M102 Intake Manifold R1021410301: Buying Guide W123 230 E/CE/TE
Anyone restoring a W123 230 E, a 230 CE coupe or a 230 TE will sooner or later end up at the intake manifold when changing gaskets or searching for false air. At the latest when a mounting lug breaks off during removal, a thread tears out or the sealing surface is corroded, the question arises: which intake manifold fits? On the M102 there are carburetor and fuel injection variants with different numbers – and the later KE-Jetronic engines in the W124 and W201 are not automatically the same. This guide shows how to recognize damage and what to look for when buying.
How do you recognize wear or damage?
The intake manifold distributes the air measured by the K-Jetronic mixture control unit to the four cylinders of the 2.3-liter M102 engine; the throttle valve meters the air quantity. The casting itself has no wear parts in the strict sense – damage results from age, corrosion and installation.
| Finding | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Crack at the flange or at a mounting lug | Replace the intake manifold – a crack at the sealing surface cannot be repaired reliably in the long term |
| Deep corrosion pits or pitting on the cylinder head flange surface | The new gasket can no longer seal properly; vacuum leaks are the result |
| Stripped or overtightened threads | Depending on location, repairable with a thread insert, otherwise replace |
| Missing rubber mounts, sluggish lever on the throttle valve | Throttle response becomes imprecise; check scope of delivery and bearing, if necessary replace the complete unit |
| Engine starts poorly when cold, responds poorly to the throttle when cold | Usually not the intake manifold, but control pressure or warm-up regulator or cold start valve – see Warm-up regulator W123 230 E (M102) and Testing the cold start valve |
Causes
After about four decades, three things mainly affect the cast aluminum. First, moisture and road salt: they attack the aluminum, especially at sealing surfaces that lay under the old gasket for decades. Second, installation: seized bolts that are loosened by force and uneven tightening damage mounting lugs and threads. Third, the attachments: rubber mounts age and harden, the lever and bearing of the throttle valve wear in. With partial engines that were stored open for a long time, dirt and water in the passages are added.
What to look for when buying
- Compare the casting number: R 102 141 03 01 is cast into the component; the corresponding Mercedes order number is A 102 140 11 01 (A1021401101). Compare the number with the one on your own intake manifold.
- Determine fuel injection or carburetor: The carburetor variants of the M102 (200, 230, 200 T) have their own intake manifold (102 140 07 01 / 22 01). This intake manifold is intended for the M102 with K-Jetronic.
- Identify the engine reliably: According to the Mercedes parts catalog, the part is assigned to the M102.980. W124 230 E/CE/TE with KE-Jetronic, W201 190 E and the G-Class 230 GE (M102.981) are not listed there – please compare before buying or have it checked by chassis number.
- Inspect the condition of the flange surface: flat, without deep corrosion and without cracks. On our unit no cracks are visible; greenish remnants of the old gasket still adhere to the cylinder head flange surface and must be removed before installation.
- Check the scope of delivery: Throttle body, lever, brass tube and rubber mounts should be present, otherwise parts have to be transferred from the old part. Plan on a new intake manifold gasket right away.
Solution
If the existing intake manifold is damaged or incomplete, a refurbished genuine part is the economical solution. Our intake manifold with casting number R 102 141 03 01 (1021410301, order number A 102 140 11 01) was cleaned and recoated in silver and is delivered complete with throttle body, lever, brass tube and four rubber mounts with studs. The price is 189 €, and we give a 5-year warranty on the refurbished part. It is a one-off piece. Before installation, carefully remove the gasket remnants on the flange and cylinder head, use a new gasket and tighten the fasteners evenly.
Intake manifold M102 K-Jetronic – casting number R 102 141 03 01
W123 230 E · C123 230 CE · S123 230 TE · refurbished, with throttle body · 189 €
View intake manifoldThe intake manifold is a one-off piece. You will find more parts for your car in our categories W123 and Fuel system & injection. For the six-cylinder in the 280 E there is a separate intake manifold – see M110 Intake Manifold R1101412401: Buying Guide; it does not fit the M102.
Compatible vehicles
| Model series | Model / engine |
|---|---|
| W123 (sedan, 1980 to 1985/86) | 230 E – M102.980, 2.3 liter K-Jetronic |
| C123 (coupe, 1980 to 1985/86) | 230 CE – M102.980, 2.3 liter K-Jetronic |
| S123 (wagon, 1980 to 1985/86) | 230 TE – M102.980, 2.3 liter K-Jetronic |
Assignment according to the Mercedes parts catalog to the M102.980 engine. W124, W201 and G-Class 230 GE are not listed for this number. If you have questions, we check using your chassis number free of charge.
FAQ
Is R 102 141 03 01 the Mercedes order number?
No. R 102 141 03 01 is the casting number that is cast into the component. The Mercedes-Benz order number is A 102 140 11 01 (A1021401101). Compare the casting number with the one on your own intake manifold.
Is the throttle body included with the intake manifold?
Yes. The intake manifold is delivered complete with throttle body, lever, brass tube and four rubber mounts with studs.
Does the intake manifold fit a carbureted 230 or 200?
No. The carburetor variants of the M102 (200, 230, 200 T) have their own intake manifold with the numbers 102 140 07 01 or 22 01. This intake manifold is intended for the M102 with K-Jetronic.
Does the intake manifold fit a W124 230 E or W201 190 E?
That is not documented. W124 230 E/CE/TE with KE-Jetronic and W201 190 E are not listed for this number in the Mercedes parts catalog. Please compare the part number before buying or let us check the chassis number.
What does the refurbished M102 intake manifold cost at KFZTeile-Thot?
The refurbished intake manifold R1021410301 with throttle body costs 189 €. It is a one-off piece with a 5-year warranty on the refurbished part.
KFZTeile-Thot is a specialist business for tested and refurbished Mercedes parts with its own test benches and has over 1,000 positive eBay reviews. Are you unsure whether the intake manifold fits your M102? Call us at +49 179 8991069 (Mon–Fri 8 am–6 pm) or write to us via the contact form – ideally with your VIN or a photo of the casting number.