Forum Opinion 91 300se - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TX76513 · #1 01-14-2005, 09:14 AM

Looking for opinions from forum (OMG

).
I was the high bidder on and e-bay

300SE but the reserve was not met (now disclosed to me at $5200). I had a friend inspect the car and it is as described. The seller has come to me to "negotiate" by e-mail. How much more would you throw at this car? Or have I gone to far?

TX76513 · #2 01-14-2005, 12:44 PM

Guess I should have titled the thread
NAKED HOOTERS GIRLS

suginami · #3 01-14-2005, 01:18 PM

I think the general consensus of the forum is that this W126 chassis is one of the best the Mercedes ever built.

The 3.0 liter M103 engine has proven to be extremely reliable and durable. They do not suffer timing chain stretch like the V8 engined 126 cars.

1991 was the last year of the W126 cars, and is surely the best of the bunch.

I say buy it.

engatwork · #4 01-14-2005, 03:23 PM

Look for having to install new valve stem seals and rebuild the front suspension over the next 50k miles.

If I were looking for a four door gasser it would either be one of these or an early 90's 300E.

DslBnz · #5 01-14-2005, 08:31 PM

Actually, the 300SE has pretty good pick-up. Thanks to it's differential of 3.46.

It should be nearly as quick as a 420SEL. Considering the gearing and torque applications from paper.

Then again, the 420SEL gets the same mileage as the 300 so....
On the other hand, the 300 doesn't have timing chain that require frequent replacement,

Well.....There are tradeoffs for each model.

From 1st gear to 40 mph torque application for the 420SEL = 2087 ft/lbs
From 1st gear to 33 mph torque application for the 300SE/SEL = 2400 ft/lbs

From 2nd gear to 70 mph torque application for the 420SEL = 1419 ft/lbs
From 2nd gear to 56 mph torque application for the 300SE/SEL = 1632 ft/lbs

From 3rd gear to 120 mph torque application for the 420SEL = 877 ft/lbs
From 3rd gear to 90 mph torque application for the 300SE/SEL = 1228 ft/lbs

From 4th gear to 136 mph torque application for the 420SEL = 565.63 ft/lbs
From 4th gear to 128 mph torque application for the 300SE/SEL = 650.48 ft/lbs

The higher the torque value, the more acceleration you will get. Of course, it all depends on the torque curve. The 300 has it's peak around 4K'ish. The V8's is lower at about 3.2 - 3.5K.

The six-cylinder is a plenty potent beast, and will last a long time despite the fact that it is constantly working nearly 4K rpm's in top gear on the highway.