The VIN of my 92 400E also shows it was made in Germany, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's a European standard car, mine is qualified for Canadian Standard.

I've seen quite a few 400Es and 500Es in Germany, even in China, in fact German need V8 powered cars more than us, I don't think V8 W124s were only made for North American Market.

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99 BMW 540i 6-speed 110K Km
03 SAAB 9-5 wagon 80K Km
92 400E (Sold) 245K km
Still missing the days with the Benz, it kept me busy.