Definition by year

Mar 8, 2010 | 04:48 PM

ocpanther

Thread Starter

Member

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 212

Likes: 0

From: OC SoCal

1989 300E

Definition by year

What are the cut off points for each of the major changes to the w124? Like how far does the m103 engine go before it is replaced by the m104?

The face lift was 94-95 right?

What year was the side cladding added?

Are there any other major differences to watch out for?

I am looking into another Benz and my 89 is the one I know. I like the prefacelift, but know nothing about the m104 so I would like to be able to tell the difference before I go and look at these cars.

Thanks in advance.

Last edited by ocpanther; Mar 8, 2010 at 04:52 PM.

Mar 8, 2010 | 04:58 PM

Saijin_Naib

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 4,968

Likes: 3

1990 300ce 24v I6

m104 for the Sedan started with the Facelift I believe.
m104 for the Coupe started with 1990 (my car).

Mar 8, 2010 | 06:05 PM

ocpanther

Thread Starter

Member

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 212

Likes: 0

From: OC SoCal

1989 300E

So is the m104 a 3.0 L or a 3.2 L standard? There are several references to cars with a 3.2 (Sedan) in years 90 - 95. That doesn't seem right to me, but I wasn't sure if there were different options.

Mar 8, 2010 | 06:41 PM

2PHAST

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 1,213

Likes: 5

From: Kirkland, WA

500E Signal Rot

Quote:

Originally Posted by ocpanther

So is the m104 a 3.0 L or a 3.2 L standard? There are several references to cars with a 3.2 (Sedan) in years 90 - 95. That doesn't seem right to me, but I wasn't sure if there were different options.

Let me see if I can clear this up a bit.

Coupe: M104 3.0l CIS motor in the 1990-1992. 1993+ saw the M104 3.2l HFM motor in the coupe.

Sedan: M103 motor from 86-92. 1993+ was the 3.2l M104 HFM (94-95 also)

Side cladding was new for model year 1990, on the W201 it was in 1989.

1992 was the first year for R134a coolant in the AC system.

Rear license plate filler panel added for model year 1991.

Many other updates occuring in model year 1992, although I don't remember them all, one of note is the change in the steering wheel/airbag design.

If it were me, I would consider a 1992+ model only, nothing earlier, given preference to a facelift model (94-95)

Mar 8, 2010 | 08:55 PM

ocpanther

Thread Starter

Member

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 212

Likes: 0

From: OC SoCal

1989 300E

Thank you that is exactly what I was looking for. I didn't know '93 went to a 3.2. that was really messing me up when looking at the ads.

So, now I just need to find the combination with everything i want in the base so then i can go customize from there.

Mar 16, 2010 | 01:52 AM

ocpanther

Thread Starter

Member

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 212

Likes: 0

From: OC SoCal

1989 300E

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2PHAST

Let me see if I can clear this up a bit.

Sedan: 1993+ was the 3.2l M104 HFM (94-95 also)

If it were me, I would consider a 1992+ model only, nothing earlier, given preference to a facelift model (94-95)

I am looking into a 93 300 with I think the 3.2 M104. Do I have to worry about the main wire harness on this year?

Is there anything else of worry that was special to the 93?

Thanks -