The m103 engine in the w126 will get you neary 20mpg no matter how you drive it. I dont understand what people are talking about when they say it is powerless. When I had my 300se, I could chirp the tires when I mashed it, and it kicked down to 1st gear. With a 3.47 diff I don't understand what these guys are talking about.

The 300se's big problem is that on the freeway, 70mph is like 4k rpms.

Keeping the m103 running PERFECTLY is a bit of a challenge. It needs spark plugs every year or so, and full ignition tune up every 5 years give or take based on the average 15k miles per year.

Cis-e injection system is pretty easy, once you understand how simple it is. The trick is to maintain the ignition system, and keep the vacuum tight arounf 13-15hg.

Problems with the m103 are:

Oil leaks. Its not a matter of them leaking, its how much..... I was actually able to get my 300e completely leak free for almost a whole year.

Lack of PO maintanence. Deferred maintenance will run you at least $500 in QUALITY parts. Dont skimp or you will be sorry. Thats just tune up stuff.

A lot of these people never owned a 300se, so are going on second hand opinions.

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Eugene

10 E63 AMG
93 300te 4matic
07 BMW X3
14 Ford F-150 Fx2