M104 - SL320 vs 300-24 SL whats the difference ?

[grober]

Why is that? I would have guessed that the more rorty sporty 300-24 would be more appropriate for the SL.

R

Possibly because the SL is a far heavier car than the W124 and might need the low down torque of the 320.

 

[hotrodder]

ok so those who say the 300-24 is the better car are not entirely correct...

I had assumed that the cat was the reason for less power...

'Better' is a personal thing... the numbers hint at the different character of the two engines but don't tell the full story. The 320 is a bit Jekyll and Hyde- as well as making more torque at less rpm it has a broader,flater torque curve. Below 3K rpm it never feels like there's much going on as it just gets on with things. As you approach 4k rpm there's an almost 2 stroke like step in the torque curve, it becomes Mr Hyde and howls it's way to the red line. By comparison the 300-24 just likes to rev

Personally i prefer the 300-24 but i think the 320 better suits big wafty bargeness

Comedy wiring loom that came with the 280/320 is a one time expense that can be sidestepped with a soldering iron and a roll of heat shrink for anyone that begrudges giving MB ~£800 for some copper wire and plugs.
The EZL/ignition module for the early cars can't be fixed with some heat shrink and a soldering iron

 

[redbaron]

Or just buy a post facelift car where the loom isnt an issue... shame it is slightly less pretty but ho hum.

 

[Vlad]

I've owned both versions....loved my 300-24...lovely wail once past 4000rpm but lacked a bit of lowdown torque. Fuel consumption was hideous. Ignition modules a real concern if buying now as age is catching up with them and they are mega bucks to replace if buying new and second hand units are scarce and liable to suffer the same fate at some stage.

Have had a number of 320's (straight sixes) go through my hands and its a much more relaxed car that benefits from more torque and goes well when given the beans. You need to ascertain whether the harness has been done on cars from late 1992 to 1995.

Currently have a 320 that goes like a scalded cat....never driven a 3.2 straight six that flies like this one. Trying to find out why and my local MB Indi has also been trying to figure it out as he's never driven one that goes like this. Its one of the last straight sixes on a P Reg, early 1997. First owner was MB and then in the hands of a husband and wife ever since.

 

[BillyW124]

Currently have a 320 that goes like a scalded cat....never driven a 3.2 straight six that flies like this one. Trying to find out why and my local MB Indi has also been trying to figure it out as he's never driven one that goes like this. Its one of the last straight sixes on a P Reg, early 1997. First owner was MB and then in the hands of a husband and wife ever since.

must have never seen speed over 70MPH in its early days!

 

[grober]

This thread and attached pdf's may have some answers?? M104 engine specs. - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

 

[kth286]

I've owned both versions....loved my 300-24...lovely wail once past 4000rpm but lacked a bit of lowdown torque. Fuel consumption was hideous. Ignition modules a real concern if buying now as age is catching up with them and they are mega bucks to replace if buying new and second hand units are scarce and liable to suffer the same fate at some stage.

Have had a number of 320's (straight sixes) go through my hands and its a much more relaxed car that benefits from more torque and goes well when given the beans. You need to ascertain whether the harness has been done on cars from late 1992 to 1995.

Currently have a 320 that goes like a scalded cat....never driven a 3.2 straight six that flies like this one. Trying to find out why and my local MB

Indi has also been trying to figure it out as he's never driven one that goes like this. Its one of the last straight sixes on a P Reg, early 1997. First owner was MB and then in the hands of a husband and wife ever since.

Look forward to seeing you on the road Martin.

I feel my E320 coupe (1995) is as good as it gets in terms of performance from this engine, and of course is appreciably lighter than your SL.

 

[brigadier]

Ignition modules a real concern if buying now as age is catching up with them and they are mega bucks to replace if buying new and second hand units are scarce and liable to suffer the same fate at some stage.

I've got a spare ignition module from a breaker for 20£. He didn't know what that was and was happy to get 20£. Now it's laying in a box - waiting it's turn.

 

[Vlad]

I've got a spare ignition module from a breaker for 20£. He didn't know what that was and was happy to get 20£. Now it's laying in a box - waiting it's turn.

Result!