1/4 Mile Specs

[MERCEDES300CE]

Thinking of taking my 300CE to the track for some 1/4 mile tests. Any idea on what it should do, factory specs? I am figuring around 15sec at 80mph, this may be a little conservative but not sure. Any one ever tried this with thier cars? Wanted to get a base line before any mods this summer. I'll let you know how I make out, weather permitting, I am going tonight. Intesrested in any thoughts you have.

Thanks,

[16vwannabe]

I think it's great you're drag racing a Benz. You will probably surprise some riceboys if there are any that you go against. I would guess it would run a mid to low 15 at close to 90mph, maybe even low 90s. If you want better times try taking out the spare tire and pop the hood open between runs to let the engine cool down. Good luck!
Darryl

[Gilly]

The only performance spec I can find on a 300CE with a 104 engine is a 0-100 km/h time of 7.8 seconds with 2 occupants, and a top speed of 232 km/h......
Gilly

[MERCEDES300CE]

Thanks for your input! We got rained out so I'll have to wait till next Wednesday to try again. I was the only Benz there. Mostly Honda's, one, BMW M3 and an Audi A4 out of 100 cars. Just curious to see what it will do, then when I make any mods, I can see if they actually improve or not. I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks for the support!

[16vwannabe]

Finally found a test. C&D 1991 300CE. They've got it at 3500 lbs. It runs 0-60 in 7.7, the qtr in 16.1 at 89 mph. It doesn't list the final drive ratio though, I'm curious is it a 2.xx?
Darryl

[Gilly]

With a 5 speed manual trans or a 4 speed automatic, it had a 3.27:1 rear axle ratio. With a 5 speed automatic (which is what I assume this car is) it had a 3.69:1 ratio.
Gilly

[David C Klasse]

Gilly,
I really think Dean's 300CE is a 4 speed auto...
correct?

[Michael]

C&D always has the slowest test times of all the magazines (and Motor Trend the fastest). They had my car a half a second slower thru the 1/4 than I've done myself, and it was assuredly before I did any modifications.

I'd guess that, if you time your start well and get a solid launch, you'll turn high 15s in your CE. And if you really want to help your cause, pull any/all stuff that you can out of the car; 100 lbs. of cushions, tools, spare tire etc. will count at the drags.

Have fun!

[Gilly]

David: According to my info (by the way, you ever order those discs?) the 5 speed auto was an option as of 1/90, so it could have been had, I assume, in this car. Usually the US gets the latest and greatest, except in the area of electronics, due to US litigation BS, for example Keyless Go and Distronic have been available in other countries for quite some time. And I don't think we'll ever see a TV setup here, except for the back seat (ML entertainment system now available, haven't done one yet, I'll keep everyone posted). At any rate it more or less answered 16vwannabe's question (ps, this guy should RAISE his standards if is aspiring to have a 190E2.3-16, you can do lots better. If you want a 201 chassis, try finding a 190E 2.6 Limited Edition, last of the 190's, made in 93, THAT is a sweet 201) that the rear axle ratio is higher numerically than 3.0:1. (no offense intended to 16vwannabe, we all have our dreams I guess, but do research the Limited Edition cars, they are out there).....
Gilly

[16vwannabe]

I used to have a Mustang and it wasn't exactly the greatest handling car out there. Then I drove a 16v, wow! Like driving a BMW, but had that solid MB feel, and watch out for that redline! Couldn't find one in the condition I wanted, then I found a '91 5spd. So I am a wannabe in that I want that feel of a 16v. So my car has a 16v rear end - 3.27, Bilsteins, 16v rear sway bar and a 500E front bar to make up for the extra weight of the 6cyl. Anyways, I like it, although it's not quite as nimble as a 16v.
Darryl

[MERCEDES300CE]

Thanks for all the input. Going to try again on Wednesday if we don't get rained out.

The car is a 4 speed automatic. Although it only uses first on a hard axcelleration from the start. Unsure of the gear ratio's and technical specs.

The guys at work have been after me to take it to the track for a year to see what it will do. Most of them have Honda's, I finally gave in and figured I would try it.

I am more curious to see if age has affected its performance from what it would have done new, or should do. The car runs great and is meticously maintained.

I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the support!

[David C Klasse]

Interesting... I didn't know of any place like this. How much does it cost? I wonder if there are any in So Ca?

Also, for faster results from a standstill, apply the brake and the gas, letting the engine rev to about 2,000, then let off the brake and just keep your foot to the floor! What an improvemnt in acceleration it makes the first 20 mph or so.

[MERCEDES300CE]

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. Think I should shift it to 2 then back to D to get a first gear start?

Its a track in Epping N.H. they do professional races on the weekend and on Wednesday nights its street cars only, only req is; has to be registerd and current state inspection. Cost $15 to race and $10 to watch. The info they give is great. I'll post all the info after I run in it.

Thanks for the info.

[David C Klasse]

Yeah, I forgot to mention that, DEFINITLY put it into 1st gear (2nd), then do the brake and gas trick (you'll really take off), and then keep the pedal to the floor but put it back into D.

I wonder if there are any ot those tracks around here....

[Ashman]

My car, a 1992 300CE, has the 4 speed auto tranny. 3.07 Gear Ratio, and always starts in first gear.

First gear start in my car was apparently from the factory.

No need to do anything but Hold the brake, get the revs up and let er rip.

I'd love to take my car to a track to see what it can do as well.

Alon