27th May 2004, 20:14

I concur with the previous comments. I own a black 1992 400E which I purchased after my SAAB 9-5 was totaled in an accident. The car was 12 years old and I had to put some repair work into it, but I did not regret my purchase. The ride is refined with power only a poke of the pedal away. In spite of having some 165,000km on it, it feels like new after the first oil change.

I do have minor complaints. The ventilation system is a bit odd. Last winter, the fan motor stopped working for 2 months when it suddenly came back. It was a sqeaking sound that told me.Also, it seems that the system heat exchanger plumbing which sounds like it is located somewhere in the dash makes little burbling noises like liquid is passing through it. The odd effect is that when the blower first comes on during damp or humid conditions, it fogs up the windscreen.

Other than that, the car is effortlessly fast and relaxed at the same time. I just love my 400E!

JC

Canada 5/28/04.

3rd Feb 2005, 00:46

Sounds like a 400E love-in, but for good reason. I've got a 92 400E with 180,000km in black and black.

Only problem that I inherited is an iffy ventilation system and no ambient temp sensor.

Having written off a 90 300E, it seemed like a natural progression. The 4.2 under hard acceleration with the traction control gets you out of any problems like a rocket with the odd smoking tire. The factory Becker system is a bit primitive with boomy bass and it really needs a speakerectomy.

Getting it up to 190Kph on the Interstate south of here is a State Troopers Monthly Quota Award waiting to happen, and the control at that speed is a dream. Brakes are excellent with the rotors being cheap and readily available. The difference between 91 and 94 octane is noticeable and the improved mileage with the 94 octane pays for extra cost.

Don't think I'll part with this one.

Joe

B.C. Canada.

11th Nov 2006, 15:34

Where did you get the Alfa 75 from?

9th Sep 2007, 07:09

Just a side comment. I also own a '92 Mercedes 400E and I love it. It's got 228,000 miles on it and the only problem I've had in the 4 years and 75,000 miles I've owned it was I lost my right front brake caliper right after I replaced the pads and rotors on the front. I didn't notice the problem until I lost a race to a Nissan Maxima. Something was obviously wrong. The brake was gripping at all times. Naturally, it warped my brand new rotor and I had to do another full front brake job and replace the 4 piston caliper. (NOT cheap) All told, about a $1,200 month. Ouch. But that's it. 4 years, 75k miles and I've never been stranded on the side of the road or stuck with a car that won't start. Some of Mercedes' best work.

7th Jan 2008, 20:23

I have a 1992 Mercedes 400 e for sale, great 1 owner doctor owned car, black with tan leather. Car has about 106000 miles, very nice car. If interested call 706-587-8119.

13th Mar 2008, 14:37

The W124 400E is one of the best Merc's ever made; I never had any problem with it too. Currently the 500E is called "a collectable classic"; the 400E has almost the same power, but does not look like 'a body builder who trained too much'. Power inside. The better choice.

22nd Apr 2008, 23:29

I have a 1992 400E that I have owned for the past 8 years. This is an awesome car and is better than the collectable 500E. It seats 5 and has relaxed freeway rpms. This car is built like a bank vault.

9th Sep 2008, 18:36

Hi I own a 92 400se and I love it!!! This is the best car I've ever owned.

I only have a minor oil leak. I've had it for about a year and no problems really.

Belt ripped in half, but still took me home.

Axle snapped in driveway. Other than that a VERY good FAST car.

I recommend it to everyone who can afford it. Oh yeah, PREMIUM GAS ONLY!!! But it doesn't waste it!

2nd Dec 2008, 17:34

I own a 1992 400E and it just turned 140,000. I bought the car a month ago and now I am totally into this car...

I am using it as a daily driver and I couldn't be happier. The lines are classy and it looks great at any angle. Now if I can keep people from taking my hood star I'll be OK. Those things are like 30 bucks a pop.

I want to put in an aftermarket stereo, but can't find a wiring harness that utilizes the existing power amp. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

29th Jun 2009, 02:23

I have a '92 400E with 256,000 miles on it. I paid $2,400 for it and love it. I outrun almost everything around me on the highway, and have run it FAST on twisty, rough roads. The only problems I have are a slow oil leak (which doesn't bother me), brittle plastic parts, like my oil fill cap, which fell apart; my tranny shudders when it shifts from 1st to 2nd at high rpm, but is fine otherwise, and now I need a front brake job. If I put a few thousand dollars into it, it will easily attain 500,000 miles.

18th Aug 2009, 15:09

I also love my 1992 Mercedes-Benz 400E. It's black with tan interior. It now has more than 150,000 miles, but it's still going strong. I intend to keep it until it can't be salvaged.

10th Jan 2010, 22:27

I've had previous BMWs (3 and 5 series), and a 93 190e 2.6 and 96 C280 Sport Mercedes. Now a 93 400E and I couldn't be happier.

The 92 400E was 10:1 compression with 268 HP, and the 93 400E is 11:1 compression at 275 HP. I've read that you can boost it up to 290HP @ WOT with the ECU from the 92.

Anyways... the heated seats and ASR traction control is a welcome addition over my previous cars, since the winters here can be pretty cold with the snow.

The only problem I've had is a power problem to one of the rear tail lights and headlight wiper motor (that I fixed) at 164k miles, and it's still running beautifully.

14th May 2010, 22:55

I just purchased a 1992 400E and I'm very impressed with the power and smoothness of the car. There's some minor cosmetics that I need to address once I have a chance.

I got the car today with 179,995 miles for $800.

One of my concern is the oil leak coming from the front housing of the engine (behind the power steering canister). Have any of you experience this with your 400E? Please advise, and if you have any recommendation on what or how to fix this leak, I would certainly appreciate the input.

Thank You!

26th Jul 2010, 15:53

I have had my 1992 400E for two years now. I have just recently had the AC turned back on (wires underneath were disconnected?) The AC only has one temp. - FREEZING cold - no in between.. even in "auto" when I try to set the rolling temp gauge.

My other recent problem; the transmission slips in reverse. I can only park on level ground. If I have to back up an incline - I'm in trouble, I'm stuck without a push. The passenger seat decline motion works, but to raise it back has stopped working. Other than that.. it has been a dream to drive.

Oh, one more thing - what's with the clear coat pealing off on these cars? I live in Southern Cal and I see these cars all the time.. they all have the same issues with clear coat peeling.