I know that the 300 boasts more HP, but when it comes to engine reliability, how do the two compare. Does the 260 have head problems and such like the 300? Tell me about you trials and tribs!

__________________
1989 300E 144K

For all practical purposes they are the same engine...the 103.

They both have the same strengths and weaknesses.

__________________
2012 E350
2006 Callaway SC560

well we have both...

the 260e is running smoothly at 207k...however it goes through oil...

the previous owner said he had two valve rockers done... ones that the mechanic did not have to pull the head...

anyway..i have to do valve stem seals on it....and the 300CE.

Both engines run very well.. i may do a complete valve job/head gasket on the CE in the next 20k... then i will have peace of mind for another 100k.

the 260 i will run til something major goes...then probably part it out...it doesn't owe me anything. i call it my beater car..but i take care of it just as well as the others.

__________________
1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

Because the 2.6 engine(30 less HP) has to work harder it may not last quite as long..have seen several with 400K + miles on the original engine..

ONE of the biggest differences is the trans...the 2.6 uses the smaller 722.4_ series & that would be more suspect than the engine.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

That reminds me, the smaller 2.6 is also geared differently in the 124 and the engine runs at a higher speed, so more wear and tear there.

__________________
2012 E350
2006 Callaway SC560

love my 2.6

that is all

__________________
'O=00=O'
bmw 2002.
long live the legend