1991 300CE vs 1992 300E
 

Hi All,

I did some search, and Here what I found.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=7610&highlight=300CE+300E


- "the main problem with the m103 engine is valve seals/guides, and the main shortcoming of the m104 is head gaskets. Both these problems would seem to show up around 100,000 miles if I understand correctly"

- 300CE has more horsepower than the 300E

I still have this question, and I could not find an answer for it:

In terms of Reliability and long term ownership costs which are more important for me than the horsepower, which one should I choose? both have the same mileages?

I am trying to be DIY...too

Thanks a lot !!

Sam

Sam, besides the higher HP of the 300CE there are other features that you should consider when comparing it with the 300E. We own three 300CE's and truly enjoy the power, driver's seat memory, telescoping steering wheel, ride position and sportier handling.

The most obvious differences are:
- coupe vs. sedan ... a coupe and may be impractical if you normally carry folks in the back seat. A coupe may be more difficult to sell if you don't intend to keep it forever.
- 300CE seats 4, 300E seats 5
- 300CE is easier to wash/wax with only 2 doors/doorjambs etc.
- 300CE windows lack frames which can allow air leaks at highway speeds and may require new seals.
- 300CE is more aerodynamic and sportier looking
- 300CE has seat belt extenders which can be problematic

As for longterm ownership costs it depends on how you maintain your cars and how easy/rough you are on them. It will vary from owner to owner and depend if your cars are garaged or not, etc.

Sort of comparing apples to oranges, as far as 103 having valve seals/guides wearing out and the 104 having head gasket issues either way the head has to be removed to fix. You need to make your decision based on your needs and long term investment, yes the 300ce is a great car and goes harder than the 300e but when it comes time to depart with your beloved car, the 300e will be a lot easier to sell, also the 300e is more refined and finding parts are so much easier and less expensive. I hope this helps you to decide. :)

I think 103 is a better motor, not necessarily than the 104 but better than the 3.0 liter 104, which is not up to the standards of the 3.2 104. The 3.0 liter 104 motor was Mercedes first mass produced 4 valve motor and they rushed it to market trying to keep up with the Japanese. The 3.2 in 1993 (or 92 in the S-class) has been sorted out a little better. But there's a lot of people who like their 3.0 liter 104s - and it is a little easier to work on than a 3.2. But neither one is as easy to work on as a 103. The 103 valve seals do not require removal of the head. I think it's about a 4 hour job, so not a big deal.

To me they are both good DIY cars. I would go with whichever one you like better - 2 door or 4 door - or whichever one you find a nicer car. Also, I think cars with ASR are to be avoided - it does not age well.

Hi All,

Thanks for your replies...please keep them coming :)

Thanks again
sam

deanyel

Do both of them have ASR?

Dean, please provide some details regarding the downside of ASR as the 124's age.

ASR is part of the throttle actuator, and if it fails, it requires you to replace the whole throttle actuator, which costs in the neighborhood of $1,500.

Some body parts for the coupe may be much more expensive than corresponding sedan parts. Your insurance company may know this, and charge more to insure it. Also, coupes may cost more to insure than sedans because the insurance companies figure the owners are a bit more risky.

However, the E calss coupes are great looking cars.

Mark

Count me as one of those! My 1991 300CE just turned 198,000 miles. I still love it. :)

Lol.....been called many things, but never "risky" ha ha :D

The repair costs are what keeps rates a *tiny* bit higher.

A couple questions for you:

1. Do you have kids or will you use the car for business?
2. Do you enjoy driving or is a car merely to get you from point A to point B?

ASR was optional on both coupes and sedans from 91 to 95. On my 94 coupe it was a $2575 package that came with heated seats. ASR is just an enigma - you get an ASR light, sometimes go into the limp home, and you can't ever really figure out what's going on. It goes away for a while, comes back, just a mystery. If do a search for ASR light and you will get many, many threads - mostly from baffled people. I might be more willing to put up with up but it has no value in Phoenix. My car came from CO. The dealers here wouldn't typically order it.

There are many stories of high mileage 3.0 liter 104s. My 90 300SL needed a valve job at 40k under warranty and the mechanic mentioned that they had done a few of them. That British Mercedes magazine panned it recently too. I don't think it necessarily a bad motor - just think the 3.2 top end is sturdier.

I think the insurance rates are a reflection of who's driving them. You're starting to see a lot of coupes with 18 inch chrome wheels - definitely becoming a younger crowd.

el presidente

1. I do not have kids yet. We're working on it, hopefully in the near future(within 2 yrs)
2. point A to point B (80%) and enjoy driving in crowded CA(20%)

Thanks for the feedbacks. I do really appreciate it.

Sam

CE Vote
 

Mine is an 89 300CE with 174K. I've owned it for two years and hope it lasts forever. I refer to it as a GPC (gentleman's personal car). Its lines and form are still unmatched. If it's for you and an occasional passenger or two you'll be happy. You'll smile when you get in it. Just fix things when they need it.
At 160K I put in crazy expensive Bilstiens all around. Lifetime shocks on a 15 yr old car with all those miles! But the ride is great.
I disagree about the re-sale. I think (know) the two-door coupes command a premium over the more common four-doors.
The 300CE was a special car when built, and it still is. The M103 is a bit lazy from a standing start, but who cares? It cruuises as fast as you dare all day.
good luck