What types of mods can be done to the M103 Engine to make it perform better mainly off the line. I know upgrading to the V8 models would be a more logical choice. But in terms of the M103 is there room for improvements at a resonable price, chips,exhaust...ect. I am hoping I could somehow bump power to the 200hp barrier. (So no more tauruses beat us at the stoplights) :D

1986 300E
Euro Headlights
Clear Blinkers
95 Red/Grey Taillights
Eibach Suspension
16in E420/430 Wheels
Monotone Bumpers
S-class Shift knob and
Steering Wheel

No. The 300Es are not THAT slow. I mean, jeez, my 260E is a little lacking, but not horrible. It is just slow off the line.

I drove my E420 for about 4 months when we bought it before it was stolen from me <grin>. After having all that power, you begin to realize power isn't everything.

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1988 Mercedes-Benz 260E (W124)
Arctic White/Grey
Debadged
Euro Headlights
Clear Turn Signals and 1994/1995 Taillights
16" x 7J 8-hole
Michelin Pilot HX MXM 205/55WR16

1997 Mercedes-Benz E420 (W210)
Pearl Black/Ash
Debadged
Michelin Pilot XGT Z4 P225/55ZR16

1997 Mercedes-Benz C280 (W202)
Polar White/Parchment
Michelin Pilot SX-GT 205/60VR15

Getting more "umph" off the line is going to be a challenge. It's one of those things that has a direct relationship to displacement and torque.Modifications like cam,intake and exhaust will usually give results further up the power band. When it comes to off the line acceleration,there's no substitute for cubic inches.
Does the car start in 1st gear when it should? The 86 300E is usually pretty quick off the line.

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W.R.Durrance
ASE Master Tech
Mercedes Tech 20 Years
68 250SE
68 SAAB 96 Ice Racer
69 300SEL 6.3
70 300SEL 3.5
81 300TDT