Welcome to heaven and hell, all in the same car. Heaven when it works, hell when it doesn't. I've had a '91 TE 4m since '96 and its been a fun car to own.

The M103.985 (IIRC) is in the 4matics all the way through the lodel run because of torque, but also because of tooling. The M103 in the 4matic is slightly different than non 4matic M103s. The oil dipstick is on the exhaust side of a 4matic and the intake side on a non 4matic. Also, the 4matic oil pan is MUCH heavier, possibly cast but I'm not certain, and there is a shaft coming out of each side and the back of this monster pan. There is a little cover on the bottom that is fastened with allen bolts, unlike the regular M103 with a regular pan arrangement.

The literature I've read says the 4matic added only about 300 lbs to a standard 124 chassis. I think they were really snowing the writers on that one. The car rides very heavy, like a tank on wheels. I recommend 4matics to people who want an interesting car and need guaranteed transportation in bad weather. I laugh at the idea of tweaking a 4matic for performance or handling. Trade cars and save yourself $1000s if that's what you want.

There is also a ring of truth to the idea that they didn't want to add 40 hp to the drivetrain by using the 4 valver, but I think the tooling costs of modifying the newer engine for only one more year of production was prohibitive.

Good luck with the car.

someguyfromMaryland