The M103 gas engine sucks, full stop. The transmissions start in second and the engine produces no meaningful power until 3000rpm, so they always lug off the line, they drink fuel too, premium fuel. The Bosch k-jet injection they use is also a NIGHTMARE to trouble shoot, with common practice being to just replace parts starting with the most common until it works which is very expensive.

If I was ever to venture into a w124 gasser again for a third time it would be a 1993+ model as they used the later m104 engine which has a far better engine management system in it as well as more power, torque, and fuel economy. Of corse they too have their issues, mosty with the biodegradable wiring harness.

Also, all w124 gasses have transmissions that will blow their reverse gear, it's just a matter of time...

So to answer your first question, I woukd skip this one......

__________________
2004 F150 4.6L -My Daily
2007 Volvo XC70 -Wife's Daily
1998 Ford F150 -Rear ended
1989 J-spec 420SEL -passed onto its new keeper
1982 BMW 733i -fixed and traded for the 420SEL
2003 Volvo V70 5 Speed -scrapped
1997 E290 Turbo Diesel Wagon -traded for above
1992 BMW 525i -traded in
1990 Silver 300TE -hated the M103
1985 Grey 380SE Diesel Conversion, 2.47 rear end, ABS -Sold, really should have kept this one
1979 Silver 300D "The Silver Slug" -Sold