What is the difference between 104.9XX engines and the M104.941 in my C280?

I've read that the 104.9XX engines can go beyond 300k miles with proper maintenance. Can the same be expected from mine?

TIA

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Jean

97 C280, 36k miles
96 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, 146k miles

Your motor is a 104.9xx motor. Whatever is realistic about it applies.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

XX means any and all numbers - like 90 or 92 or 42, or your 41. All 104 motor are straight sixes with dual overhead cams and 4 valves per cylinder. Most of the 104 motors were 3.2 liters in displacements, but some of the early ones were 3.0, and yours was 2.8. But there is nothing wrong with it being a little smaller - it just doesn't have quite as much power. They are proving to be a long lasting engines, except that some had wiring harness problems, and they are somewhat prone to head gasket oil leaks. But they seem to have much longer valve train (i.e "top end") life than their predecesors, the 2 valves per cylinder 103 motor. With good care there's every reason to believe it will have a very long life - bottom end and top end. But don't worry you'll get to spend plenty of money on other things in the engine compartment.

My question was regarding the meaning of the M prefix in mine which the others don't have.

For example, in the 124 chassis, it's 104.942. In the 210 chassis, it's 104.995. But in the 202, it's M104.941.

I thought there was a difference. But if there isn't any, I'll just keep enjoying it .

Thanks for the responses.

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Jean

97 C280, 36k miles
96 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, 146k miles

Same thing - some people use the M, others don't.