The M103 is very robust. It'll be overdue for a valve seals if not already done. The new head gasket will get rid of oil leaks at the back end of the engine.

It's pretty hard to strand an M103 but once you pick up a miss at idle, it's the beginning of a frustrating though not necessarily expensive diagnostic journey. Keep the number of an M103 specialist handy in case it gets to that. Or maybe you don't mind a gasser that idles like an older Diesel

Around that mileage a spring sprung W126 can become a tail dragger. The rear suspension is quite easy to work on as long as you don't have to get into trailing arm bushings.

Sixto
87 300D

Ew, that sounds nasty... maybe I will try to find a lower mileage one. Or a different car altogether.

I was thinking these were 200K+ mile engines before any type of major work required.

This car may be fine, but since I cannot personally see it, anything is possible.

Buying an older car like that sight unseen is not a good idea. It would be more prudent just to spend the money on lottery tickets. I agree on the loping 103 engines - very hard to diagnose - almost like it's built into the engine as it ages.

Yep, my M103 had a really slight miss at idle that would sometimes worsen...never could seem to get rid of it.

__________________
Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles

Toyota engines these are not.

__________________
1999 C280

Sounds encouraging.

Maybe I should stick with a V8 Benz or diesel then. This man really wants to "see me" get it and is even trying to find cheaper shipping. I hate to break it to him if I do pass on it. If I only knew of someone in the area that knows Mercedes that could check it out for me discreetly, but he needs to know by tomorrow, because someone else obviously wants it.

I have had my uncle over in North Carolina looking for one and have been sending him leads. I found a nice black 300SEL that I sent him, but I think he is out of town this week.

Thanks for all of the replies.

Or V8 Mercedes. My 85' 380SE had 270K on the original engine. Never leaked a drop of oil or lost any between changes, but she did have knock at certain RPMs.

LOL...you obviously haven't heard of the 7M-GTE Supra engine...

But seriously...any engine can develop a misfire, including V8's...if you want power, get the V8, if you want economy, get the diesel, if you want economical smoothness, get the inline 6. They are not bad engines at all.

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Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles

Yeah, I like what the 6 had to offer, which is why I wanted a 300SEL, but I did not know of these potential problems even around the 150K mile mark. I was thinking this was something that came around closer to 200K. My uncle had a 89' 300 wagon with 171K and it never had any issues.

Maybe I will take a chance and go ahead and get this one. If it does soon need this work, it should not be too costly should it since these are fairly simple engines?

This car supposedly does not have these problems and stated to run great, but knowing my luck it may have, but for $2000, what can I expect?

Just don't be in too much of a hurry. Don't let a seller pressure you because "someone else in going to buy it soon". Look at the car before you buy, even if you have to go across the country. It would be cheaper than buying a dud. There are good 140's out there.

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1995 S-350
370K + SOLD
1952 220B Cabriolet
39K kilometers + SOLD
1998 E300D
310K +
2012 E350 BlueTec
120K

I don't understand your fear of the M103. The valve guides or seals is probably a one time deal....it does not need a timing chain replacement like the V8's do.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

True. M103 valve seals can be replaced without pulling the head.

Sixto
87 300D

Thanks... well I emailed him and asked if it was burning oil, overheating, or shaking at idle and he said "NO" and it was a excellent mechanical condition. Worth $2100 surely (BUT I have to pay an additional $395 to Nationwide to transport), which makes it a $2500 car. The body and interior are also very nice, COLD A/C - Carfax is fine and its always been here in the southeast - not even a speck of rust. Paint still gleams. I am pretty sure I am going with this one.

I think it would be better than the local 90' 560SEL I found locally, because I really do not want another V8 MB, unless its LOW miles with a updated chain/tensioner service.

The M103 is my favorite MBZ engine of all time. Less complex than the M104, easy to work on, with abundant and inexpensive parts overall. Never needs a chain or guides, valve stem seals easily replaced, bottom end NEVER wears out. Decent power, will run forever.

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

I think you should fly over and see it. A plane ticket for one person is what? $250 or less these days? Cheap insurance, IMO.