View Single Post
  #4  
Old 01-22-2007, 02:45 PM
suginami suginami is offline
Moderator
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Southern California, U.S.A.
Posts: 8,538
Quote:
Originally Posted by ILUVMILS View Post
The early USA version 104's had an additional idler sprocket for the timing chain. That's why they're noisy compared to later versions. They also used the LH-SFI engine management system. It's not a bad set-up, but IMHO, the HFM-SFI system (with resonance intake manifold) is far superior in terms of performance, reliability, and ease of diagnosis.

Here at the dealership, I don't see many early 104's anymore, but I don't recall them having any major engine issues. The 103's were the last of the oil burning,valve guide wearing,camshaft eating MB engines. Headgaskets of course, are another story.
I think the 300CEs from 1990-1992 had the 104.990 engine, and used the same CIS-E as M103 engines.

The LH-SFI was used on the one year only 1992 300SE I believe.

I have never heard of a 104.890, but the 104.990 used on 1990-1992 300CE's in the U.S. have a fine reputation as far as I know. I've never heard of a complaint about them, in fact.

Alon Asherson has one (Ashman), a moderator on the Open Discussion forum.
__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".
Reply With Quote