I've recently acquired a 1989 300SE in excellent condition with less than 100K miles.

Although the M103 is turbine smooth, it turns way too fast for my tastes..........coming from diesels exclusively.

Furthermore, for reasons that totally escape me, the vehicle utilizes only three gears in normal operation..........second, third and fourth.

I did a comparison on the final drive ratios currently with the 3.46 and potentially with the 2.47:


3.46:

12.73
8.34
4.98
3.46


2.47:

9.08
5.95
3.55
2.47


Looking at the numbers, the vehicle would have slightly shorter gearing utilizing 1,2,and 3 as compared to its current use of 2,3, and 4. This would improve it's launch and driveability in town.........which is currently quite good.

The magical 4th gear would give me the fuel economy on the highway that I desperately need.


All of the above is based upon the premise that I can modify the valve body to get permanent first gear start.

I'd like some opinions from those who have some experience with such a change........possibly from those with the W124 with taller diff gears.