It's not on the 86 300E, so if that's your only MB, you're in the clear.
It's early 90s MB, ones with the M104 engines.
-Tubs
__________________ W124 Forum Host
1993 Mercedes-Benz 300E Arctic White over Palamino Leather
W124.032 Chassis M104.992 24V Engine
217 Horsepower @5500RPM
229lbs-ft Torque @3750RPM
Aftermarket Modifications
-TYC Euro-Spec Headlamps
-DEPO Clear turn signal indicators
-Kenwood KDC-217S CD Player AM/FM Tuner Headunit
-Chrome Exhaust Tips
-Auxiliary fog lights and driving lights
-Tinted windows: 22.7% on the back 5 and 33% on the front 2
On the early 90's inline 6 engines, a large bundle of wires runs along the top of the engine. These wires connect to all sort of sensors. The insulating material of the wires degrades over time (quicker with higher temperatures) and begins shorting out. This causes sensors to give false signals or even damages them. The result is a poor running engine. Depending on the model, the harness can cost anywhere from $500 to $700 USD just for the part.
Stay away? Not necessarily. Find out if the harness has already been replaced. If it has, you're good to go. If it hasn't, you could use that as a bargaining point in price. Save an appropriate amount for future repairs.
Later model 124's benefit from four valve technology that significantly increase engine power. For example, an '89 300E with the 3.0 liter engine produces 177 HP (SAE). The '93 300E's 3.2 liter engine boosts that by another 40 HP.
And since you're in Norway, maybe the lower seasonal temperatures contribute to less degradation of the wiring harness.
In America cars with the M119 engine were the 400E/E420, 500E/E500, 420SE/420SEL/S420, 500SE/500SEL/S500/CL500, 500SL/SL500.
In America cars with the M111 engine were the C220, C230, C230K. That engine still might be in production as the current 4-cyl. Kompessor engine, but I'm not sure.
Out of America it gets a bit more complicated, several more choices are available.
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