Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnM.
The M103 is no slouch by any means in the 300E and if you have FGS (first gear start), its even more respectable. Yes you have to redline the crap out of it sometimes, but that's what they are made to do all day long. I have full smog equipment and a larger alternator on my 180K M103 (which I'd say is VERY well sorted). I think with slightly heavier alloys, some stereo equipment, etc....it's very close to the 8-8.5 second range 0-60.
The curb weight of a W126 is 3616lbs, while the W124 is around 3525lbs. Did they not put FGS in the W126 (for that luxury smooth feeling from a dead stop I guess?). Was the rear end geared way differently? A well sorted 300SE should be able to keep up very closely with a similar condition 300E.
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The LWB has to be near 3800lbs with driver and full tank of fuel... turn on the A/C and add a few passengers, fan clutch locks in the summer. Then the car becomes a total turd. I mean barely can get out of its own way from a stop light. The SWB is a decent vehicle, I have driven one as I owned one
It has a 3.46:1 rear diff, but with the second gear starts it is comical as I end up shifting the auto like a manual to make use of the gears. The 300SE/L should have came with a 2.88:1, first gear start, and a looser torque converter.
I agree on the 300E, I just received a free one early this year and have driven a few over they years... they are pretty sprightly. From memory the 300E had a 3.07:1 (minus the early with the 3.27:1).
If you are looking for a LWB W126, stick with the 420SEL. Less crap to fail, unlike the 560SEL, and slightly better fuel economy... plus about 45tq more around 1000rpm sooner over the M103 powered 300SEL.
MB should have offered the W126 with a manual in the US like BMW did with the 7.
This 735i I have came with a manual from the factory, I knocked down nearly 25mpg freeway on a road trip in OD from Houston to DFW with the same 3.46:1 gearing. It is only rated at 213tq and loafs along fine at 2500rpm in OD