Engine Mercedes M103 E30

The in-line 6-cylinder Mercedes M103 E30 engine was introduced in 1985 and was intended to replace the outdated M110 engine and was partially unified with the 4-cylinder M102.

The R6-family includes: M103 E26, M103 E30, M104 E28, M104 E30, M104 E32, M256 E30.

The 103 series received a new lightweight cast iron cylinder block and a 12-valve block head with a single camshaft and hydraulic lifters, instead of the previous 24-valve twin-shaft, which was caused by a desire to increase efficiency, reduce the weight of the power plant and reduce the cost of its production. The diameter of the intake valves is 43 mm, exhaust 39 mm. Fuel injection system – mechanical injection. The timing drive uses a not very reliable single-row chain. Fuel supply system – KE-Jetronic.

Specifications

Production years 1985-1993
Displacement, cc 2960
Fuel system KE-Jetronic
Power output, hp 180 – 190
Torque output, Nm 255 – 260
Cylinder block cast iron R6
Block head aluminum 12v
Cylinder bore, mm 88.5
Piston stroke, mm 80.2
Compression ratio 9.2 – 10.0
Features no
Hydraulic lifters yes
Timing drive chain
Phase regulator no
Turbocharging no
Recommended engine oil 5W-40
Engine oil capacity, liter 6.0
Fuel type petrol
Euro standards EURO 0/1
Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for 300 SL R107)
— city
— highway
— combined
16.0
10.5
14.5
Engine lifespan, km ~450 000

Disadvantages of the M103 E30 engine

  • Most often, car owners with such a power unit are faced with lubricant leaks.
  • The weak points for leaks here are the U-shaped gasket and the crankshaft oil seal.
  • The second most common problem is engine failure due to clogged injectors.
  • The reason for the oil burner is usually in the valve stem seals and it goes away after they are replaced.
  • After 150,000 km, a single-row timing chain may already stretch and require replacement.

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