Chris Clemens

I am looking at a 1991 300SE, with 122,500 miles. The miles don't scare me. I have an '83 240D with 123,000, and an '91 Olds Ciera with 258,000. What I'd like to know is:
Is this 1991 300SE a durable engine? Will she run for another 10 years if maintained properly. Minor repairs are acceptable.
Any comments, good or bad, would be appreciated.

mbtech208

It's not a bad car. The 103 engine itself is tough, leaky, but tough. Common leak areas are the valve cover, head gasket, front cover and oil pan. Belt tensioners are another common wear item, as well as valve seals. Another area to watch out for on the older 126 body S-class are the steering components. Around that mileage, you'll probably need new tie rods, idler arm bushings, a center link, and a steering damper. We call these a "126 front-end rebuild".

To be honest, If you really want a Benz that you're going to keep for 10 years and want minimal problems, buy either another 240D, or a C-class with the 111-4-cylinder motor. A good '94-'97 C220 shouldn't be a whole lot more money than that 300SE. Just my thoughts, take em or leave em.

patrick

Dear mbtech208,

Here in Europe an 1991 300SE is already a 140-model with 104-engine.

Patrick

mbtech208

Well, Chris lives in New York, so his question is about a '91 300SE 126-body with the 103 motor.

patrick

It seems that you are a bit irritated with my reply. I did not mean it that way. I just wondered if you were not mistaken about the year because I did not knew that Mercedes model launchings differ from country to country.
Patrick