Thanks Fred, the leads are probably the last thing I can replace without costing the earth - I had a quick look for a Beru supplier in the UK but nothing yet, I shall take a better look later or failing that go to the dealership for OEM ones. It would be almost certain they are factory originals still in there.

pmckechnie - if it helps I can state the following from what I know:

The car is the 300E with the 3.0 straight (inline) six with what would appear to be the Bosch K-Jetronic system. The car was imported into Guernsey (Channel Islands, essentially part of Britain) in 1993. The motor office never signify the original manufacturer date of the vehicle when imported, so 1993 or earlier is the best I know of. It looks like this one whether that helps (albeit silver and with tin-worm):

http://www.peachparts.com/300e.htm

(is that what is referred to as the later 'face lift' version?)

When I replaced the fuel filter the parts supplier matched it to the early 90's model, which may help?

The chassis number is WDB 124 030 2B 246 816. I shall locate the log book to determine the engine number. It has the standard function automatic gearbox. Is right-hand drive so that limits its origins to key markets, but strongly suspect it to be a UK model.


I forgot to mention in my original post that I have adjusted the ignition timing dial through the seven positions with no noticeable difference.

Thanks once again,

Glyn B.