W124 300E or E34 BMW 525i?
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 560
Likes: 1
From: Walnut, CA
MB 1990 300E
haha well....if your looking.... :v
im selling my 90' 300E, hoping for around 4-5k.
i think you said you were in the east coast tho...maryland?
soo yeah haha socal is like totally opposite...but hey take a look anways =P
http://photobucket.com/albums/v379/m...rcedes%20Benz/
im selling my 90' 300E, hoping for around 4-5k.
i think you said you were in the east coast tho...maryland?
soo yeah haha socal is like totally opposite...but hey take a look anways =P
http://photobucket.com/albums/v379/m...rcedes%20Benz/
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, Va.
1991 300E
M103
Don't know too much about newer BMW engines, I rebuilt a '76 2002 years ago buit that's a little different from a 535i. The MB M103 engine is as solid as they come. It will last forever and has very few flaws, (Head gasket aside) A stock 300E will not rocket off the line, but it does have surprising acceleration from 3k to 5k rpm. Keep in mind that the M103's had the Bosch KE mechanical fuel injection system up until 1993 when they went with the EFI M104. I believe BMW quite using that system in 1985. That kind of sums up Mercedes engineering of that era to me. They are very innovative and a lot of times pioneering on certain systems, but they are slow to change their initial design even after better ones have been proven effective on other cars. Example, look at the airbags on these cars. They were state of art in the early 80's when they were introduced. But they used the same air bag for almost fifteen years. By the end of the model run they were archaic. Same thing with the locks. How long had electric key fob power locks been available on jap cars before mercedes quit using the vaccum lock system where you had to lock/unlock the car with the key? Overall though the W124's are built like a vault. They are a tremendous value for the money, will run for ever and offer modest performance in stock versions. Good luck with your choice.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
525iT to e320 wagon
Doesn't sound like you're into wagons, but I did own a 93 525iT and now own a 94 E320 wagon.
The BMW was a more powerful drive. The things that bothered me were 1) the double sunroof that rattled constantly, and 2) the color-coded maintenance lights that seemed to always move way too quickly to remind me that it was time to spend another $500. I'm sure the Mercedes will get the same maintenance, but I appreciate not having those lights to constantly remind me that its 'almost time'.
The BMW was a more powerful drive. The things that bothered me were 1) the double sunroof that rattled constantly, and 2) the color-coded maintenance lights that seemed to always move way too quickly to remind me that it was time to spend another $500. I'm sure the Mercedes will get the same maintenance, but I appreciate not having those lights to constantly remind me that its 'almost time'.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
e34 v w124
Hi guys, I have owned both these cars, a 1989 525i and a 1989 260e (not 300e but the performance is similar) The BMW is a bit more agile than the Mercedes but I find the Mercedes to me quite a bit faster, in a straight line at least. This may be down to the Mercedes' more rapid but harsher gear changes (both were autos) and also the fact the Mercedes is quite a bit lighter. The interior of the BMW is more similar to modern cars and I feel sure the build quality of the early E34s is better than later ones, think upto 91. I do get the impression though, that if you want a car to run, and run, and run, the Mercedes is probably the one. That said, I have heard said, there's a big six 3.5l BMW 6 cylinder in a 635csi with 660k miles showing, one top end rebuild at 350k. I think this is an old post but fancied sharing my findings of these 2 great car ranges.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 870
Likes: 0
From: marlboro, nj
Mercedes benz 1991 300ce(RIP), now an 89 300ce
hey rob, welcome to the forum. im sure everyone appreciates your input on this, as do i. but next time you might wanna check the date on the post, it was originally from 2002. 
anyway, welcome to the forums 
anyway, welcome to the forums
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Traction Magazine Fall 2008
