Recently purchased a 1990 300CE. Someone told me they think the fan clutch (it works, because I've heard it come on) is operated by the computer through an electro-magnet, and not a viscous coupling like so many American & Japanese cars.

Which is it?

I checked the professional Mitchell 1 online repair manual, but got nothing.

I look at photos of the part online at parts outlets, but can't tell.

__________________
1990 300CE. Garage kept all its life. Looks & Runs Like New. Everything works. White w/Palomino int. Pioneer 12 CD player in the boot. 17" Enkei LX-F Chrome wheels w/Falken Azenis ST-115 225-45 tires. Tinted windows. Black sports grill w/Euro clear front lamps.

If you M103 is like mine... (which I'm pretty sure it is) then it has a viscous fluid coupling. I don't think i've ever heard of an electro-magnetic fan clutch. Not to say that they don't exist...but the M103 has a traditional type clutch.

__________________
Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles

It a M104, 24 valve DOHC.

__________________
1990 300CE. Garage kept all its life. Looks & Runs Like New. Everything works. White w/Palomino int. Pioneer 12 CD player in the boot. 17" Enkei LX-F Chrome wheels w/Falken Azenis ST-115 225-45 tires. Tinted windows. Black sports grill w/Euro clear front lamps.

I have a 1992 300CE with an M104 and believe it has a simple viscous clutch. Though I haven't had the front of this engine apart, I have had my M103 apart. I think the M104's are the same lower end as an M103, but with a different (and rather nice) cylinder head.

Are you having a particular issue with overheating?

BTW, your ride looks really nice.

Michael B.

__________________
1992 300CE - 157kMi (my white beauty)
1992 300CE - 220kMi (sold)
1990 300E - 189kMi (sold)
1990 300SL - 102kMi (salvaged parts available)
1986 300E - 230kMi (salvaged parts available)

Expert RV Generator Repair
Go To: MiGen Repair
When no one else can, I do!

We judge ourselves by our intent.
We judge others by their actions.

Thanks. No, no heating issues. Just wanted to be sure about the fan clutch. I figured it to be a viscous coupling. Seems to work normally.

Tomorrow I change the ignition lock cylinder I got from the dealer. $80 list, $64 my cost. Looks easy enough after reading several posts here and on another forum site.

After what happened to me, Old key started getting rough to turn, and then after a week of using the original new (never used) key started doing it, I am glad it is parked down at my shop. Am replacing before it won't turn at all.

__________________
1990 300CE. Garage kept all its life. Looks & Runs Like New. Everything works. White w/Palomino int. Pioneer 12 CD player in the boot. 17" Enkei LX-F Chrome wheels w/Falken Azenis ST-115 225-45 tires. Tinted windows. Black sports grill w/Euro clear front lamps.