What was the first year MB used the M104 engine in the W124 Chassis? Was it '93?

What was the last year of the W124 chassis?

How does it compare to the M103 in power, reliability and longevity?

Any problems inherent in the early model years of the M104 (not just the engine, but the car in general)?

What octane gas is recommended for the M104?

I'm trying to decide between an 92 300E and a 93 to 95 model.

Thanks

Last year for W124's in USA was 1995.

M104 requires permium unleaded - I'd say 92 octane or higher.

In 1990, 300CE was first W124 to have the M104 engine.

First year of the 104 was 92 in the 2.8 300E I believe (? not sure)
Last year of the W124 was 95.
Personally I would get the 103 if its in good condition and near 100k
Mainly, because in the later cars, ASR is a pain when it goes bad and the engine harness problem can cause serious issues. But if these problems have been dealt with and certified in the one you are considering then the later 94-95 W124 is almost a perfect W124.

First year of the 104 in the 124 sedan was the 2.8 and 3.2 of 1993 but as mentioned it was in the 1990 coupe as a 3.0. Both 103 and 104 have their strong points and weak points - there's no clear answer on which is better. The 104 has a little more power and actually gets better gas mileage with HFM in 93. For a DIYer it's tough to beat a 103 motor - simple and lots of room.

One of the thread experts, MBdoc says the 92 300e is one of the best Mercedes ever built. He said he'd own one.

That was a pretty strong endorsement.

__________________
1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

deanyel is correct.

1993 300E's badged "300E" have the same 3.2 liter M104 engine (M104.992) found in 1994-1995 E320's. MB (in the U.S.) for some reason didn't change the badge until 1994, but in the rest of the world, 1993 300E's were badged as 320E's.

This 3.2 liter engine was also used in W210 chassis 1996-1997 E320's as well as 1993-1999 S320's (W140 chassis).

1993 models badged as 300E 2.8 have the same 2.8 liter M104 found in 1994-1997 C280's.

1990-1992 300CE's have a different M104 engien (M104.990). This 3.0 liter-24 valve M104 engine is an early version of the 24-valve DOHC 3.2 liter M104 engine used from 1993-on. The 3.0 liter version still used the CIS-E fuel injection system as 1986-1992 3.0 liter M103 engines, using a distributor with one coil wire and 6 spark plug wires. This is basically a mechanical injection system with electronic control.

The 3.2 liter M104 engine uses a different ignition system - HFM (hot-film mass air flow sensor), fully electronic with integrated electronic ignition and sequential fuel injection. This system combines fuel injection and ignition control in one module. HFM-SFI systems use coils that are mounted directly on the spark plugs, replacing the distributor at the front of the engine. Each coil pack provides spark to two spark plugs at the same time, one connected directly to one plug, and the other with a short high tension lead to the next spark plug. So there are 3 coil wires and 3 high tension lead wires.

HFM fuel injection systems are designed so that idle speed can't be adjusted. Idle speed is completely controlled electronically. This HFM injection system also has adaptive technology that compensates for conditions such as engine wear and unmeasured intake air and is designed to maintain driveability as the engine ages.

HFM-SFI can retard engine knocking to just the knocking cylinders, unlike EZL technology, which retards spark timing across the entire engine. This keeps the ignition timing point as advanced as possible for maximum power output.

The 3.2 liter M104 engines also have variable valve timing on the intake cam, making the torque curve broad and flat, developing HP at a much lower rpm. This makes the power much more useable and noticeable.

The problem with the M104 engine, in my opinion, is that they are more expensive to run. Why?

Early M104 engines had head gasket problems. Also, all 1993-1995 Mercedes have bad engine wiring harnesses. Last, M104 engines have an electronic throttle actuator which is notorious for failing. All three items are expensive to fix.

1992 300E's don't have the dreaded engine wiring harness problem, and also don't have a throttle actuator. Instead, they hava an idle control valve, which are not problematic.

__________________
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".

Thanks guys, great information. It's really helping me to narrow down what I want.

Gary