Originally Posted by tinypanzer

I respectfully disagree. My 300SE is peppier and handles way better than any 300SEL I've driven, and I've driven a few. My 560SEL is a yacht compared to my 300SE. They both have something to offer; The 300SE can handle being thrown HARD into a corner and has a much more immediate feel to the steering. While the 560SEL has a ton more power and a smoother ride, it has a somewhat disconnected feeling from the road and cannot handle anywhere near the turning Gs of the 300SE.

But anyway, the point about an M103 being the more reliable and less expensive motor to own has certainly proven itself in my situation. I would definitely recommend the 300SE over the 300SEL unless you really need that rear passenger room. The 300SE is right at the threshold between peppy and underpowered. The 300SEL tips in the underpowered direction, I'm afraid. Even more so if you have passengers, luggage, and are running the A/C.

Anyway, the 380 motor was a turd. Underpowered, poor mileage, and an Achilles heel single row timing chain (on most earlier ones, IIRC).