Out of curiousity, in the W126 chassis, 6cyl engines, in Euro trim for the 280 and Euro or N.A. for the 300), what would be the better built engine or more reliable? Was the 280 engine ever offered in N.A.? I will post pics of both.



280SE/SEL (1979-1985)
126.022 280SE
126.023 280SEL
2,746cc, 86 x 78.8mm, 6-cyl DOHC, type M110, Bosch fuel injection. 185bhp at 5,800rpm; 177lb.ft at 4,500rpm

300SE/SEL(1985-1991)
126.024 300SE
126.025 300SEL
2,962cc, 88.5 x 82.2mm, 6-cyl OHC, type M103, Bosch fuel injection. 190bhp at 5,600rpm; 192lb.ft at 4,250rpm

Thanks in advance

1st pic is the 280se engine

Attached Thumbnails

 

the 300se engine

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The M110 or "twin-cam" engine was a GOOD engine, but was too heavy & MOST MB techs hated it. I had a few of them myself(euro 280E).
The M103 engine is a more user freindly & overall should live a lot longer. MOST all MB techs like working on this engine.

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I'm not sure how reliable most 280 engines are, but I know that ours had a valve job at about 100k and it's just about ready for another one at 202k. Additionally, some parts are difficult to locate for the engine. The car once spent a week in the shop waiting for a special ordered part from Germany. I have not really been impressed with the engine.

On the other hand, the 280SEL is absolutely beautiful. With its European lights and Euro bumpers the car looks like it should. Additionally, it has neat little features like two different horns, adjustable headlights, the reclining back seat, and all of the dashboard labeling is in German. I love that car. Here is a picture:

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Ben

The MBs:
1976 300D (W115) - 330K and still going (sort of)
1991 300D 2.5 Turbo - Sold at 221K
1983 280SEL - Sold at 206K
1981 300SD - Sold at 232K

Thanks guys for the info

I better stick with buying a 1990-1991 300sel instead of a 1985 280sel.

I thought maybe a Euro car might be fun and "maybe" more reliable.

I always loved the Euro headlights and bumpers, so maybe a conversion on a N.A. 300sel may be the way to get the best of both worlds.

Thanks again