Mechanical FI versus EFI w/ EMS.....in the sixties and seventies Mercedes probably had more experience with MFI than any other manufacturer. I have had several older MBs with Bosch FI. For their time, they run very well and hold their tune very well...but times have changed.
You can get some idea of this by looking at the website of Karl Middelhauve, who is the Mercedes M100 guru and the original German looney tuner. (
www.mbgrand600.com)The M100 V8 is the SOHC engine that powered the 600, 6.3, and 6.9. Very underrated at 300hp and made huge torque. Karl has built several of these engines which he converted to EFI. Even as good as the OEM Bosch system was, the difference is night and day. Incredible gains in hp, economy, driveability. Definitely the way to go. He has also devised modern EFI systems for vintage Mercedes V8s which had early Bosch Jetronic EFI, and reports great improvements in performance, economy, and driveability with those engines as well (3.5, 5.0, V8s)
Bottom line? you can't beat an intelligent engine management system, honestly. I will get my GT40 running, and work out the bugs in the chassis and electricals, and then think about an EFI system. The MassFlo system has some intuitive pluses- if you are actually measuring the air going through, you have better data to figure the fuel requirement. And a hot-wire sensor adds no obstruction to flow at all.
Oh, and FWIW, the new crop of marine diesels and truck diesels are all common-rail high pressure electronics as well- they've given up mechanical FI as well. That's a little different to me, though- if the engine quits out there you can't call AAA to come get you.
