Looking at a gasser. 1989 300E
 

It feels weird to be out of the Diesel forum.
I have been using the forum Google search to look for buying tips for an '89 300E.
Even before that I knew well enough about the evaporator from the diesel W124 folks.
Of course, all our friends know me as the "old Mercedes guy", and because of that I have a line on an '89 300E with 64K miles. It was a Cali car that was owned by a lady's parents who have passed away now.:(
*Are Cali emissions different on these models?
*Is this a model with wiring harness issues? {doesn't appear based on my search, but not sure}
*Do these require the use of premium gas {cheaper than diesel!}:mad:
*I know so little about these I'm not sure what else to ask.:o:o
I would appreciate any info my gasser brethren could provide. My thoughts are to possibly buy this and sell the Squash. My wife won't even ride in my W123's, so maybe she would ride in this and cut down on my minivan driving time. k (although, is it so bad to have a car your wife won't ride in?};)
Thanks yall!
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I believe the CA model came with a "smog pump" that recirculates unburned exhaust vapors to meet the then higher emission standards.

No, that would be the later model C-Class, W202. The M103 does have a notable history of blowing headgaskets.

Because of the compression ratio, 9.2:1, yes. Premium Unleaded.

177hp @5700 rpm; 188 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm; 17,956 brought in by MBUSA with a MSRP of $44,850

get yourself a gasoline 300E
 

I would recommend an 89 300E (gas) ( I have owned a 1990 300E - 3.0L gas version since 2000 - currently 172K miles) but advise caution on your expectations. It is after all a twenty year old car (even with low mileage).
First expect to repair the head gasket eventually as it is a weak spot on these car.

A great thing about a 300E in this era (prior to '94) is that they share so much mechanically with the 190 series. I see plenty of gas 190s in the junkyard when searching for parts which means I can almost always find what I want. Although there are some '80-vintage 500 series there too, it is really easy to get parts for the 300 series

My 1990 is great fun to drive and is still tight riding down the rode. It is a tank. I can understand you not wanting to buy diesel fuel. The price of diesel is outrageous (even with the better mileage).
If you do get a gasoline 300, DON'T run in on anything but premium or it will destroy itself.

Yea I see the head gasket thing keep coming up, but without seeing smoke or milky oil there is no use worrying about it until it happens I guess. Do they have to overheat or was it just a bad design of head gasket at the time?
Does a valve job have to be done at the same time, and is that as expensive as a diesel is? {OM603 for example}
I've driven a couple of W124's and really like the ride and feel. I haven't driven one that is gas so I look forward to at least a few more ponies..... ;)
I'm guessing these are low 20's as far as mpg? Do they have problems passing emissions testing as a rule. {such non-diesel questions} :P
Thanks yall!

I have an '86, and I haven't had any problems I wouldn't have expected from an old car. I run regular gas without problems. Mine has a small vacuum leak on the underside of the intake manifold. Maybe someday when I have a garage, I will fix it. I usually get something like 19/23 for mileage, with three sigma events at 15 and 28.

Over the course of ownership, going on two years now, I have replaced most of the rubber parts that matter, but that's where the car wears out.

Other notable problems with the M103 are a front side oil leak (timing gasket?) and the valve guide seals.

Well, I guess there is nothing to overly fear with this car. Just a matter of condition and price. Luckily down here rust isn't that often a problem, especially with W124's so far. It's life before here was Cali, so good shape there.
Thanks for those who have helped me with info. Any more is certainly welcome.

BTW, anybody have a couple of China blue hubcaps? :o:o

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/194431-china-engine-replacement-1980-240d-10.html

Welp, she decided to keep it, which I really think is a good decision for her. It has a lot of sentimental value to her, and she wasn't going to make enough off of it to get something else. {especially from me. :o}
So, I never got to see it which is probably good. She did tell our friend that I can have first shot at it if she decides to sell.
Well, I guess it's all diesel, all the time for a while more. Thanks again for the help for this "outsider".....;)

Would she ride in a w126? Its hard not to look good in those.