Just curious, I'll most likely test it out by "seat of the pants" someday on a Ocean Parkway, at Jones Beach :D
Great car, and I have not driven many cars as fast as this diesel. AS a matter of fact this diesel is fast than many average cars. I'll buy a 500E soon though "just for running" :) And as a collectors item.

Hi,

I'd have to say 130mph. Most of the newer models are electronically limited to 130 except the AMGs and some of the 2001 models are limited to 135.

Vin

Are the VS models really limited to 130mph???
In Europe the cars are limited to 250km/h which is approx. 155mph!!!

Should be though...travelling such a big country with such a "low" speed.

greetingz,

According to Mercedes they are. We always complain about not having the same spec car like the ones in Europe. But then again, we don't have any autobahns here.
I've never tried flooring one of the newer ones to check if they are really electronically limited. I did however get my 88 300CE (minor engine mods) up to 145mph on a very small stretch, it was still accelerating. Never tried it with my 95 C280.


Vin

The owners manual says that the E320 and 430's are limited to 130 mph, however their is no limiter on the E300 Turbo Diesel.

In the US the E300 is limited to 130MPH for the same
reasons as the gasoline cars - our legal environment
and that the car is equipped with 'H' speed rated tires.

I ran across the European press release of the E300
turbodiesel a few years ago, at which time MB claimed
it was the fastest diesel passenger car ever built.
Unrestricted top speed is about 137MPH.

- Jim

jcyuhn - I read an article
 

in the newspaper not too long ago about some F1 driver getting stopped in Europe for going 144 mph in the C270 turbodiesel. In the article it said that MB says the car is limited to 137 mph. Maybe he had it "chipped"?
Jim
'95 E320
'97 Honda CRV

I read the same thing. It was Jenson Button, but I think he was in a BMW diesel. From what I read the car was as stock as they get, they are still trying to figure out how he did it.
This article is one of the reasons why I want to try flooring one of newer Benz models, with high performance tires of course.

Vin

The reason the article stood out is because he was in a C270 although his sponser is BMW.

I found the article
 

MONTE CARLO, Monaco (AP) -- One of Jenson Button's Formula One bosses finds his ticket for speeding somewhat impressive.
The 20-year-old English driver was caught speeding at 141 mph near the southern French city of Montpellier last week.
French police took him to the nearest cash machine so he could pay the fine of $750.
"He did an unbelievable speed in a diesel," BMW director of motor sport Gerhard Berger said Thursday. "We should pay his fine. It must be the fastest diesel in the world."
Button, driving a BMW 330, was on his way from a test track near Nougaro to Monaco, where the next Formula One race will be run Sunday.

********************************************************

Maybe you read about another incident. Wouldn't that be funny getting caught twice in different diesel cars, both times braking the electronically limited speed? What the hell is Jenson trying to do?

Vin

I stand corrected
 

just goes to show my brain ain't what it used to be :)
I tend to keep it pretty cluttered anymore.

thanks
Jim
'95 E320
'97 CRV

If its nice tomorow I'll let you guy's know :D