Quote:
Originally Posted by 400Eric
I did say in my post that the rot BEGAN in the last half of the 93 model year and that I think the plastic oil tubes showed up in about 3/93.
Here's another one: The tires prior to 94 were higher dollar "V" rated (155 MPH) and the cars were governed to 155 MPH. Starting in 94, the tires were downgraded to a poorer quality, cheaper "H" rating (130MPH) and the cars, even the E420, were limited to only 130 MPH.
Don't forget the weaker, open deck blocks that we also got starting in about 3/93!
The vastly superior DIY diagnostic system that you speak of was federally mandated was it not? It's not something they did cause they wanted too.
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My comment was in response to the suggestion by someone that quality declined after the 1993 model year. There just wasn't any meaningful event at that point in time - not engines, not transmissions, nothing. 1994 model year was a cosmetic body change, and huge price decrease in list price, which some association with cost cutting. But 93 124s had rebates up to $7500. Cars weren't selling and lower prices were necessary.
To me H rated tires were the correct tire for the car in the U.S. from the beginning, better ride, longer life, etc. Varying U.S. cars to U.S. needs was and is a long term trend.
I have no idea what a weaker open deck block is but have neither seen nor heard about any practical implication of it, positive or negative.
Late 124 diagnostic enhancements had nothing to do with the government. Government mandated OBDII started on the E-class in 1996 model year. HFM diagnostics were much improved over CIS and 94 was the first year that it was fully in place. Not all 93s had a built in LED/DM and 1993 300E 2.8 diagnostic systems are a mess.
All things considered I don't see any cheapening of the 94-95 models. The car was a class act to the very end. As someone said it just doesn't make sense to engineer a significant downgrading of a car on its way out of production.