Anybody know for sure?

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-Steve

The engine and tranny are not the same
300E 103.983 trans 722.320,358 1986-1992
300E 104.922 trans 722.369 1993 only
260E 103.940 trans 722.409 1987-1989
hope this help.

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MB STARS Master Guild Technician,12 years MB tech
5 years independent shop owner

I have the 1987 260E. Is that the only difference between mine and the 300?

Is my engine/transmission better or worse, typically?

I don't know what the numbers mean.

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-Steve

Steve,
The 260E (aka 300E 2.6) had a 2.6 liter engine that made 158HP @5800rpm and 162lb-ft @4600rpm. It also had less standard features than the 300E. It was a bit slower as well.

The 2-valve per cyl 300E (M103) had a 3.0 liter engine that made 177HP @5700rpm and 188lb-ft @4400rpm. It had many more standard features befitting its higher status in the MB lineup.

Does this answer your question?

Lee

I have seen a few more failures out of the 722.4 tranny. It was first built for the 4 cyl 190 and then later put behind the 6 and the 2.5 turbo diesel.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

The level of trim(inside & out) were also different. ie: power seats. Most of the std. items on the 300 were options on the 260.

Also, the 300e came standard with headlight
wipers, alarm, power seats, and power steering wheel which were all options on
the 260e. Supposedly, (according to the 1987
factory 300e brochure) the 300e only weighs
10 pounds more than the 260e.