Quote:
Originally Posted by TylerH860
I've been doing some research on the M103, because I'm thinking of purchasing either a late W126 or W124 with one of these engines. Oil consumption and head gasket issues seems like the most common problems, so I'm curious how many forum members have encountered this.
Please post if you have a W124 300E, CE, TE or W126 300SE, SEL and include the following:
Year:
Model:
Mileage:
Oil Consumption:
Oil Leaks:
Any top end work:
*edit* Also include if the car has a complete documented maintenance history, spotty, or non-existent.
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1. 1990
2. 300SEL
3. 260k
4. lol, huge. About a quart per fill up of fuel (20gal). So 200-400mi on a quart. Bet my cats have had it.
5. Front main seeps slightly, rest of motor is sealed up tight.
6. Not yet, parts have been amassed... well I did stem seals that slowed the oil consumption
7. Pretty decent service history, dealer from new to 150k... then a small shop for most of that and dealer for major until I picked up.
Car seems to have been primarily a freeway car considering the condition of the front end, huge oil consumption, interior condition, etc.
W124s are geared taller (better on freeway) so I see them with less consumption than the 300se/l. If you drive 60mph on the freeway, the 300se/l is okay... or swap in a 2.88:1 diff from an SDL and you'll be set. 300se/l is also goofy in the city. 2nd gear is too tall, 1st gear is too low
420sel is the current bargain or a 500sel in the W126.
Slightly more complex motor, just swap the timing rails and chain then you're set.
I know I sound like a busted record, but an extra 40ft-lbs of torque, 1000rpm sooner is REAL nice. Too bad the 300se/l was never offered with a five speed trans in the US... manual or auto.