Too slow
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Orlando,Florida
91' FireBird
Too slow
Mom feels her 300SEL is too slow off the line(well it is slow). It kinda lags(alot) when you get on the gas. Knida sad cause it's not turbo or supercharged of anything of that kind. Just an aftermarket airfilter(like that makes a difference). I experienced it myself where it doesn't do anything till like 60 "then" it's ready to party. Anyone know if it's surpose to do that or is there something I can do to make it take off a little better ?
~BB~
~BB~
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Member
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: NY
2003 s500 sport
I think you are talking about the w126 S class? That's a small engine for such a large car, you should try 300sel turbo diesel and all of a sudden your Mom's 300sel will feel faster 
Just cruise in it an enjoy.
Just cruise in it an enjoy.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 281
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A car is only as fast as it feels. That's all. The 300SEL has a screamer six that gets its grunt up high. The pull from stoplight to stoplight is going to be sluggish naturally, its a heavy car. A 420SEL is a good match for a balance of fuel economy and power(not to mention quietness).
The difference is the 300 engine is much easier to work on, lots of room underhood, and will last practically as long as a diesel if maintained.
The difference is the 300 engine is much easier to work on, lots of room underhood, and will last practically as long as a diesel if maintained.
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Joined: May 2003
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If I spoke the truth about what car it was, I might be blasted off the board. But notice the 140 mph speedometer, notice the extremely high mileage accumulated on the odometer, and listen to that distinct screaming engine in the background. You can draw your conclusions from there.:p
Here's a hint....Klatta, klatta, klatta, klatta......
Here's a hint....Klatta, klatta, klatta, klatta......
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 538
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From: Silicon valley
Audi C7.5 S6
1991 300SEL ?
hmm ... 3800LBs, 177HP, 3.2L engine, yes it will be slower than a 1998 4cyl auto Camry (135HP, 3000LBs).
Stuff to make a car more responsive....
Get a fuel injection clean.
Check exhaust back pressure, partially clogged cats?
Change the spark plugs and wires.
Put in octane booster and bump the ignition advance.
Put in lower gears to make it wind up quicker, instant response, may need to update CPU programming.
Put on a Vortech supercharger and high stall torque converter, if automatic (and shift kit).
Remove about 500-1000 Lbs from the car.
Put in an twin turbo V12 Mercedes engine.
Quote from Edmunds consumer responses on 1991 300SEL:
""The 300SE six cylinder engine is under powered for such a large/heavy car. On the highways at high speeds it is stable and handles great. But if you are stopped at a red light do not expect to win the drag race competition with the car next too you.""
Don
Stuff to make a car more responsive....
Get a fuel injection clean.
Check exhaust back pressure, partially clogged cats?
Change the spark plugs and wires.
Put in octane booster and bump the ignition advance.
Put in lower gears to make it wind up quicker, instant response, may need to update CPU programming.
Put on a Vortech supercharger and high stall torque converter, if automatic (and shift kit).
Remove about 500-1000 Lbs from the car.
Put in an twin turbo V12 Mercedes engine.
Quote from Edmunds consumer responses on 1991 300SEL:
""The 300SE six cylinder engine is under powered for such a large/heavy car. On the highways at high speeds it is stable and handles great. But if you are stopped at a red light do not expect to win the drag race competition with the car next too you.""
Don
Last edited by m444; Mar 2, 2004 at 11:57 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
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When you compare an 18 year old 2-valve per cylinder engine to a new multivalve engine designed car, of course the Benz seems slow
The funny part is, the 300SEL will tag with an E500 on the highway when both cars are maxxed out at top speeds. Why is that? Electronic governors!
Take that same M103 engine, throw in a 24-valve head and it becomes the M104. In Europe, it could produce over 240 bhp, while torque was 200 something lb/ft. And had a redline of 7K.:p
Love them German I6's.
The funny part is, the 300SEL will tag with an E500 on the highway when both cars are maxxed out at top speeds. Why is that? Electronic governors!
Take that same M103 engine, throw in a 24-valve head and it becomes the M104. In Europe, it could produce over 240 bhp, while torque was 200 something lb/ft. And had a redline of 7K.:p
Love them German I6's.
