1990 300se - Information needed please~
04-08-2004, 09:41 PM
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1990 300se - Information needed please~
Hi everybody,
I am interested in purchasing a 1990 300se that has about 130,000 miles on it. This is going to be my first Mercedes ever and I think a 300se should be sufficent while still being a little easier to repair than the larger engined ones.
Anyways, I have the following few questions:
How reliable is this 3L engine on this car?
How is the gas mileage on this car? (I've seen multiple quotes on this and would like to see what some members who own this car are getting)
What should I specially be looking at on the car when I go and see it?
Also, any other information pertaining to this car would be appreciated as I can't seem to find much on the internet about it.
Thanks everyone!
I am interested in purchasing a 1990 300se that has about 130,000 miles on it. This is going to be my first Mercedes ever and I think a 300se should be sufficent while still being a little easier to repair than the larger engined ones.
Anyways, I have the following few questions:
How reliable is this 3L engine on this car?
How is the gas mileage on this car? (I've seen multiple quotes on this and would like to see what some members who own this car are getting)
What should I specially be looking at on the car when I go and see it?
Also, any other information pertaining to this car would be appreciated as I can't seem to find much on the internet about it.
Thanks everyone!
04-09-2004, 10:12 PM
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Location: Middlefield, CT
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1994 E320
The M103 engine is used in the 300SE. When properly maintained it is rock solid. Quite possibly one of the best petrol engines ever produced by Daimler-Benz. 
Judging by the use of this engine in the W124, I'd say you can expect between 18-20 MPG.
The M103 is prone to have head gasket leaks, but nothing major. You might see some oil at the back of the engine. Even if you replace the gasket the leak will probably return in a year or two.
Other things to check out: ball joints (no creaking), shocks, smooth-shifting transmission, power seats, and rust around wheel wells.
Good luck with your purchase!
Judging by the use of this engine in the W124, I'd say you can expect between 18-20 MPG.
The M103 is prone to have head gasket leaks, but nothing major. You might see some oil at the back of the engine. Even if you replace the gasket the leak will probably return in a year or two.
Other things to check out: ball joints (no creaking), shocks, smooth-shifting transmission, power seats, and rust around wheel wells.
Good luck with your purchase!
