Getting into trouble driving the Mercedes? They are too fast. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jim B. · #1 10-29-2007, 02:41 PM

I made the mistake of "probing the limits" awhile back and discovered that 148 mph in a 560SEC, is not just political promises, these cars will really deliver the goods and cruise at their top speeds, as they were engineered to do.

This took place on Interstate 5, on the San Francisco /Los Angeles leg of Interstate 5 which is like a bowling alley, at 5 am as the false dawn was coming up, with NO other cars whatsoever, around.

The car is in good mechanical condition, and lowered with wide tires, and the only difference at that speed is the wind roar.

No fuss, just floor it at 80 mph and hold. The final upshift comes at around 120 mph, but you just keep your foot in it. The cork is pretty much out of the bottle by 145 mph, but the car tracks true.

After a few minutes of this, naturally, you'd back off, but you know from then on, the most comfortable cruising envelope for these cars and their drivers, is from 90-120 mph.

The big S class cars from this era really ARE engineered to cruise at their top speed all day. It is just amazing.

I have noticed that lately, my trips to San Francisco and Sacramento have mostly been from 75-95 mph, pretty much at and above the flow of traffic (which is pretty light), as most cars run 80- mph around here these days

Before I get swarmed by everyone here, this is ONLY done when road and traffic conditions are safe. The basic speed law, 22350 CVC, is actually being obeyed.

Unfortunately, 100 mph is jail speed, which means impound, heavy fines, and custodial time.

The Police like to say in this state you can't outrun Bell, Motorola, and Fido.

And if you try to run, don't: You will just go to jail tired.

Sigh. It would be even worse if I was running a 500E/E500, AMG Hammer, or a V12.

I have another run to Los Angeles coming, this week. The road is calling.

Maybe I better "Getta Diesel" before I go, a 240D automatic and keep it under 70 mph ...

Dee8go · #2 10-29-2007, 02:48 PM

Jim, I think you may have hit 80 or 90 a couple of times driving Carl and me around San Francisco. I get pretty nervous going fast . . . . unless I'm holding the steering wheel.

Jim B. · #3 10-29-2007, 02:53 PM

Ahhh, Geary Boulevard.......it was safe.

John Doe · #4 10-29-2007, 02:54 PM

Don't think a diesel will save you--I have had mine to 130 mph

MTI · #5 10-29-2007, 02:55 PM

I recall the first time I drove a W126 . . . within a minute I was 20 over the speed limit because the car distorts the average perception of speed. The smoothness, the quiet and the control tells your brain that the posted speed must be for "lesser cars." Motorcycle riders seem to suffer the same affliction.

There are many variables and risk on public roads. In addition to ones own limitations and the foibles of mechanical devices, debris, potholes, spills, weather and the like make high speed driving on public highways irresponsible and a breach of the duty to exercise due care.

Dee8go · #6 10-29-2007, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

Ahhh, Geary Boulevard.......it was safe.

Yep, jammin' gears on Geary. That sounds about right. I was expecting to catch some air on those hills like Bullit . . .

Tomguy · #7 10-29-2007, 04:33 PM

Yeah, like I outlined in my thread in the vintage forum regarding my new Charger:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomguy

The Good:
- It's fast. Really fast. A 1/4 mile is 14.1 sec @ 100.9 mph, a 500E is identical (Both stock).
The Ugly:
- I know what its top speed is, electronically limited, and I've hit it several times now. In 2 weeks, probably about 5 times. It gets there too quickly. Even with a full car (I'd guess over 1100 lbs between my 200-lb ass and my 3 coworkers). It's ugly because I am going to wind up with one hell of a speeding ticket, I feel.

With the ESP off mod, I can probably accellerate faster over that time (by a good 0.2 seconds I bet, at least). Even if not, it's still fast. If I were on a long trip and didn't set the cruise, I have no doubt that I'd be at 100+ without even noticing it. It's the difference between coasting or curling your toes - literally.

powerpig · #8 10-29-2007, 05:09 PM

This inspires me to rev it up to at least 35mph in DC traffic. It's very frustrating to own fast cars and not being able to blow them out unless you go 50 miles out of town. That reminds me, have you seen the new Cadillac commercial? Not that I like the car, but I love the slogan: "When you turn it on, it returns the favor".

DslBnz · #9 10-29-2007, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Doe

Don't think a diesel will save you--I have had mine to 130 mph

I agree. I've been there a few times in my diesels (just two days ago, in fact). Unfortunately, the gearing doesn't allow the car to move any faster (without a tailwind or slope). You can either modify the I-pump further, or change the differential. It just hits a rock wall at that speed, and will not push anymore.

The 60x engines are quite muted at those speeds. However I'd wager fuel economy is only ~15 mpg. Of course, keep in perspective that 15 mpg is what a 560SEL typically achieves when cruising at ~65 - 70 mph.

Johnhef · #10 10-29-2007, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Doe

Don't think a diesel will save you--I have had mine to 130 mph

what diesel was that? I had my 300CD (with the 85mph speedo) finally up to 100mph over the weeked (verified by gps) and it took longer then I thought it would to get there, not much left over that unless I would have found a nice downhill area.

The Swede · #11 10-29-2007, 05:31 PM

I'm looking into the Renntech ECU, top speed is ~198mph, now that's scary. The diesel keeps me out of trouble.

John Doe · #12 10-29-2007, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnhef

what diesel was that? I had my 300CD (with the 85mph speedo) finally up to 100mph over the weeked (verified by gps) and it took longer then I thought it would to get there, not much left over that unless I would have found a nice downhill area.

E 300 Turbodiesel, '98. Very slightly modified.

Hatterasguy · #13 10-29-2007, 09:42 PM

E300D's are fast I have seen just over 120ish on my friends.

These cars are built to drive really fast, for long periods. While in theory an Accord or Mustang can do 150mph, they are not comfortable and maxed out at those speeds. Actualy on the newer Accords anything nearing or over 90 is at the design limits, you can start to feel the car isn't happy. A MB is built for high speeds and is not stressed.

Jim B. · #14 10-29-2007, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Doe

Don't think a diesel will save you--I have had mine to 130 mph

Gotta diesel, hunh?

Those W210s are covetable, much smoother and quieter than the W124.

They were "the" national Taxicab in Denmark when I was over there

Dee8go · #15 10-30-2007, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerpig

This inspires me to rev it up to at least 35mph in DC traffic. It's very frustrating to own fast cars and not being able to blow them out unless you go 50 miles out of town. . . .

That's why I had to get rid of my Thunderbird SC several years ago. My left leg had chronic cramping in it due to clutching and shifting all the time in traffic. I miss having it on the open road, though.