Do MBs have much stiffer gas pedals than any other cars?

I bought this 92 400E a month ago, still couldn't get used to its gas pedal, it's not sticky, just the spring is way too heavy, heavier than any other car I have owned, after driving it for an hour, I always get a sore right foot, this is the only thing that I am not satisfied with.

Is this normal?

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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.

Have you lubed your throttle linkage? I think it is supposed to be done at every 15k miles. That should help loosen it up a bit. Mine was somewhat stiff, so I lubed the linkage, and it's a bit easier to push now.
GOOD LUCK!

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2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver)

Previous:
1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles
2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!)
1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI)
03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's)
2006 C230k (Dad's)
1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's)
2000 C230k Sport sedans
2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's)
1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!)

Your 400E would be the 124 model, I pressume.

124 models don't have very heavy pedals compared to the earlier 123 or 126 up to 1990.

Lubing would defintely help.

Reading this thread, I'm reminded of an auto journalist who complained that the testers in MB wears very heavy boots, whereas the Audi testers drive barefooted.

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

Just to provide some updates:

I lubricated throttle linkage twice, it helped a little but not much, Yesterday I cleaned the throttle body by spraying throttle body cleaner into the throttle body (I did avoid spraying onto the mass air flow sensor), afte that, haha!! the petal became so light that I have to use extra force to lift my foot from the pedal now.

Guess after these 3 months of exercise, I must have a really heavy lead foot and have to get used to the extra light gas petal now

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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.

This is great news!

I was going to review this thread and suggest replacing the throttle cable. Now that the cure's been found, I'm glad all is well.

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

The only car that I have really driven is the W124.. I've driven some Toyotas too.. but they just feel weird because the clutch is very light and the clutch travel is so short compared to the W124's and the gas pedal definitely is very light..

Which do I prefer, the Benz.. hehe I guess because I'm used to it.

Ok, some great suggestions and successes.

My accelerator pedel has a sticky spot just as I start to depress it. It quite annoying! I tried WD-40 on the pedel - no help.

So, how do I, please, lubricate this cable/linkage.

Thanks!
David

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Esquire:

1991 300E (Autobahn Modified)
1986 Trans Am (Race Modified)