M110 engine opinions

[zakkkk]

I have read various comments about the M110 engine ranging from it being an advanced high power high output performance engine of special merit to comments saying it was the work a day , dependable engine used in the lower and mid range MB cars.
I have a 1983 280 SL graced with that engine and I like it very much but it was the base engine for my 107 .


What is the real scoop?


jz

[fonzi]

R107 owners love it for several reasons, especially in the US.

1) it only came in the r/c107 in 185 hp Euro form, never the dog ~130 carved version (per specs) that was provided in the US w114 280/280c.

2) other than the (quite rare) 350sl euro and 300sl euro, its the only only (and most common) to be coupled with a manual transmission.

3) the 185 Hp is more power than the US 3.8, and and nearly the same or even more than some years of the US 4.5.

4) the m110 power band seems to be up above 4000 RPMs which is a hell of a lot of fun. It makes the 107 feel more like a sports car than the long stroke v8 engines. If "feels" faster and sportier than the heavier but far more powerful 5.6.

5) it looks cool, and classic with that dohc.

6) they are simple to maintain with fewer electronics, and they also don't seem to have the head gasket issues of later 6-cylinder engines.

Sure, it may not be an incredible performance engine, but I personally think it hits a great balance. Look at how long they used that engine in the g-wagons. It had quite a long production run without any significant changes, and that seems pretty rare for MB.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Idle]

Just make sure you keep up with the valve adjustments. I have seen more than one of these with flat spots on their cams.

But then, skipping any item that need to be serviced will lead to trouble. It just seems like a lot of original owners, or perhaps second owners, didn't keep up with them like they should.

[rbtoj]

fonzi, you forgot to mention that the M110 has a hemispherical combustion chamber too, much like all the self respecting sports cars of the period.

It can also sound quite glorious with a proper exhaust, like this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0jRKpM4CH0

[zakkkk]

Thanks gentlemen for your comments. I agree Fonzi the engine comes alive approaching 4000 rpms. I have had my '83 for 4 years now and love it.
The fellow I bought it from in Florida dropped me a note after the sale to say " it's a different car above 4500 rpms, enjoy it" He was right boy!


But I don't push those revs much over 4000. I am afraid of doing some engine damage to a 107,000 mile engine. But the car seems to hunker down at high revs with the engine acting like a gyroscope somehow.


As an aside, I recently got new 15" - 560 SL type wheels and new tires and boy what an improvement from the 8 year old 14" tires. Now I see that new 15" bundt knockoffs are available I would have bought them instead to keep original.
Thanks again for the vote of confidence on the M110. I love it.


jz