I'll be replacing my 87 260E fairly soon. I like the W124 body and the 91-94 six cylinder models seem to fit my price range. I am looking for reliability, longevity, low cost maintenance, smoothness and refinement over HP, performance, handling and 0-60 times. Fuel consumption is not an issue. Is the M103 engine a better bet than the M104 ? Or perhaps I should come up with more cash and look at a V-8?
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AK
87 260E
75 FIAT 124 Spider

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Alex Kouliy:
I'll be replacing my 87 260E fairly soon. I like the W124 body and the 91-94 six cylinder models seem to fit my price range. I am looking for reliability, longevity, low cost maintenance, smoothness and refinement over HP, performance, handling and 0-60 times. Fuel consumption is not an issue. Is the M103 engine a better bet than the M104 ? Or perhaps I should come up with more cash and look at a V-8?
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AK
87 260E
75 FIAT 124 Spider<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
If it was me I would pick a 104 over a 103 any day. I see alot less problems with runabilty on the 104 and it runs stronger and smoother.

I love my 92 300Ce with the M104 24 valve engine. The car is very smooth, has enough power for me, and really drives nicely.

My father has an Sl600 and he is very impressed with the ride and performance of my car.

Alon

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'92 300CE
Metallic Black (Blue Flaked) on Creme
Clear Corners
Black Grille Insert
78k Miles

Future Upgrades:
Sportline Suspension
17" AMG Monoblocks or EVO II's
94-95 Tail Lights
Euro Headlights
Chip
AMG Exhaust
http://home.earthlink.net/~asherson/mycar.jpg
Click here to Go To My 300CE Page

I guess I am disagreeing a little with the previous two respondents. The 104 is great, but I expect that any of the pros will tell you that they do quite a few head gasket replacements on 104's and not too many on 103's. The other side of the coin is the valve seal problem with the 103.

What the previous two respondents may not have picked up on in your post, is that you want best durability and economy. I think the 103 has a better chance of delivering that IF the valve seals have been upgraded and the engine uses no oil.

Either one will have risks. I'm sure that not ALL 104's will need a headgasket in their lifetime, and not ALL 103's will have valve seal problems.

And, either one would be a great car to have. The 124 is a great automobile with any engine. I've never driven a 200 like you see so many of on the roads in Germany, but I'll bet they are also a great driving car.

Best of luck,

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Larry Bible
'01 C Class, Six Speed
'84 Euro 240D, manual, 533K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

Go for the 104 - if you have to replace the head gasket so what - the performance increase will be worth the $1500.

With the 1994 & 95 cars you get a micro-filter(dust) intake air system, & an engine that can kick ass. But there some very $$$ parts that can drive you crazy. Also finding a 1988-89 300E with stick shift would even the field. Most of the 1991-92 300E's don't have the oil consumption of the earlier engines & the trim & stereo is much better. EITHER way have it checked over by Quality tech BEBORE purchase.

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MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN (6 TIMES)
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS DEALER M.B. Shopforeman
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA racecar

As I understand the 300E was only imported to the US with stick shift in '86 through '88. But if you can find one, they are SWEET!

Good luck,

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Larry Bible
'01 C Class, Six Speed
'84 Euro 240D, manual, 533K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles