flyby300

I am looking at buying a 300te 24v

I looked at a 300te before I became aware of the 24v variant
It was a '91 with orange front indicators and it doesn't have 24v written on the badge on the tailgate. It also has switchable auto.
It wasn't advertised as a 24v but when I phoned the seller back a day or two later and asked he said it was a 24v.

Does it sound like it could be a 24v or are there obvious discrepencies? year/indicator/switchable

Also, is the 24v a Sportline by definition and vice versa?

Are there any easy checks to verify both the above queries?

Thanks
Ade

cap'n jasper

As far as I know all W124 autos are switchable.
All models had orange indicators until late 1993. (although they're easy to change to clear)
The 24 valve was introduced in late 1989. The Sportline was an option pack that consisted of uprated suspension, wheels, steering rack and seats.
Some people add the sportline springs and shocks later and think that it's then a sportline model so be careful. The sportline option was not offered on the 12 valve 300E.
The engines look completely different. (see pics below).
One other thing you might like to know is that until 1993 the catalytic converter was optional. Without it you get more power (231bhp) and it's one less thing to go wrong. If the label inside the filler cap says "leaded or unleaded fuel" then there's no cat.

abarton

If it has no badge (badge deleat option) then you'll haave to look athe engine bay.

If hit has 300TE rather than 300TE-24 its a 12 valve as the 300TE-24 badge is all one piece so the "-24V" bit is either there or it never was.

Hope this helps.

Andy

PS. I agree about the sportline bit. I saw a lot of after market "sportlines" that weren't before I found mine.

The give away is the seats (too expensive for most after market jobs). Otherwise, get the chassis number from the engine bay and call Mercedes in Miltoon Keynes.

If you givethem the number, they will tell you if its an original sportline.

flyby300

Captain, Abarton,

Thanks for that conclusive information.

The photo of the engines cleared it up for me.
It's definitely a 12v.

Also the tailgate badge makes no mention of 24v.

I'm looking at another alledged 24v tonight so with my new found knowledge I'll be better equiped.

The 12v seemed to have a fair bit of urge about it so I look forward to trying the 24v


Thanks very much to both of you.

abarton

A UK spec 300-24valve is the fastest 6 cylinder W124. Particularly with no cat.

These engines love revs. When you test drive, if it feels a little lethagic, check its in S mode not E. if its still a bit reticent to change down, its usually just a badly set up kick down cable (easy fix).

Here's a good test while I'm at it.

Come to a stop. Put the gear selector to 2. hold it there for a second or two. Then move it to D.

Stand on the gas and if your head hits the headrest twice (once just after take of and once at around 4,000 rpm when you expect it to change gear but all that happens is the cam timing changes and all hell brakes loose up to 7,000) then the engine is a sweet one.

Its also damn entertaining. Just remember that once at 7,000 rpm in second gear you'll be pulling a hell of a speed so check the brakes first!

flyby300

Cheers...I'll let you know how I get on.