Newbie, 93 300e Q's
 

This is my first post and i would like to use it to say Thank You to everyone who has contributed to making this site what it is - brilliant!

I recently treated myself to a 1993 300e (3.2L) and i am hooked. By referencing this site, i was able to discover the cause of an annoying & intermitent rattle - the poly belt tensioner! Since purchasing, i have had all major fluids & filters replaced, including fuel and transmission.

The car is rust free, has 218000km's and drives like new.

However, having never owned or driven a MB before, i have a couple of questions.

1. Oil pressure gauge - When i start the car it goes to 3 and stays there intermittently - when engine is at normal temp and if i stop at lights etc - the needle sometimes goes to 2 and returns to 3 when i move off. It will sometimes dip a little during driving - Is this normal behaviour?

2. Badge. The badge on the trunk says E300 and yet most 300's i have seen say 300 E so im a little confused on this? I did a vin search and it came back saying E320, but the papers show it is a 300..

3. Head Gasket. I have read that these are prone to failure - is there any tell tale signs that i can look for to show if the head gasket was ever replaced?

I admit i bought the car on instinct - it was love at 1st sight and then had the local garage check her over - They couldnt believe it was 16 years old and could find no issues anywhere.

Again, thanks in advance for everything and im looking forward to being a part of this great community

1. normal

2. lots of 93's were misbadged... you should have a m104 engine.... 3.2

3. m104's are prone to oil leaking as a result of a bad headgasket. m103's are more likely to blow out and the issue becomes anti-freeze in the oil, or just blowing out from overheating. Don't know about signs.. a good job would show no signs... however they may have replaced front cover timing chain gasket... then you might see some newer sealant. I think that would be a good sign.. other good signs would be a shinier water pump...

advice... change all fluids... get zerex g-5 anti-freeeze... yellow stuff

Welcome. Yes, oil pressure drops down to 2 or lower on idle, then should peg again on acceleration. Your car is a 124.032 chassis, which was designated 300E until the end of MY 1993, then changed to E320 when the entire line was re-badged beginning in MY 1994.

With a new purchase of that chassis , I would go right here first stop and check all modules for stored codes.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=107630

That chassis has the E320 engine and drive chain , along with HFM/SFI and DIS ignition of the later [94/95] E320 , So ,it is an E300 3.2. It is not an E320 b/c they had aero body front end and lighting, etc.

So , they share many parts , but a true E320 is a 94/95 version.
One can immediately see the diffence side by side.. The later E320 is also known as the "Face-lifted" 124 chassis b/c of the newer Aero design front end and US/DOT Headlamps being true optical cut-off as the Euro style lamps used.
Regardless, the codes are the same and applicable from that site I listed and that will give you info on that car you are presently not aware of and good to know.
Build the little code tool listed , as it is required to get into all the modules and you will find it useful as long as you own that chassis..........and it's short $$$$$$$

Thanks for the replies and i will take all the information & advice given.