don't want to take it to a shop because I know it'll end up costing hundreds of $$. It's just not worth throwing in any more money into the "money pit". The car is the right size but I guess I have to look for a gasser. I don't want a 124 because of all the problems I've read other forum members have had with them. It makes sense why they aren't that expensive now. What I'd like to do is get rid of the diesel engine in my car

and put in a gasser. I have much more experience with gasoline engines though not MB engines. I've heard of a couple of forum members who have swaped in gas engines into their 123's. I wonder if it's worth the trouble.

190D22 · #11 03-21-2004, 02:42 PM

I've got a friend who has a 95 E420. Verrrry sweet car to drive. But not to fill up. It loves that gas. He wants to get rid of it and get a 300D or a C class. Granted he's never lost a street race... but he doesn't like the fill up price.

The car is a definate joy to drive though. The highway power is immense. I love to take it out and find those pussies that drive civics with huge mufflers and wings on the back and piss them off. Get right up on their ass and make them floor it to get away from me, when the chance presents itself I switch lanes and BLOW past them. The car flies from 70 to 120 so fast you have to be careful. I want him to change the ECU to get that top-end limiter out and bump the performance up sightly.

If you don't mind the gas hungry car the V8 124s are sweeeeeeeet.

vwbuge · #12 03-21-2004, 03:03 PM

You guys are really pushing my buttons here. What about the wiring harness? What are the cons here? If I were to look for one, what areas should I look at?

Should I sell my "baby" for a 400E?????????????

lietuviai · #13 03-21-2004, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vwbuge
You guys are really pushing my buttons here. What about the wiring harness? What are the cons here? If I were to look for one, what areas should I look at?

Should I sell my "baby" for a 400E?????????????

Too bad you're on the east coast, I'd love to have your car. What a beauty!