how many people drive a m110 daily? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

56speedster · #1 06-10-2009, 08:11 PM

i have heard differing views of the m110 as a daily driver.
i have heard some people say its bulletproof and others say just the opposite........

i was interested in hearing from the many owner's views.

thanks for reading

mbbuff · #2 06-10-2009, 10:06 PM

I've had my M110 (W114 chassis) for 23 years, and it was a daily driver for about 10 of them. Since I've had it I've never had any serious problems, save one alternator and one starter. When I bought it I was told to change the oil religiously, as the oil feed holes to the top end are small and tend to plug up and starve it for oil. I just do routine oil and filter changes, plugs, points, condenser, occassional valve adjustment, and I've just put my second set of plug wires on it. After all those years, I've just recently (due to age, not failures) rebuilt the vacuum pump, power steering pump, replaced all hoses and belts, thermostat, water pump, radiator, rebuilt the carb., and replaced the stock clutch and aux. fans with two new electric fans. The one replacing the stock fan is a 14 in. (2100 cfm) thermostatically controlled unit and I replaced the aux. fan with a 16 in. (2600cfm) unit that I wired to come on with the A/C compressor as well as the stock 100 C switch. Sorry I didn't do this years ago. I've run it at idle in 95 degree heat, with the A/C on, for 45 minutes. It never got above 100 C. It's way better than the stock setup, especially in town. Anyway, bottom line, I'd highly recommend it as a daily driver. Just do the routine, and rarely, the unscheduled maintenance and you'll be alright, IMO.

79Mercy · #3 06-10-2009, 10:20 PM

Mine is in daily use, 215K and still doing great. Its a great motor, although it does drink a good bit of gas(about 16MPG), because its such a high revving motor.

There is a hard plastic oil line that runs from the top of the head down to the oil pan that can leak oil.

My valve seals were replaced in 1986 when the PO overheated it due to a leaking heater servo.

My motor burns/leaks no oil.

I think the fuel injected M110 are better than the carb'ed engine, but thats just my opinion. The old carbs seem to be hard to make run right.

Overall I think it would be a great daily driver, I love mine.

pawoSD · #4 06-10-2009, 10:28 PM

I'd drive one, but they are a bit thirsty (though fast!

)

I'd probably take a M103 instead as it needs no valve adjustments and is a bit more economical while retaining the high-revving fun and power. They average about 19-22mpg....

However, if I found a mint 280 coupe.....I'd not hesitate to buy it.