If so, does it also have the head gasket risk? Asking because may have an opportunity to purchase a 1990 300ce with 160,000 miles, which was built in Nov. 1989. thanks.

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87 300e (white/black; amg body kit)
88 300ce (red/cream; amg body kit)
93 300ce cabrio (white/blue/blue top)
93 300ce cabrio (black/grey/black top)
98 ml 320 (totaled @ 137,000 miles)
99 clk320 (black/grey/black top)

1990 is a 104 motor in the coupe, and does have head gasket issues, as does the 103 that came before it. The early 104 motors of 3.0 liters are not particularly great motors.

When properly adjusted (finally), my 1988 300ce runs great, and is quite quick off the mark. Car is easy to work on. Would you expect performance of the 1990 m104 to be equal to, better or worse than the 1988 model, especially since I believe the 1990 added some weight? Thanks.

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87 300e (white/black; amg body kit)
88 300ce (red/cream; amg body kit)
93 300ce cabrio (white/blue/blue top)
93 300ce cabrio (black/grey/black top)
98 ml 320 (totaled @ 137,000 miles)
99 clk320 (black/grey/black top)

That engine was basicly a M103 with a DOHC head. The power was low for that type of engine BUT still over 20HP more than a M103.

The head gasket oil leakage issue was much LOWER that the later 3.2 versions.

I would own that car!!

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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

I think the 1990 torque is up only 6 ft lbs, 194? versus 188 on the 103. The 90 to 92s have a reputation for hesitating off the line, but then the additional horsepower (217 versus 177?) shows up at higher RPMs. They seem to be more prone to value troubles than the later 3.2s and they also have the EZL / ignition control problem. The EZLs are irrepairable, cost about $2,500 from the dealer and seem to be in short supply on the used market. Try a search for 104 EZL or 300CE EZL. But if it's a nice car and you like the way it drives go for it.

Thanks to all; I'm going to check it out this weekend.

__________________
87 300e (white/black; amg body kit)
88 300ce (red/cream; amg body kit)
93 300ce cabrio (white/blue/blue top)
93 300ce cabrio (black/grey/black top)
98 ml 320 (totaled @ 137,000 miles)
99 clk320 (black/grey/black top)