1990 300se engine question
 

before i bought this car i checked around and posted here to determine the pros and cons of this model (esp. motor + trans). aside from comments about it being underpowered the consensus was that the motors are generally good; someone even going as far as to describe it as 'bullet-proof'. the other day someone told me that these engines are "weak"-and not "underpowered" weak but "not-gonna-last-too-long" weak. anybody care to weigh in on this?
thanks,
gregg

Yeah, I think they are pretty solid engines overall.

You'll likely need a valve job every 150-200K miles to keep oil consumption and visible exhaust smoke in check. Wtih proper oil changes the bottom end will outlast the availability of gasoline in this earth.

Sixto
87 300SDL

When they made this comment about the weak engine - Were they offering to buy the car off of you at the same time ?
You know, the "let me do you a favor" thing.....

Good car, Sollid engine - I got one.

My 300E (same M103 engine) has almost 150K and doesn't burn a drop of oil. Never had valve or head work.

It's valve seals that it needs every so often, not a valve job. Valve seals is not a big job - insignificant parts cost and a few hours of labor, or a reasonable DIY job. Someone was pulling your leg.

I disagree with comment on the valve job needed every 150k 200k miles.

This car has a 3.2 liter M104 engine.

Unlike M103 engines, M104 engines have zero issues with valve guide or valve seal wear.

I think the only M104's in 90 were the CE and the SL...
:D

Ooops, you're right, my bad.

1990 300SE's would have M103 engines.

I didn't want to sugarcoat it since he already has the car :)

Revised post - you will likely need new valve seals around 150k miles. If you let it go too long, you will need a valve job.

Sixto
87 300SDL

Sugarcoat away... thats just what all of us M103ers love to hear.

BTW, I had a 91 300SE that got valve seals and a head gasket around 140K miles. Valve seals because it developed an appetite for oil, head gasket because of a worsening leak in the area of the tranny dipstick. If I had long term plans for the car I would have had a full valve job done since the head was off.

Sixto
87 300SDL