I am wondering what are the major issues with a 1988-190E-6 cylinder engine...I have a chance to buy this non running car at a very reasonable price....Car shows 75K but they had to replace the drive shaft(1200 dollars) and they claim they know nothing about the engine...just pulled it into the drive way and it would not start(2 years ago). I think they were cheated by a local mechanic with a bad reputation..I just want to know if that engine came with a number of weak area's...thank you...Jim

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James A. Harris

The 103 engine is quite strong and very rebuldable. There are a few areas to look for, some minor, some semi-serious.

The engine from the block deck down is pretty bullet proof. The head can easily corrode through between combustion chamber and water jacket if anti freeze is not kept changed.

The original valve guide seals were a problem. If the engine is using oil, replacing/upgrading the seals will most often cure this.

Not near as common on the 103 as the 104 is head gasket oil leaking, but it does occasionally happen on a 103.

The most common problem is that the upper timing cover will leak and run oil down the passenger side of the engine along and below the head gasket seam. This is pretty quick and easy to fix, but you have to know the tricks to get it sealed so that it will stay sealed.

All that said, it is very possible to get one of these engines that never needs anything except oil changes and driving.

Good luck,

They also have a number of issues related to the electronic engine controls, especially the various sensors that provide input to the engine control unit. These can be very hard to diagnose and fix. They usually show up as rough idle or stalling when warmed up. It is not clear if they are age- or mileage-related.

But when they are running right, they are a joy to drive.

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Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

The M103 does have a history of head gasket leaks/failures in the W201.

Larry,
What is the "trick" to keep the leak fixed? I'm having this problem.