I think I've read that the 400E starts off in second gear. Whatever the case, I want ot make some improvement in off-the-line performance. Any hints? Is this a chip issue?

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Ray
1992 400E

Ray,

You can always slide the gear down to "B" aka first gear. It will keep the tranny in first gear through out, but make sure you shift it up as you "fly" alone.. Also swap to higher final ratio should give you better take-off performance, but compromised top-speed.

Andy Kuo

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• 1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
  
• Pearl Grey/Black Leather
  

ICQ#26950002
Mercedes Owners ICQ ActiveList ID#61730549
Mercedes S-Class Page
http://akry.web.com

All 400Es start in 1st gear due to the tall gear ratios.

Acceleration from 30 mph to 80 mph is frighteningly fast, but the standing start is a real disappointment. Regardless of which gear it's in, the engine RPM is just not in the power band soon enough to beat that 540i on the way to work. Once we're moving, he's toast, but by the time I'm revving he's half a block ahead of me. This can't go on!

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Ray
1992 400E

Daniel is correct, the 400E's 2.24 gear ratio makes 1st gear effectively as tall as some car's 2nd. As such, though its taking off in 1st you feel like the 300E's 2nd gear start by rpm. Even so they are pretty stout with the absurdly tall ratio. The V8 in that car actually makes good low-end power. (90% of peak torque available by 1500rpm with the peak up near 4000rpm) The problem is that you are effectively starting in 2nd gear vs the bimwad. There has been significant research on a 400E/E420 diff swap. I believe MB DOC ID'd a diff from a euro model SL that is a direct bolt-in. I want to say its a ratio in the high 3.xx's so the car would be a 1/4 mile lion. It may only do 135 (gear limited) or so but it will get there in a damn hurry!

As far as actual 0-60 times in those cars...

I've recorded (with a G-Tech) 0-60 in the high 6's to low 7's with mid 15 second 1/4 mile times when its above 70F weather. Low-mid 6's with low 15 second 1/4 mile times are possible when its 30-60F. (and you have a non ASR car with 225/50/16 tires)

Next time, try to catch the bimwad at about 25mph and pull a 4th to 1st downshift on him. That should help tip the results in your favor.

Hope this helps...Lee

Has anyone here actually done the rear diff. swap? I would like to hear how it works out in the long run, and what the 1/4 mile times are with the swap. I would do it, but I am worried about losing hwy performance... but there are trade off's with any performance upgrade I guess.

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Kyle
1992 400E Emerald Green
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Kyle,
If you have the diff done right the gear noise and other headaches associated should not plague you. Expect gas mileage to drop by about 1-2mpg in town and 2-4mpg on the highway. The 400E is not electronically limited (as the E420's were to 130mph) but tops out somewhere in the 140-150range by aero drag. With the swap you'd be gear limited to somewhere around 135-140mph. (depending on ratio) The big question is what kind of driving are you doing/plan to do? If you drive mostly in town then the swap is probably a good idea. If you do lots of highway crusing then I would skip the swap. Under full throttle the car will get to whatever speed its capable of much quicker and should feel like you added a supercharger off the line. (in comparison that is...) Fuel mileage and calm crusing ability will suffer. (not to mention increased engine noise from running consistent higher rpms) Try driving your car around in the lower gears (keeping the motor in the peak of its powerband) and not letting it upshift for a day or two. Note gas mileage and feel. Not an exact replica but it will at least give you a taste.

Hope this helps...Lee

where in the Chicago area would I find someone able to make the swap? I don't want to do it myself and mess up a fine machine