This evening, on a dark, lonely, deserted road, I brought my 89 260E up to 100mph for the first time since I have owned it. (I would have gone faster but did not want to risk getting busted for speeding when I was so far from home.)

I was surprised at the power/torque, it's ability to accelerate so quickly from 75 to 100, and its stability. (The misfortunate racoon I hit, however, probably had other thoughts.)

The only noticeable difference between 75 and 100mph is engine sound (louder) and a weird fuel-like smell, but not like gasoline -- unless that is how it smells during combustion.

How fast can this car actually go? Certainly not the 160 mph that my speedometer reads, but I would guess about 130(?). Should I be concerned with that smell? Oh, and have you ever heard what a racoon sounds like under your car as it disintegrates when you hit it at that speed?

Eric Silver
260E

[This message has been edited by EricSilver (edited 10-24-2000).]

Mine has done 125 mph and there was room for more. Max. speed is between 135 and 140 mph, depending on the source.
AK
87 260E
75 FIAT 124 Spider

According to MB the top speed w/auto trans is 210kph (128mph).

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MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN (6 TIMES)
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS DEALER M.B. Shopforeman
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA racecar

I'd say less than 130 as my 190 has the same engine, weighs less, has less frontal area and is a b-i-t-c-h to get over 125.

Put it this way: I was about eight miles into a high-speed run before I hit 120-ish. But sooo good from 70-105 (go ahead - laugh it up you 400/500 owners)...

I know that feeling. I went up to 120 in my 190 but did not want to floor it out and was not a good speed to keep going so I slowed down. Can get up to 110 easily but after that it takes a while. But hey I'd rather it takes awhile instead of stopping at 83 like my 86 cougar!

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Rob C
89 190E 2.6
Beige

achieving top speed shouldn't be a problem. sustained high speed, say for hour would the ultimate driving experience.

I got my 260E up past 130 last night racing a new C240. I came really close to winning that race. Kinda sad for the new car ;-)

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1988 Mercedes-Benz 260E (W124)
Arctic White/Grey
Debadged
Euro Headlights
Clear Turn Signals and 1994/1995 Taillights
16" x 7J 8-hole
Michelin Pilot HX MXM 205/55WR16

1997 Mercedes-Benz E420 (W210)
Pearl Black/Ash
Debadged
Michelin Pilot XGT Z4 P225/55ZR16

1997 Mercedes-Benz C280 (W202)
Polar White/Parchment
Michelin Pilot SX-GT 205/60VR15

Joel --

You're right. Sustained 100+ would be an experience. For lack of a better term, the car sounded and felt like it was "singing." As if it was much happer at 100 than at 50. But then, it was built for those speeds anyway.

I think it is a bit shocking to some drivers that these cars can move as fast as they do.

whenever i can, i let my car do some of these "workouts," with Chevron's Techron in my tank.

my 300e did close to 135 mph +or- 2mph for a duration of about 5 seconds before i got scared. wow! breath taking experiance. im glad i didn't get caught. i think those little high speed ventures are probobly giving my trans the problems its been having.

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87 300E
BLACK GOLD WITH CREAM INTERIOR, SPOILER, AIRDAM
CLEAR MARKERS

87 420SEL
BRONZE WITH CREAM INTERIOR

I always pause when driving at high speeds to reflect upon Mike Valentine's genius. Grin.