Bill, I didn't know the deck lid was different. I only thought that the front end was changed on the '94-95. What's different on the rear? Thanks.

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Steve

1992 300CE Sportline Sophie
1990 300E Emma - in the family
1979 240D Josephine - sold, but not forgotten
2004 Pacifica AWD

http://web.mac.com/dakota/Mercedes/Home.html

Why do you prefer the M103? You said "slight" accelleration difference - is it really that close between the two (I've heard differently)? Do you think your mechanic friends prefer the M103 due to the ease of working on it? You say you upgraded the grille...did you go to the '94-'95 look? Thanks for the response, Bill

'94-'95 (maybe '93?) had an "insert" between the taillights that gave it a more "flush" look. Earlier W124's can be upgraded/updated to later model look.

Bill heres a link to a site with 0-60 times. Just scroll down to Mercedes. I think the guys like the 103 because they are easy to work on. See my grill on personal web page/profile

http://marksmustangstx.tripod.com/marksmustangs/id15.html

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88 300CE 300,000kms
Black Pearl, Burgandy Leather
Euro Lights.
Its for sale. Its SOLD

Interesting link...if accurate (and I can only assume it is) I guess I was misinformed...

OK, Bill, now I understand.

But my '92 300CE *has* that insert. I wonder if the coupes got it earlier than the sedans maybe? Mine's a Sportline, but I'm pretty sure that the insert was not part of that pacakge.

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Steve

1992 300CE Sportline Sophie
1990 300E Emma - in the family
1979 240D Josephine - sold, but not forgotten
2004 Pacifica AWD

http://web.mac.com/dakota/Mercedes/Home.html

My 1991 300CE has the insert as well (I think it was designed for U.S. registration plates).

However, my friend's 1990 300CE did not have it

He also did not have door subwoofers.

Although I'm not 100% positive, I think you're right that the coupes got the insert before the sedans...and the later W124s trunk lids were actually stamped differently to achieve the "flush" look w/out the necessity of the insert...BTW, have you got any input regarding my original post regarding the "aesthetic" (and any other) differences between the coupes? Thanks, Bill

There was also a different insert for overseas cars to accommodate the long "euro" plates...I can email a pic if you would like. And PLEASE, give me your input on my original post? I need some help. Thanks, Bill

I have an M103 ('90 300E) and an M104 ('92 300CE). The difference in acceleration is very noticable. Part of that is the +40 hp and part is a the rear end (2.86 vs 3.06). The M104 definitely has a throatier sound.

I've not driven a '93+ M104, but those that have say it is even quicker than the 90-92 M104 (more low end torque). I'd like to compare them because the later M104 cars didn't have the quicker 3.06 gears.

For what it's worth, the CIS-E M104 *engine* looks nicer, in my biased opinion, than the later HRM M104. But most people probably wouldn't care about that.

As far as body style, I'd guess I'd have to say that the '94-95 definitely looks better.

__________________
Steve

1992 300CE Sportline Sophie
1990 300E Emma - in the family
1979 240D Josephine - sold, but not forgotten
2004 Pacifica AWD

http://web.mac.com/dakota/Mercedes/Home.html

Bill,

Your own personal preference (and budget) will help you make the decision between a 94+ coupe and another CE. As far as 'back to back' comparisons, the 24-valve is much more powerful on the highway...where it was designed to perform. Your M103 300E will be an excellent comparison subject against a 3.0 or 3.2 M104....

Have you checked insurance rates? That may be a deciding factor as well.

There will be enough to choose from to find a good example. What I would suggest is to start looking at them. Drive as many examples as you can (Sportline - if you can find one). Ultimately, you'll find one that completely satisfies you and passes a rigorous PPI.

Than write a check

Good luck on the search!

Bill,

To get a pre- or post-face lift is probably a matter of personal opinion. I purchased mine based on original owner service record. (I have the M103 pre-facelift.) In a way, I would have liked to have the extra HP (217 vs. 177), but find the 177HP to be sufficient for most driving needs. It'll get up and go with little coaxing.

The diff between pre- and post- should be down your list . . . after things like which engine you desire (M103 or M104, 3.0L or 3.2L) and service record. Then stuff like body condition, interior condition, etc. In my humble opinion, body style should rank about even with paint color. Important, but not a deal maker or breaker.

This doesn't have anything to do with the current topic or this thread, but I found it pretty funny that the 240D stick shift has a 0-60 time that was very close to the 1/4 mile time. When I had mine, it didn't seem like such a dog. You just learn to plan way ahead. When you see those steep hills coming, you just get into the fast lane and build up as much speed as you can . . . for sure as heck, you will be going below the speed limit by the time you get to the top of the hill.

Your response is exactly what I was trying to elicit...Opinion backed up with facts along with "real world" experience...It pleases me to know that there IS a considerable difference between the two engines (maybe along w/rr. diff), as another member of this site, who was very helpful to me in suspension upgrade ???'s said the very same thing...BTW, your car is gorgeous (wanna sell it?) and just what I'm looking for...I primarily want Black/Tan or Black/Black, but will consider others if I can't find one (and if price, service records, etc. are in line). Thanks again man...very helpful, Bill

Although I could go out tomorrow and pay cash for a much later model (w/in reason, of course, as unfortunately there's no 2004 AMG E55 in my immediate future), I am willing to pay the price (again, w/in reason) for an EXCELLENT example as this is a car that I plan to "add to the stable" and keep for a very long time (maybe as an investment, maybe not as we can't predict future values)...Insurance rates are certainly not a concern...Since I've owned my 300E, I have become a W124 devotee as I've always thought that "older" cars have much more "character" than most of the later models. As an example, I sold a 1971 Volvo 1800E Coupe a couple of years ago and I still regret it (i.e., "character")...I simply love the build quality and the lines of the W124, especially the coupe. I've been a fan of German (and Swedish) cars ever since I was a little kid and have always despised cars that came with "planned obsolescence" engineered into them. I'm a firm believer that Mercedes built the W124 to last (newer models, I question). I have a trusted and excellent certified MBZ mechanic locally whose brain I can pick for exactly what to look for...As I stated earlier, I'm pretty well educated as to the particulars of each car and engine (in part, thanks to this forum and it's members). In addition, I have always been "blessed" with the ability to drive a car "around the block" and pretty accurately assess the overall condition - "feel" as I refer to it. Volosong, I really don't care whether it is a "pre or post" as long as everything "fits", as I like both styles just about equally. Whichever I choose, it will stay the way the "German Gods" intended it to be. I have no problem with anyone "updating" with a new hood, etc., it's just not me, as art and design are always period driven and I can appreciate a fine piece of well-executed work. I am very particular about my cars, so if I found one with a good engine, body, etc. and a trashed interior, I would probably pass on it simply because that would say alot about the P/O. I have a good friend that calls me "anal" about my cars, but I prefer to think of it as "particular". I'm just looking for as much input and info that I can gather here to put this gameplan into effect. I really appreciate the responses here guys, because as we all know "knowledge is power". Thanks, Bill