Considering buying a 1990 300 SEL, nice car, milegae is around 113,000. Two owner car, all records. Checks out ok except there is a clicking (light tapping) noise from upper front of engine. sound appears to be cam or valve train related. Any ideas? Any pitfalls in this model? I am not too familiar with them, more at home with '70s 280 SE 4.5s.

Jake,

The M103 is a great motor if serviced regularly. If this car has been taken care of and you have the books go for it. I had the same car and sold it around 117,000 miles. The ticking shouldn't be timing chain. The timing chains in these engines are usually trouble free that is if it has been taken care of. You might check the tensioner shock they often wear and rattle. I think its too early for a valve tick, again if the oil has been changed often. Hope this helps..

__________________
Brandon



2008 S550
1957 Dodge D100
1967 VW Microbus 21 Window
2001 Suburban
2004 Beach cruiser bicycle
-----------------GO DUKE!-----------------

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Patrick Henry 1776

I have a 91 300SEL. Its the best car I have ever owned. It has 148,000 miles. It has its share of repairs but man what a ride. I have the original sticker and it sold for around $70K.

Go for it! I would say that you are coming up to some repairs that will need to done, but it will take you many more miles. For my money its a small price to pay for a very good value in engineering and ride comfort.