Is it possible to drop a 5speed auto into a 92 400E? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Walterrohrl · #1 09-02-2006, 02:27 AM

Is it possible (realistically speaking) to replace a 4speed auto in a 92 400e with something like a 5spd auto from an S420?

Along with the rear diff swap, this would seem to be a logical way to increase low speed acceleration along with keeping freeway revs down.

Let's assume for a moment a whole donor car could be sourced for all of the needed parts or is there something totally obvious that I am missing?

At this point, this is more idle curiosity than anything else.

Thanks,
Jim

sixto · #2 09-02-2006, 02:30 AM

There was a company that made first gear start kits for MB V8s but they're out of business. Maybe someone has a kit to spare.

Sixto
93 300SD

deanyel · #3 09-02-2006, 10:15 AM

Not feasible, at least in the example - the only way to get a 5 speed from a S420 is a 96+ 722.6 which is a fully electronic transmission.

sunman · #4 09-02-2006, 11:19 AM

the 400e is already set for first gear start unlike the 500e and the 300e. That will not make a difference.

Walterrohrl · #5 09-03-2006, 12:13 AM

Hi again,

The first gear isn't the issue - mine starts in first - with the other diff the overall gearing will be much lower, giving better ingear acceleration all across the board, however freeway cruising will be at much higher rpm than stock in top gear - 4th. Going to a 5th gear would get it back to where it would be comfortable.

Please forgive my ignorance - what is it with a "fully electronic" transmission that makes it impossible to work with the older W124?

Thanks,
Jim

deanyel · #6 09-03-2006, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walterrohrl

Please forgive my ignorance - what is it with a "fully electronic" transmission that makes it impossible to work with the older W124?

What would you plug it in to? It's part of a broader electronic system including diagnostics that your car does not have.

Hit Man X · #7 09-03-2006, 03:47 AM

You're better off building some full length headers for the M119, increasing WOT fueling, and doing something about the cats.

Everything else is pretty much maxed out from a performance standpoint.

Jim B. · #8 09-03-2006, 04:07 AM

The 400E W124 is not exactly thick on the ground in the USA, I don't know how many were imported into the US from '92 to '95 but there weren't too many.

A Remus exhaust might be a nice addition, for about $700 I'd guess to install, and give you about 2-5 hp, it would look and sound pretty nice, and not drone at 70 mph.

I love the W124 400E, they are balanced even better than the 500E, and WAY faster than the 300E, and tons of the 300E were sold so you'll always find parts in the wreckers yard for them, and the 400E was just as dead reliable as the 300E, which except for wiring harnesses on some of them, was about as bulletproof as a modern Mercedes could get.

I've tested out a W124 500E, scary fast, you could practically slice and dice freeway traffic with supreme confidence at 115 mph, as I did in San Rafael, Calif. years ago, the brakes and cornering were supercar fast www.500ecstacy.com and the 400e felt to me like a detuned version of that car, balanced even better, and perfect for really quick day to day everyday use.

For a damn near perfect daily driver, the anvil reliable 300E with a huge shot of adrenaline, the 400E wins HANS down. Super Mercedes comfort, reliability, durability, safety, last E class with the old world MB quality, ("The best or nothing") Gottlieb Daimler's slogan, and with a stealth extra.

Steering wheel a bit too large for my liking, and the pedal throw is too long )like on the 560SEC) but stomp the go pedal to the floor on the 400E, and it'll go.

If you have extra performance money to spend on your 400E, spend it on a set of Euro lights, if you don't have them. The appearance is awesome. First ones I ever saw were on a W124 220CE coupe in Lima Peru and I was floored. They look stunning.

Plu8s, when they are installed and aimed you will love the way they thrown a beam pattern at night, and are much brighter than the stock US DOT units.
A no brainer. About $500 new from Capitol West, etc. and less on ebay Germany.

You'll get the US plugs for the lights, it's an easy install. You will love the result. For "OFF USE ONLY" What a (bad) joke. Stupid US DOT lights.
But I've never heard of any policeman of CHP officer writing up a violation for Euro lights on a Mercedes. Ever. Probably the typical LEO wouldn't know the diffrerence anyhow, and had better things to do anyway (hopefully).

If you STILL had $$$ to spend, how about a Hella or Fiamme airhorn with a compressor. That would be cool.

Hit Man X · #9 09-03-2006, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

I love the W124 400E, they are balanced even better than the 500E, and WAY faster than the 300E, and tons of the 300E were sold so you'll always find parts in the wreckers yard for them, and the 400E was just as dead reliable as the 300E, which except for wiring harnesses on some of them, was about as bulletproof as a modern Mercedes could get.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

500E's performance doesn't really have the shock factor today as it did ~15 years back, 14 sec in the 1/4mi isn't that great. Hell, a W210 E430 with a five speed auto is just as quick but with better economy. Just my two cents on the 500E (but, those wheel flares look NASTY!

)

david s poole · #10 09-03-2006, 02:17 PM

i had a client who bought a brand new 400e back in 93 and then asked me how to make it go better.i bought from mercedes the crownwheel and pinion from the 500e[the 400 gearing was a lower numerical value than the 500].anyway i made the changes and the car ran much better,but i didn't realise that the cruise control and the abs were linked electronically in that car and the cruise would kick out after about 5 mls.it was taken to dealer who charged 1000 to tell him that he had to change back to old diff gears.well never being one to give up i did some checking and realised that little wheel at front of pinion [abs pickup reads it]was not exactly the correct one.i had a friend in germany get the right one[so cheap no charge] i fitted it and bingo all worked as it should.so this is a relatively cheap go faster solution fror your 400e.

Walterrohrl · #11 09-03-2006, 02:37 PM

Thank you for all of the responses. I am in no way unhappy with my car as is, just curious as to what can and cannot be done resonably. Thanks for explaining it, I appreciate it. It is a fantastic car as is and I can't imagine what I'd rather have right now for the same amount of money.

Jim