Two M103 questions, EGR and valve springs
 

I'm going to be installing new valve seals on my 300SEL, would it make sense (to me it does) to go ahead and replace the springs while I am already in there? Motor has around 254k on the ticker currently.

Also, is there a reason MB installed EGR on the '90+ M103s? I can assume for lower NOx levels due to tighter US emission laws.

Thanks :D

You really need to use a calibrated spring compressor to determine if they need to be replaced. Don't replace them unnecessarily, i.e. save some money.

Where do you score one of these? :confused:

Yes valve spring replacement is a very GOOD idea...ONE of the most overlooked components on an engine!

For the $6/ea or whatever they run, I can swing $72 + tax.

I will be doing the valve stem seals on my M103 pretty soon, and when I do I will also replace the springs. For a hundred bucks, it's cheap insurance while you're in there, and besides - you are saving a boatload of cash doing it yourself anyway.

hmmm ....first i have heard of re-doing the springs

i have to do seals on two cars...

Believe it or not, the springs actually lose their ability to recover from deflection, and in some cases can even break if they become worn and are not replaced. I have seen it more than once. If you already have a spring compressor around the springs it just makes sense to replace them.