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  #1  
Old 03-26-2011, 01:04 PM
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300SE-89 High RPM

I recently purchased a 300SE-1989 with under 50k mls. The car is great but I feel it runs at high rpm in 4th gear ( close to 4000 rpm at 70-75 mph ).
Any comments / suggestions ?
Thanks.


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  #2  
Old 03-26-2011, 01:17 PM
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Thats about right for that car. they had to gear down the car quite a bit to get that m103 engine to pull that big body.

Nice find BTW, can you post some pictures?
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  #3  
Old 03-26-2011, 01:21 PM
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Thank you

Thanks for your feedback; I'll post pictures as soon as I learn how to use the site - just registered.
Best. jarr56
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  #4  
Old 03-26-2011, 01:22 PM
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When you post reply, scroll down, and there will be a manage attachments button.

Welcome to the forum!
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  #5  
Old 03-26-2011, 04:07 PM
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That is a common complaint on that engine, especially with an automatic. You have a low mileage car, but it might help to replace the motor mounts and you might get rid of some of the buzz. A 4000 rpm you are running at about 70% of redline which is a good place to be for efficiency. It is a pretty speedy engine and really does not pull well until over 3000 rpms. I have a 5 speed manual on a 300E, and at highway speeds I am looking for another gear also.
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Old 03-27-2011, 09:35 AM
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That definitely is a good and rare find. Hope you figure out the workings of this site soon and welcome to the forum.
I was always puzzled at the high rpms on my 88 300 SE also. Just wondering if that contributed to the "cam towers pulling loose" problem w/the M103.......
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Old 03-27-2011, 11:35 PM
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THANK YOU ALL FOR TAKING THE TIME TO COMMENT. GIVE ME A FEW DAYS TO LEARN HOW TO NAVIGATE THE SITE AND I'LL SHARE FEEDBACK.
BEST WISHES TO ALL.
JARR56
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Old 03-28-2011, 12:00 AM
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welcome to the best of forums. looking forward for your 300se pics.

300se /89
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Old 03-28-2011, 06:52 AM
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My 1990 300SE engine revs are 3800 at 80 MPH and 4300 at 90. However, it will, and has, run like that for hours on end. I've gotten used to it. The engine seems really at home in that range.
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Old 03-28-2011, 10:22 AM
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Thanks to all for your comments and education / great forum.
Best.
jarr56
89 300 SE - 52k
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  #11  
Old 03-28-2011, 11:23 AM
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I thought that the cam tower problem was on the 86 and 87 early production models and then MB fixed that problem in mid 87. Haven't heard much of the problem on 1988/89 models. Hope that is correct as I have an 89 engine in my 86 for that very reason.
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Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!
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  #12  
Old 03-28-2011, 03:10 PM
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Welcome to the forum and as a fellow 89 300SE owner you will get used to the RPM's. My 300SE has 155K on it so yours is just broken in! One thing that is nice about the higher RPM's is that the car will pull hills on the highway better. There will not be any of that shifting/gear hunting nonsense that I get on my other overdrive equipped cars. I will get 20+ MPG cruising at 60ish. Enjoy and I look forward to seeing your car! She has spent a lot of time just sitting.
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  #13  
Old 03-28-2011, 08:49 PM
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3.46:1 is the rear ratio, so with a 1:1 final gear that is the RPM you receive.

If you are missing your under body shields/sound panels, try to find them. They really help keep the buzz noise down to a minimum at higher speeds.
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  #14  
Old 03-28-2011, 10:29 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by junqueyardjim View Post
I thought that the cam tower problem was on the 86 and 87 early production models and then MB fixed that problem in mid 87. Haven't heard much of the problem on 1988/89 models. Hope that is correct as I have an 89 engine in my 86 for that very reason.
I have a 1988 300SE WITH THE (#5) CAM TOWER BOLTS STRIPPED OUT OF THE HEAD at about 130,000 miles. Evidently they (MB) skipped this one. Not trying to alarm anyone, just throwin' that out there. I was only going about 65 mph when it happened.......
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Old 03-28-2011, 11:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gschira View Post
I have a 1988 300SE WITH THE (#5) CAM TOWER BOLTS STRIPPED OUT OF THE HEAD at about 130,000 miles. Evidently they (MB) skipped this one. Not trying to alarm anyone, just throwin' that out there. I was only going about 65 mph when it happened.......
I think all 86-89 M103's had issues with rocker,cam hardness as well as the cam tower issue.

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