I don't know if you have seen these 2 threads on the m103 and m104 engine, but there are some valuable opinions in these threads from Techs.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=1330&highlight=103

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=8441&highlight=m104

I believe the wiring harness issues started with the early 90 cars - I have not seen any late 80s w124 car owners discussing a wiring harness issue. AC r12 conversion issues, but not wiring. Unless you have a 4matic or 500E or TE with air suspension, that major potential cost is a non issue as well.

Also, the regular theme through the last 2 years on this board seems to be that the w124 cars are among the most reliable of the gasoline Benzes, and w123 diesels the reliability kings.

This Federal site on technical service bulletins is very useful as well. http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/Index.cfm

Good luck on your quest.

Plus you have to remember there are now over 5400 members on this site alone. Just because there might be, say, 500 postings regarding bad head gaskets on any particular engine, that is still a very small percentage of the number manufactured. Not saying there aren't some documented cases of any particular problem, just that the percentage is skewed due to the relatively small gene pool you are looking at.

On the contrary, it is still a percentage of issues on the number of users online. If compared to similar results on other mfg boards then it is a fair comparison.

Can I hear something from a technician? He/She would be seeing any problems / issues on a regular basis. This would be less skewed then, I think.

Also, so far I haven't heard of anything short of valve job that I can't do myself. Am I missing something? Maybe the wiring harness? I asked that on the prior post though.

thanks

I appreciate all the responese so far, if there is anyone or anything else let me know.

One additional question..... I haven't seen too many posts in the archives nor any listed here on having to rebuild the bottom end of the M103 at a certain high mileage reading nor even to change the piston rings. I have read of some burning oil, which is probably caused by the rings, but nothing siginificant to require a rebuild or a new crate motor.

So, at what point do the shops typically see these engines in for rebuild? Probably later than sooner, but what mileage is typical? I gotta know, b/c I have read some of these crate motors are about $5K....help.

thanks

Tranny fluid
 

I just read on the general forum that a transmission fluid change on a C230 is about $275 b/c for synthetic :eek: :eek: .

Is the tranny pan accesible at home and why would it be so expensive? remove transmission pan[edit], drain fluid, put new filter, gasket, torque pan, refill....right? Or maybe the C230 issues to change fluid don't apply the the W124's? :confused:

thanks

[edit] I meant tranny pan, not the whole transmission.. Or do you have to remove the tranny on the W124's? :confused:

that's gotta be the new-fangled sealed electronic tranny that they say shouldn't be serviced until 100k.

that's 7 hours right there in which case $275 would be reasonable.

on a w124 you drain the torque converter too. gasket, seals and filter are about $20, plus your favorite brand of Dex III...

Here are some items that I've replaced on my 300E (1986), which I don't believe appear on your list:

Rear wheel locator parts (thrust arms, etc. - the suspension links in the rear) - common cause of "floating 300E disease" and apparently a very common replacement item around 100K mileage.

Rear differential mounts.

Front struts and rear shocks (my choice - wasn't required - put on the Bilstein HDs and love the result)

Rear wheel bearings - supposedly not usually a problem, but they were on my car. Ugly noises....

Steering damper - cheap fix up front.

Rear axle (right side) - no kidding.

I've never been able to figure out why, on such a well-engineered car - MBZ thought it appropriate to locate the relay for the seat position controls so far at the back of the relay box against the firewall that it's nearly impossible to reach and replace.

Generally my baby moves like a dream - although it's nearly time to replace the tires. She just ran 1015 miles up and back to Eugene in a high speed assault (I worked a college football game there last weekend) and I got home with only minor personal aches and pains. A real compliment to my car, at my age. While I wish that the fuel mileage was a little better, there isn't much to complain about and I'm still complimented on the car by perfect strangers and women that I date. It's 16 years old!