I am considering a 1988 260E, but do not know a lot about them. I have not seen too many. I think it is a 2.6L inline 6-cyl. Are they good engines? Any trouble spots I should be aware of? Thanks!

Its a m103 engine, which is out of a 190E 2.6.
From what I have read, the 260E was not very popular and was later re-badged as a 300E 2.6. Other than the engine, A 260e is the same as a 300E but comes with fewer standard options and some slight trim changes.

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1992 190E 2.3
150,000 Miles

Thanks!

And I think that is a good engine... Am I right?

Mine is from 1988, 400 000km, original manual gear box, original clutch, original engine, and one owner (me).
Range more than 80 000km with a set of tyres.
No rust anywhere.

Indeed there are that parts that get worn but all in all great.

A fantastic car and engine if well treated and maintained.

Same consumption as in the first days (between 8.8 to 9 liters per 100km -I dont know in gallons per miles).

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Keep us posted especially if your problem is solved
Present cars:
My car: E-class 420CDI, 2008, W211, V8, 180 000km

Wife's one: C-class 220CDI Sport Coupé, Euro, 2002, W203. 345 000km

Son's one: GLK class, 220CDI, 2009, W204

Sold: E-class 260E, 1988, W124, Wonderfull car sold after 489 000 kilometres of reliable services (engine M103, clutch, brake system and 5 speed manual gear box all original).

Sold: E-class, 320CDI, W210, 2000, 225 000km

I owned a 1989 260E for a couple years and was happy with the experience. Though the engine (M103, 2.6L) had about 20 horses less than the 300E (M103, 3.0L) of similar vintage, I never found the car underpowered. In fact it pulled strongly, especially at highway speed. The engine also had a nice growling sound to it.

I think a well maintained specimen, at the right price, is definitely worth considering rather than just written off solely because it is a 260E.

The following thread may also give you more input:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=64239&highlight=260E

I like mine, '87, 220,000 miles & still pulls great.

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Norm in NJ
Next oil change at 230,000miles