Greetings,

While on holiday in Europe recently, I came across a Mercedes mystery of sorts. Experienced members of this forum and my local indy MB shop have stated that the 400E did not exist for European markets. As I read on this forum and elsewhere, the 400E was aimed directly at the LS400 in North America as an affordable compromise between the 300E and 500E.

A friend in the NL recognized my E420 and recited some very basic specs (Porsche rebuilder/tuner at heart). He insisted Europe also had a 400E during the W124 era, and brought out a car guide for proof positive: "1993 Auto Test", an 800+ page reference for Euro autos. From the cover, it appeared to cover the Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) and Germany regions for the 1993 model year.

Forgot the camera during this visit (no, really!), so the factory specs below are only from memory and translated:

1993 Mercedes-Benz 400E Specifications
Engine V-8
279bhp (brake horsepower)
4-speed automatic transmission
2.82 differential
Optional ASR
0-100kp/u (62mph) 7.4 sec
16x7 alloy wheels
225/55ZR16 tires
Price fl. 122,000 (Dutch guilders, approx Euro 60k)

So a couple of questions emerge from this finding:

Does this mean typical Euro model components are available for the US 400E (economy switch that controls R16/2, transmission programs, etc.)? Anyone with a Euro EPC care to compare against the US partlist?

Since cars are much more expensive to keep on the road in Europe in terms of fuel costs, why the 2.82 rear end? That one really throws a loop given increased fuel consumption and driving styles. That 0-100kpu figure was... interesting compared to the same vehicle with the US 2.24 differential.

Thanks in advance,
-dm

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1995 E420 SE black/black
2004 Volvo V70R AWD