This would be a 300E with a 3.0L, M103 inline 6 engine. It's quite a robust powerplant really, but old-school technology with quasi-mechanical fuel injection that is a real bear to keep working properly. (Don't ask how I know.) It's also underpowered, IMO.
However, the engines should last a LONG time. They usually need a valve job (guides/seals) by 150k, the symptom is high oil consumption (quart per 1500 miles or worse). But the bottom ends usually last almost as long as the diesels. If properly maintained, I wouldn't be surprised to see 500k+ on the original engine, with a couple of valve jobs in between. 300k wouldn't scare me away if the car was cheap, ran well, didn't blow smoke or puke fluids. I'll probably end up selling my pristine 300E eventually, simply because I just don't like the anemic (torque-free) powerplant, and the (relative to a diesel) poor MPG. :-) -Dave M. > ------------------------------ > Date: Wed, 30 Nov 2005 17:32:30 -0500 > From: "Tom Scordato" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: Re: [MBZ] E 300 305K miles > > > Larry T is reported to have said> > > "Also, with 305k what kind of work has been done to the engine & tranny? If > >it were a diesel it *might* be on the original engine, but I doubt a gasser > would" > > > > I know nothing about these cars whether they last 40,000 miles or 900,000 > miles. Like you Larry, I am still in the last century with the 617.9 four > and five banger non turbo diesels. If anyone are interested in going back > and forth with the seller contact me off line, [EMAIL PROTECTED] I believe > drive train is original though. Like you Larry, I am still in the last > century with the 617.9 four and five banger non turbo diesels. thanks Larry > T. > > Tom Scordato > Bellefonte PA > 1977 300D 261K miles > 1979 240D 76K miles