Hello,
I have been trying to find a (detailed) comparison between the two inline 6 engines used in the w126. No luck so far, so I am asking here. Since this is the W126 forum, please do not get the m104 involved, there is plenty of information about that to be found elsewhere. So in particular I am interested in the following:
What is the improvement of the m103 over the m110?
At 3.0L it actually produces less power than the much older m110 with its 2.8L. This is not typical for modern engines to be weaker than their older cousins. Is the SOHC an improvement over the DOHC?
What oil and gasoline does the m103 take?
I read that the m110 is happier with motor oils with high zinc content (not so easy to source now). More modern engines do not not seem to mind running 'leaner' motor oils. In addition is the m103 designed to run on unleaded fuel (95 octanes)? The m110 just handles lead free gasoline well, however, I do not think when initially designed this was taken into account?
Longevity and maintenance?
I do not need to ask you about the ability of a properly maintained m110 to run for MANY kilometers, so how does the m103 fare? Both have a cast iron block, so overhaul seems to be pretty straightforward. Does the m103 need valve adjustment and timing chain/tensioners replacement at similar intervals as the m110? Also on the few videos of the m103, when throttled hard the whole engine cants to one side, so any known problems with the engine mounts? Crumbling wires with the m103 or this is a m104 problem?
Stock performance modifications?
The m110 has an AMG version which involved just a different head/camshaft, etc for additional 25hp at the top end. (Extremely rare)
The m103 had a similar AMG modification as well as one with an AMG crankshaft, etc, the whole deal. Are those AMG mods easier to find? Particularly the AMG head/camshaft seems like a very quick DIY job.
Thank you in advance!
I have been trying to find a (detailed) comparison between the two inline 6 engines used in the w126. No luck so far, so I am asking here. Since this is the W126 forum, please do not get the m104 involved, there is plenty of information about that to be found elsewhere. So in particular I am interested in the following:
What is the improvement of the m103 over the m110?
At 3.0L it actually produces less power than the much older m110 with its 2.8L. This is not typical for modern engines to be weaker than their older cousins. Is the SOHC an improvement over the DOHC?
What oil and gasoline does the m103 take?
I read that the m110 is happier with motor oils with high zinc content (not so easy to source now). More modern engines do not not seem to mind running 'leaner' motor oils. In addition is the m103 designed to run on unleaded fuel (95 octanes)? The m110 just handles lead free gasoline well, however, I do not think when initially designed this was taken into account?
Longevity and maintenance?
I do not need to ask you about the ability of a properly maintained m110 to run for MANY kilometers, so how does the m103 fare? Both have a cast iron block, so overhaul seems to be pretty straightforward. Does the m103 need valve adjustment and timing chain/tensioners replacement at similar intervals as the m110? Also on the few videos of the m103, when throttled hard the whole engine cants to one side, so any known problems with the engine mounts? Crumbling wires with the m103 or this is a m104 problem?
Stock performance modifications?
The m110 has an AMG version which involved just a different head/camshaft, etc for additional 25hp at the top end. (Extremely rare)
The m103 had a similar AMG modification as well as one with an AMG crankshaft, etc, the whole deal. Are those AMG mods easier to find? Particularly the AMG head/camshaft seems like a very quick DIY job.
Thank you in advance!
