I've found that on the M103 they can get the "fish bite" syndrome (tiny little misfires, not full misfires) when the valves aren't sealing properly. Usually, just a manual valve lapping (after cleaning them on a wire wheel) solves much of that ! I have to assume this is what you mean by "rough idle"
Sounds like that’s probably it. It does seem like constant small and random misfires. I remember having a similar sort of issue with my old 6.9 where the intake valves were wobbling around.
All my m103 have had this symptom. It's a very common issue and apparently began to start en mass when the cars were newer and still in warranty. Like you said, its combustion irregularity, not really a miss. My m104.980 idles perfect but usually m103 has that bubbly idle. Valve job is cheap on that head too.
I bought mine from a German eBay seller, who i was pointed to by the German w124/w201 forums. Wonderful description, contact and a 3 Page installation guide + the Chinese part he actually checks beforehand ...for 30€-40€. I can look up the seller if someone is interested.
Saludos caballero compre mi primer MB w124 300e año 88 ya le he metido 1500$ en detalles,ahora se daño la caja de transmisión automática.la pregunta es,vale la pena seguir invirtiendo en el meche? Saludos de venezuela
they work good enough. You can spend $300 on a genuine bosch item to feel better about it, the reality is there is little to no difference in the driving experience. I have china pots on both my m104’s and they are working OK.
