How can you tell if your 300E is a '93' E320?

[Carlbenz]

Hey guys, I purchased a 92 300E, but I was wondering what are some aesthetic signs of showing that this 300E could be a 3.2. For example...are the headlights shaped differently? Or are the real taillights red and clear as opposed to yellow/red/clear? The reason I ask this is because my father purchased this car in 1993, but I always thought it was a 92 300E. Thanks for your help

[baxter300te]

Lift the hood, if you have a dohc you've got a E320.

[suginami]

There are many differences between a 93 and 92 300E.

If you open the engine and see a round air cleaner, you've got a '92. The M104 engines don't have the typical round air cleaner. The engine is covered with a black plastic cover, and the air cleaner is the box type to the left side of the engine.

1993's share the same vin #, engine #, and chasis # as 94-95.

The chasis # for 93-95 is 124.032
The chasis # for 86-92 is 124.030

As far is the interior, 1993's have the same interior as 94-95. They have a passenger side airbag which takes the place of the glove box. 1992 and earlier don't have a passenger side airbag.

1993's also have a different armrest with a flip-up lid.

1993's also have a locking console underneath the armrest with a slidng wood door. I suppose this is to provide storage because of the lack of a glove box.

Last, you can also tell by the kind of a/c refrigerant. Lift up your hood and you should see a sticker somewhere telling you if you have R12 or R134a.

1992 and earlier 300E's have R12. Only model year 1992 400E's and 500E's have R134a. All 1993 model year MB's have 134a.