The M110, the little guy...

[Andrew280SEL]

This is for any M110 engine gurus, or anyone whos sampled one at all.

While I agree with alot of criticism of this engine, for instance fuel economy etc, I just have to say Im quite impressed with the positive side of the engine.

Does anyone agree that this engine does a great job of propelling a near two ton vehicle, in most cases, equipped with an auto? I think that it makes great power for a 2.8 ltr 6 cylinder, i'd like to see how many equivellent sized motors from other makers come close (ignoring late models of course).

I'm just interested to hear what anyone has to say about the little engine of the range.

[Des]

AMG did some pretty amazing work on these 2.8ltr motors, have to find the dyno results I have somewhere for these. Power on a stage 3 worked motor was close to a 6.9 in HP from memory.

[s class]

Its the sound man, - of that euro M110 at 4500rpm. 

[bahnstormer109]

The M110 is a fantastic engine. its a great all rounder, more power than a 4cyl but less thirst than a V8, though ive heard arguments otherwise.

its tough, smooth, powerful, sounds great.

i always used to run a 280 as a daily driver, but now ive turned to running 2 dailys, a diesel and a 450. they kind of off-set eachother and it works out about the same. (thats my argument for having too many cars and im sticking to it!)

[Tomi]

Some facts about the M110:
- sounds are very good
- the looks are very good
- they say its the most robust mercedes gas engine
- they say it is diffucult to do work with, but have not experienced that myself.

Cant wait to get my SL out.

[oscar]

Are you still snowed in Tomi?

I'm new to the M110 but I'm starting to love it.  I bought my 280S not driveable for $700AUD as a parts car.  It was a big achievement to get it running and there's much to do before it gets registered but I can't wait.  It's no powerhouse but I love it's simplicity with a carb and of course, the sound.  I wouldn't call it elegant by any means but it's gutsy with a raw sound that's addictive to listen to.  I'd love to have a lighter 280sl with a manual gearbox.

Re: the sound, I'm sure I've told this before but at the Canberra concours last year, Styria and I stood in front of a line of 116's as another 116 rumbled by to join the fold.  As it rolled past it's bassy exhaust resonated and we both said in unison "450".  But no!  As it passed, the boot badge revealed it was a 280sel.  NICE

[Tomi]

Are you still snowed in Tomi?

Yes, we have some snow still. I could drive, but I dont want any salt baths on my old MB's. I'll start in the end of april. The season here is from May till september or october.

I'm new to the M110 but I'm starting to love it.  I bought my 280S not driveable for $700AUD as a parts car.  It was a big achievement to get it running and there's much to do before it gets registered but I can't wait.  It's no powerhouse but I love it's simplicity with a carb and of course, the sound.  I wouldn't call it elegant by any means but it's gutsy with a raw sound that's addictive to listen to.  I'd love to have a lighter 280sl with a manual gearbox.

Re: the sound, I'm sure I've told this before but at the Canberra concours last year, Styria and I stood in front of a line of 116's as another 116 rumbled by to join the fold.  As it rolled past it's bassy exhaust resonated and we both said in unison "450".  But no!  As it passed, the boot badge revealed it was a 280sel.  NICE

yes yes,  , thats how it goes.

But it is different if you have the two engines running at the same time (blindfold test) then you would recognise the 450

[nathan]

continuing the flattery of the 110,
we have this in 3 of the family cars
-my bro's 116 280sel (which dad bought in 79)
-my gwagen 280ge
-my sister in laws 123 280e
(in absence is mums former 123 280TE now moved onto greener pastures)
although quite sluggish off the mark, like most have said, the 280 is quite competent at higher speeds...i have even got the 280e and 280sel to hit the 200kmh mark (admittedly the speedos may be a tad out after 20+ years!!)...the engine has quite a nice sound i think and sounds quite sporty, even when u r just putting along...fuel economy is quite   
bad for this engine though!

[Andrew280SEL]

Re: the sound, I'm sure I've told this before but at the Canberra concours last year, Styria and I stood in front of a line of 116's as another 116 rumbled by to join the fold.  As it rolled past it's bassy exhaust resonated and we both said in unison "450".  But no!  As it passed, the boot badge revealed it was a 280sel.  NICE

Was that an aftermarket exhaust? I cant say Ive ever been outside of mine to know what it sounds like at the back.

[gregdeklerk]

Re: the sound, I'm sure I've told this before but at the Canberra concours last year, Styria and I stood in front of a line of 116's as another 116 rumbled by to join the fold.  As it rolled past it's bassy exhaust resonated and we both said in unison "450".  But no!  As it passed, the boot badge revealed it was a 280sel.  NICE

This is interesting you should say this as many non Mercedes people on hearing one of my M110s run, have asked if it is a V8!! So guys, we have a V8 sounding straight 6!!

Greg

[s class]

I have a true dual exhaust and now it sounds unmistakeably 6.  Even better than before.

Ryan

[oscar]

Andrew, as a guess I'd say no, only because it was competing and I saw two downturned tailpipes.  You can imagine how originality is of utmost importance to the judges and owners for that matter.  But I didn't take a closer look.

Here's a couple of m110 sounds if you missed 'em first time round Andrew. click on the links then "download audio"


Tomi's 280sl
my 280s

Ryan, have you recorded yours by chance?  The only straight 6's we've had in the past have been four types of Fords and they've never sounded "good", they've been built to be silent and did a good job of doing it.  I'd love to hear your comparison.

Greg, I'm glad Styria and I aren't the only ones to be tricked.

[gregdeklerk]

Oscar, listening to your 280S starting, it is the same as my 280SE. So I would go so far as to say my car starts fine and I should not complain about a non existant fuel or starting problem - the poor car is 33 years old, I should give it a break!!

[oscar]

I dunno about that Greg.  Sorry but I still think your long start is d-jet related.  My sound clip there was recorded before I rebuilt and tuned my carb and played with tuning, dwell etc.  Even before the carb was rebuilt last week I'd get an instant start after depressing the accelerator once to activate the choke.  But this doesn't help you I know, two completely different systems.  I have another thought which I'll post in the relevant thread if it hasn't been mentioned already.

[johnnyw116]

i love the M110 with the electronic fuel injection , i drive a 280se from 72 with electronic injection i prefer the 280se far more than the 350se the 280se i have runs faster than a 350se a couple of months ago a 350sl from about 73 wanted to race me on the highway but he couldt pass me at top speed
i love the M110