[sebastianforbes]

hi there

would you convert an '89 300te to lpg. all the sums say that it will pay for itself in 18 months. i'm thinking that all the increased mileage will increase the maintenance. at the moment i have two cars because my other (daewoo matiz)will do 50mpg. i only use the estate when i need it, but i would like to run it as my only car.

your thoughts will be well received.

cheers

sebastian.

 

[Odrec]

I converted my 230E (now SOLD) to LPG about three months before I sold it to find out it was the worst mistake I ever made. The only available equipments here are italian and they solve the K-injection problem by feeding LPG to the combustion chambers by the air entry, creating a huge loss of fuel. I found myself actually spending more on fuel with LPG than Petrol.

Plus, the lack of liquid fuel dries the pieces in contact with the LPG. In doubt? Well, my 230 lost so much lubrication running on LPG that it dropped a valve seat on top of the piston, causing an engine failure that cost two valves, a whole new set of valve seats and an engine rectification.

Indeed, some of the systems include an oiler, but this equipment is not available for MB's.

If you are going for LPG make sure it is a system specially designed for K-injected vehicles that allows for a smooth fuel entry. Make sure an oiler is included for lubrication purposes, and ask for the terms of the warranty.

I solved my problem via lawsuit. Not the best way to go, but I got my money back, and waas able to repair the car.

Odrec

 

[Jackd]

In own town, there is a 1990 300E used as a taxi which was converted to lpg many years ago. The last time I saw it, the speedo had registered well over 500,000km.
I don't know what kind of conversion was made on the car or what are the performances (power, mpg) as compared to regular petrol, but it does not seem to have influenced its longevity.