So I hit 100mph... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

wolf_walker · #1 03-09-2004, 07:01 AM

And I'm not especialy impressed.

It was probibly more like 95mph, RPM's a bit over 4K and I know the speedometer reads 5mph fast at 70mph, but still.

Pulled fine, did not take too long to get there, was still accelerating a bit, drove it with one hand.

But I'd not want to have to turn while doing so, and it was just not nearly as confidence inspiring as I would have thought the way people always talk about these cars.

Granted, my alignment(or something) is not quite right(see the 1000 miles thread a week or so ago), but still. The car feels light, which it is. And it feels like it has small tires, which it does.

There was a time when I hit 100mph+ on a daily basis, and it was a casual thing, you could set the cruise control, light a smoke, whatever. You always pay attention at that speed, but you get my meaning. I've not found a car to equal the high speed cruising comfort and feel of a 78 Lincoln with a 460ci and a 2:50 rear gear yet. Not to mention it's 6000 some odd LBS..

Not a complaint at all, or a comparison, just an observation, especialy being that I have to retire my old Lincoln permanantly to the salvage yard this week due to lack of a place to put the poor thing. The best car I ever owned..

Are the SD's notably different on the road at speed?

whunter · #2 03-09-2004, 07:47 AM

Sounds like steering-suspension problems; compounded by slight lack of power, IMHO.

wolf_walker · #3 03-09-2004, 07:53 AM

Could be.

Last oil change I looked around, saw nothing really worn in the suspension. Lower bushings rubber not even cracked as age does.

I really wish I knew exactly *how* this car was suposed to feel.
It's not bad exactly, even with a little steering play, but I'm just not as tickled as everyone else seems to be.

Pete Burton · #4 03-09-2004, 07:59 AM

I think so, but I'm comparing them by my memory of about 8 years ago. I chose an SD (82) over the 123 body cars because they felt somewhere between the 123 and say, my 62 Imperial or maybe my 68 New Yorker. Plus, the 126 is still great in parallel parking and emergency evasive maneuvers. I think someone on this forum needs to pass by and give you a carbon purging wild ride in a SD.

pentoman · #5 03-09-2004, 08:05 AM

Hmm, I think there's definitely a problem, in my smaller '86 190E I regularly go over 100mph without really thinking about it. The only time it requires concentration is when it's windy - my car really feels the wind.

Perhaps it was that?

Biggest problem for me is the high revs.

Hell, look at this, 120mph, 1/2 degree above freezing, and operating a camera all at the same time...

disclaimer: obviously this never happened and I photoshopped the whole thing

wolf_walker · #6 03-09-2004, 08:05 AM

I think so too..

I really hate to keep sounding negative about the 300D, it's really a great car and has raised my expectations of automobiles in general another couple notches in some areas. But I'm just curious about some things.

It's easy to say it's a tank and solid as a rock if your used to hondas or whatever, but I have a little different background..

68 New Yorker. Now THERE was a car. 440/727TF by 68? I can't remember...

whunter · #7 03-09-2004, 08:06 AM

Anyone close enough; willing to help?

wolf_walker · #8 03-09-2004, 08:08 AM

pentoman, that is a great shot. The blur in the foreground is very nice..

I miss driving fast. I really do. I just don't have the guts for it anymore it seems. Too much to loose and too much to worry about. A darn shame. I was so good at it too..

Last night was probibly the first time in six years or more I've been over 80mph in any car.

Pete Burton · #9 03-09-2004, 08:21 AM

correct about the powertrain. Dragged a VW GTI (over 20 years ago). He got about 1-2 lengths ahead at about 50, but when we got to 70 he dropped off like a haywagon. Plus, it could stop too, having disc brakes with 4 active pistons on EACH disc. But parts were getting hard to come by even then... Good luck with your test drive!

psfred · #10 03-09-2004, 08:59 AM

68 New Yorker sure did have a 440 4-barrel and a 727 Torqueflight. Flat flew, but watch that overboosted power steering ----

You need an alignment and steering checkout -- probably have a combination of too much center play, some loose tie rod ends, sloppy idler arm bushings, and too much toeout, making high speed funky.

Same problem in the 280, will fix sometime soon.

Normally these cars sneak up on you!

Peter

#11 03-09-2004, 09:16 AM

Wolf, I understand your thoughts but really, you're talking about an old car that needs work. Of course 100 comes with some drawbacks. Your Lincoln had the laws of physics working for it. Too bad you live so far away, I'd take you for a 100 jaunt in mine... Those who know me and the car will testify, its a good one. Not perfect, but well sorted. Took a friends 996 Porsche for a 140 mph spin. Now that was fast, and it got there instantly.

wolf_walker · #12 03-09-2004, 10:42 AM

I know, I know. I'll end up fixing it just to see what it's like if nothing else. The cost is just still chewing at me.

I just finished a full F-41 spec suspension rebuild with poly and KYB's on a 74 vette, stainless sleeved 4 piston calipers, etc, etc.
IT drives pretty good at speed. Shame it's such an ill engenered piece of crap.

#13 03-09-2004, 11:54 AM

Quote:

I miss driving fast. I really do. I just don't have the guts for it anymore it seems. Too much to loose and too much to worry about. A darn shame. I was so good at it too..
Last night was probibly the first time in six years or more I've been over 80mph in any car.

Wolf,as you mentioned,it might just be you.
Maybe you don't feel comfortable anymore
driving fast.

Also,each car has a distictive feel to it.
So comparing a Lincoln with a Mercedes is
somewhat difficult.

Louis.

DieselAddict · #14 03-09-2004, 12:47 PM

The W123 and W126 5-cylinder diesels were really not designed for very high speeds. Just look at their gear ratios. Turning 3200 rpm at only 70 mph certainly doesn't make it a high-speed car. 100 mph is about the maximum these cars can attain. If you want a high-speed diesel that's quiet, powerful and stable get one of the later ones, like the W124.

R Leo · #15 03-09-2004, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DieselAddict
The W123 and W126 5-cylinder diesels were really not designed for very high speeds. Just look at their gear ratios. Turning 3200 rpm at only 70 mph certainly doesn't make it a high-speed car. 100 mph is about the maximum these cars can attain. If you want a high-speed diesel that's quiet, powerful and stable get one of the later ones, like the W124.

Or install an Easter Egg or more correctly, an Easter Pumpkin!