If you’re a Mercedes enthusiast, chances are you’ve heard of the M103 engine. For decades it has been one of the most reliable and well-respected engines available for Mercedes vehicles. This powerful engine was used in many Benz models, including sedans, coupes, and even convertibles. In this blog post we’ll take an in-depth look at what makes the M103 so special—from some of its key features to how it can benefit your vehicle’s performance. We’ll also outline common issues related to this engine that may arise during ownership and provide practical tips on keeping it running smoothly for years to come. Whether you already have a car with an M103 under the hood or are considering purchasing one with this engineering marvel tucked away beneath its chassis, read on for all the must-know information.
The family of inline six-cylinder engines Mercedes M103 was produced from 1985 to 1993 and was installed in many models of the company, such as W201, W124 and luxury roadsters R107. There were two different versions of the powertrain: the 2.6-liter E26 and the 3.0-liter E30.
The R6 lineup also included engines: M104 and M256.
Mercedes M103 engine specifications
Modification: M 103 E 26
| Displacement | 2,597 cm³ |
| Power system | KE-Jetronic |
| Engine power | 160 – 165 hp |
| Torque | 220 – 230 Nm |
| Cylinder block | Cast iron R6 |
| Cylinder head | Aluminum 12v |
| Cylinder diameter | 82.9 mm |
| Stroke | 80.2 mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.2 |
| Engine features | no |
| Hydraulic compensators | yes |
| Timing Chain/Belt | Timing Chain |
| Variable Valve Timing (VVT) | no |
| Turbocharger | no |
| Oil capacity/which oil | 6.0 liter 5W-40 |
| Fuel type | Regular |
| Euro class | EURO 0/1 |
| Approximate service life | 280 000 mi
450 000 km |
Modification: M 103 E 30
| Displacement | 2960 cc |
| Power system | KE-Jetronic |
| Engine power | 180 – 190 hp |
| Torque | 255 – 260 Nm |
| Cylinder block | Cast iron R6 |
| Cylinder head | Aluminum 12v |
| Cylinder diameter | 88.5 mm |
| Stroke | 80.2 mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.2 – 10 |
| Engine features | no |
| Hydraulic compensators | yes |
| Timing Chain/Belt | Timing Chain |
| Variable Valve Timing (VVT) | no |
| Turbocharger | no |
| Oil capacity/which oil | 6.0 l 5W-40 |
| Fuel type | Regular |
| Euro class | EURO 0/1 |
| Approximate service life | 280 000 mi 450 000 km |
Similar engines from other manufacturers:
- BMW M30
- Chevrolet X25D1
- Honda G25A
- Ford HYDB
- Nissan RB20DE
- Toyota 2JZ-GE
The cars were equipped with M103 engine 2.6 – 3.0 l
| C-Class W201 | 1986 – 1993 |
| E-Class W124 | 1985 – 1993 |
| G-Class W463 | 1990 – 1993 |
| S-Class W126 | 1985 – 1992 |
| SL-Class R107 | 1985 – 1989 |
| SL-Class R129 | 1989 – 1993 |
Breakdowns and Problems of M103
- More often than not owners of cars with such power unit face with grease leakage
- The weakest places for leaks here are U-gasket and crankshaft oil seal
- The second most popular problem is the engine malfunctioning due to clogged injectors
- The cause of oil consumption is usually in the valve stem caps, and it passes after replacing them
- The single-row timing chain can already stretch after 150,000 km and require replacement
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