just thought i'd say ...

[flagstaff]

the M104 engine is awesome ... i have it fitted to an E280 '93 model, and man does it go. lovely low speed tractability, great mid-range torque ... and tops out at over 140mph (this tested on a private circuit, natch ;-))

and the damn thing needs a head gasket replacing. hope it's as good when fixed!

 

[3146bj]

Have to agree with that! The torque is fantastic. On a hill I use regularly, my Disco (1992 3.5 V8) goes over the top at 80 km/h in 4th, the old Holden Commodore (1998 VT model 3.8 V6) at 95 in 2nd (auto, & cruise engaged), & the E280 holds 100 km/h in top!!! And economical as well. A recent long trip of 11,500km in 5 weeks it averaged 9.2l/100km with a best of just under 8. Sorry, can't compute mpg for you. My first merc and and it won't be the last.

 

[stwat]

More info on the Holden please I just love those Aussie beasts!!

Stu

 

[3146bj]

More info on the Holden please I just love those Aussie beasts!!

Stu

Basic 1998 VT Executive model, 3.8l V6 (147kW) auto. Ex company car that had done about 143000 km when I sold it. Around town fuel economy about 14-15l/100km and down to 10 in the country (generally 100km/hr speed limit). Handling was strong understeer but with enough grunt to break the tail away on dirt roads at anything up to 100-120km/hr. 4 speed auto with fairly sensitive kick down, often to second when you only wanted third. Strut front suspension with an appetite for bushes (25-30,000km life) when used on anything but billiard table roads. Semi-trailing arm rear suspension similar to the old Triumph 2000/2500, early BMW system with lots of camber change. Unfortunately, not as reliable as they are supposed to be as bits fell off quite regularly and dealer service was pretty average (while it was my company car we had to use Holden dealer service), eg the driver's seat was rebuilt 7 -that's right 7, times in the first 3 years including 3 new bases. I might be overweight but not that much!

The 1995 Ford Falcon I had before the Commodore was a much better car and did 150,000km in 3 years with only 1 transmission relay replaced other than the usual service items (plugs, pads, etc).

If you want more about Aussie beasts best start another thread.