afg598

Hi! I recently acquired a 260E 124 1987 sedan. I've been surfing all over for engine, chasis, suspension, etc. technical specifications but to no avail. Would anyone know where I can get it? Thanks.

bamberger_1

Welcome to the club. If you first bought a MB, just check out AMAZONE book store for the owner's manual, which provides you with all the info needed, and also support for repairs.

afg598

Thanks. I'll get hold of that manual.

I'm also thinking of performance enhacements later on like turbocharging, better breathing air filter and exhaust. I don't like lowering the clearance, though. Would you be able to give me advice on these or know where I would be able get it?

I'm not planning to do this immediately but I just want to have an idea how much will each upgrade cost, what brand will give me the most bang for my buck, how much performance will be gained (i.e. HP gained, brake force gained), and if it's advisable so I can come up with a target budget.

Thanks again!

Jackd

Welcome to the club.
I also have a 260E (a 1989). I bought it in 1991 with 31K on the speedo. it is just out of the breaking-in period at 277K.
This car has been amazing in terms of reliability.
Do some searching on the web for specs. I can tell you it has 158HP, acceleration from 0 to 60 is....."eventually"
Cruising speed: Whatever you want it to be (safely)
MPG: At normal speed (say 70mph), expect around 34mpg.
Brake: Right now.
Trying to increase performance/power on this car is not easy and is very expensive (more than the value of the car. for signifiant mprovement)
I would suggest you spend your money on briging the car back to its original perfection
Engine: Spark plugs, distributor cap, rotor, ignition wires, check for vacuum leaks, clean air filter, on-spec fuel pressure and volume (fuel filter), clean injectors,
Suspension: Front ball joints, steering stabilizer, Shock absorbers, rear suspension bushings, 4 wheels alignment
engine/ transmission/differential/body mounts.
Brake: Original disks and linings. Good tires.
With this done, you'll be amazed of the performance/drivability of this car.
If I can can give you a piece of advise, don't spend money of "gizmos" like special air intake/ filters, so-called performance exhaust system or 16 piston brake calipers. They are not worth it for your car.
Good luck
Jackd

davis449

My aunt had a 6 cyl. 87 260E. She ran it upwards, if not over, 200K and it was a good car to her. I bet you can expect the same from yours.

Jer

Welcome to the wonderful world of Mercedes-Benz ownership! I also own a 260 and it's a joy to drive

You should get familiar with the sea of numbers used to define your car. There are 4 primary numbers you need to know when ordering parts...

Model: 124.026 (124 is the chassis, and 026 defines the specific sales designation)

Engine: 103.940 (103 is the engine family, and 940 is the 2.6L)

Transmission: 722.409 (4-speed automatic)

Serial Number: Last 7 characters of the VIN. The letter is the manufacturing plant (usually 'A' for Sindelfingen). Some parts are modified during the vehicle's production period, and the "cut-offs" are defined by the S/N.

As Jackd said, you're best off restoring the car to its original performance. Ignition, fuel delivery/injection, suspension, and brakes. One thing many people like are the European headlights. They look nicer than the U.S. DOT spec lights and provide better illumination. You can get them for about $300. There's a fellow who sells them for that price to members of this and other forums.

afg598

Thanks guys!

As of now everything is stock except for the stereo, battery and miscellaneous light bulbs.

It's european version, manual transmission, 118K on it. I'm only getting 6.5K/L or 15MPG in the city. Maybe because of the traffic situation in my place. I still haven't measured the highway consumption yet.

Jer

I should've realised you were a metric man when you asked how much brake force you could gain. Haha

afg598

Yup. What's the point of building a rocket if you can't stop it.