1992 Mercedes-Benz W124 400E review from North America

The only problems had with the vehicle were due to normal wear and old age.

However there were a few issues not customary in a motorcar with a $57K price tag. Front crank seal (major oil leak), leaky power steering box (had to replace), and the worst one being a bad slide valve (throttle body), and main wiring harness ($1,000 for the harness alone). Aside from these problems, I can still say that this car never left me stranded on the roadside..

I am simply amazed with the manner in which this motorcar picks up speed on the highway. This is a heavy 4 door saloon, yet I still see speeds in excess of 145mph regularly. 152 was the most I have seen, that is pretty much max-ed out.

This car was made for long distance high speed touring and it shows in near silent cabin at speeds up to about 135mph. After that, the sunroof and mirrors start making a light whistling sound.

The vehicle is stock (no modifications) except for a different control unit which came from a European E420, which has slightly different fuel and spark curves. Anyhow, top speed was not affected with the new box (mine was damaged during repair).

Stopping ability is also phenomenal with brakes having been borrowed from the SL model. They are the same 4 piston fronts and twin piston rears (calipers) as on the 500E. Fabulous motorcar!!!