91 300SE M103 flywheel sensor
 

Where exactly is the flywheel sensor in an M103 (91 300SE)? I'm about ready to lift the head with manifolds attached. The flywheel sensor wire is clamped to the manifold in several places. I might as well lift the wire with the assembly. One end is at the ESL box, easy enough to see. Where's the other end?

Thanks,
Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

Next to the oil filter housing ON the engine casting just above the starter.

Thanks.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

Re: 91 300SE M103 flywheel sensor
 

Are you sure you want to lift the head with both manifolds attached? On the advice of an independant MB tech here, I left the inlet manifold in place on our 300TE (M103). It made the job much easier and I also found I could lift the head (with exhaust manifolds attached) without the need for any lifting aid. The extra weight and bulk of the inlet manifold would probably have prevented me being able to do this without assistance. Unless you need to also work on the inlet manifold I can see no need to remove it. The head can be removed and replaced with it in place. Just take care when refitting the head that both the head gasket and inlet manifold gasket remain in place on the locating dowels when lowering the head back into position, which I also (only just) did by hand without any aid.

The problem I see is that with EGR, I can't part the intake and exhaust manifolds enough to let the head come through unless I first dismantle the wraparound EGR piping. Also, I can't imagine how to get to the lower intake manifold bolts without taking a bunch of fuel injection doodads like the cold start valve. In short, I don't think I'll save any time by leaving the manifolds in the car.

But thanks for the suggestion. The head's not out yet since I get to work on it about 15 minutes a day so there might be an opportunity to do it your way :)

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

Ah! You have identified a difference between engines for different markets. In Australia our M103s did not have EGR, avoiding the problem you mention. Having not seen an EGR equipped version I cannot comment on this problem (I have noticed one of the exhaust manifolds has a flat, but no holes cast on the top for the fitment of an EGR valve).

As for reaching the lower inlet manifold bolts, they were not as difficult as they looked. I did it without any special tools. For me, leaving the inlet manifold in place had the advantage of not disturbing any fuel lines, wiring associated with the fuel injection, cruise control or throttle cables, in addition to the greater ease of man-handling the cylinder head mentioned in my earlier post. The manifold stays in place by way of a support attached to the engine block (which you will need to detach to remove the inlet manifold).

Maybe others who have done the head on an M103 (with EGR) could comment.