bpkinatl,

I know what you mean.

A few years back, a friend bought a new (1998) BMW 328i cabriolet, automatic. It's funny, cause he is from Germany...he was over to open the first branch location for his company in the states. He insisted on humiliating himself over and over again!

I generally do not "drag" my car, as I am well aware of the 0-60 times of the 3.0 24-valve motor. Car & Driver's article in 1990 (I had to get a microfiche copy at the library) showed the following performance from the 1990 300CE: 0-60mph - 7.7 sec. Standing 1/4 mile - 16.1 sec @ 89mph. Top speed - 147 mph.

The quality of the microfiche copy is terrible, so I won't try to post it here.

Other interesting tidbits include:

Roadholding, 300-ft.-dia. skidpad - 0.78g
Horsepower - 217 @ 6400rpm......(my redline is 7000rpm, this changed when MB went to the 3.2 liter motor in your CE)

Quoting from the C/D article "This engine is set up to breathe effectively at higher speeds, as the elevated power-peak rpm suggests, and taking advantage of the extra ergs requires using the extra revs. Whip the 3.0 liter six hard, spinning it to its 7000-rpm redline, and it delivers the goods. A 7.7 second dash to 60 mph knocked a full second off the twelve-valve CE we tested for that 1988 coupe comparison, even though the multivalve engine brought with it a curb-weight increase from 3290 pounds to 3502. Top speed improved by 10 mph, to 147"....."From the start, the CE has been an expensive car, and now it lists at $57,350. But price is just a mechanism to control demand. To the extent that exclusivity contibutes to the 300CE's appeal, its lofty sticker is a perverse benefit."

On a rare occasion - and with new V-rated Michelins, I may "exercise" my CE towards to upper limits of its capability. Not many normally aspirated 6-cyl cars will come close to hitting 150 mph. Most of the stuff coming from Germany these days is limited to 125-130mph (AMG, M-Power, Audi "S", Porsche excepted of course). But they don't try to challenge me. It's the kid in a five year old 325, or a Z3 (1.9 or 2.8).

However, the pleasure for me is not racing every kid in town or losing a new BMW on GA400, but knowing I can.

Alright no laughing, my CE next to my dad's SD

Hey guys!

I've been lurking on this forum for a long time, but I'm guilty of spending most of my time here searching for misc. fixes for my beloved but high-maintenance 1990 300ce-24. She sits at around 192k miles as of now.

She needs a rebuilt tranny and other miscellaneous work, but I think I've finally fixed my rough idle and hesitation problems with a new MAS Control Unit. We'll see though.

I have H&R springs with Bilstein sports, 18x8 AMG Monoblock II replicas (ET35), euro headlights and tails, 94/95 corner lights... color-matched tail light trim, and a very custom stereo that's still in progress.

This is the only pic I have accessible to me at work right now, but maybe I'll post more later.

Any more 300CE owners?
How about more photos?

BigPete, those 18X8s look plain mean.

Early Bird, that's one clean car.

Ortolan, what custom German suspension did you upgrade with?

Limited Edition, What muffler set-up is that?

__________________
1988 300CE 120K RIP(Midnight Blue/Parchment)
1987 300E 202K (Arctic White/Palomino)


Now I see the secret of the making of the best persons. It is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth. ~Song of The Open Road

It's a Remus look-a-like with the center resonator removed. It sounds like a V8.

__________________
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/imag...e_steering.gif
1998 C43 ///AMG
1999 C230 Custom 5-Speed Manual

Thanks for the insights from the Car & Driver article. I don't usually engage in the street challenge stuff (that went the way of my big block '57 Chevy many years ago), but the guy just hit me on a really bad day. First time I've ever really "put my foot" into the car since I got it. I guess I didn't realy appreciate how quick it really is.

But, now that I've had a feel for how quick the car can be (I know it's no 500E, but its still pretty darn respectable for a 6 cyl), I can sit back and smile at the challenge knowing what the car will do. Would be nice though to take it to the track with a proper set of tires, and maybe after a SportLine upgrade, and put it through its paces.

__________________
1992 500E

Funny thing....

I traded a 1985 300D when I bought my '91 CE, seven years ago (Starmarked, from Atlanta Classic).

Between the two cars, it was night and day on the test drive.

I was used to the diesel....read...press the gas all the way down to get it moving.

Well, coming out of the driveway at Atlanta Classic, I hadn't yet "trained" myself on the joys of a gasoline Benz. Salesman's eyes get BIG as I smoke the Michelins....totally unintentionally!

The first week I owned the car, it actually scared me a couple times when I would go into first gear kickdown from 30mph. Still puts a smile on my face. I know, not a 500E or CLK55, etc., etc.

But it's paid for.

As for track time, look into attending Starfest 2002 in Indianapolis (August), unless you have some local connections for cheap time at Road Atlanta, Roebling, or "Little" Talladega! If that's the case, call me!

Hello everyone, I just traded my e420 for a 95' e320 coupe. I just could refuse the classic styling of the W124 coupe. Hey Phillip, we should get together with you and your friends who have the 300ce in SF. Anybody up for a gathering of all 300ce/e320 coupe owners?


Mingson

el presidente-

...I really wouldn't feel comfortable taking any stock W124 coupe over 90mph....unless one had lots and lots of abandoned straight track or salt bed-

though they can do over 90mph all day long- the W124 coupe's nature and demeanor is luxury and comfort (and they perform to late 1980's and early 1990's standards regardless)

a true performance oriented vehicle will be loads more satisfying to enjoy for sport driving and infinitely safer too

-fad

Mingson--

I like your idea of a Bay Area get together, but other than you, me, and Phillip, I don't know how many other 300CE/E320 owners there are who would go. I think that someone should just put together a larger all-inclusive MB get together for the SF Bay Area.



Zach
1992 300CE

Fad,

you wrote:

"...I really wouldn't feel comfortable taking any stock W124 coupe over 90mph....unless one had lots and lots of abandoned straight track or salt bed- "

Have you put your E320 coupe on the track? I know you have an E500, among other cars.....but I'm curious about the coupe.

After my (albiet limited) track and autocross experience, driving the CE near the limits has made me gain confidence in the abilities of this car, not diminish them.

you wrote:

"a true performance oriented vehicle will be loads more satisfying to enjoy for sport driving and infinitely safer too"

I agree. I'm not attempting to draw any conclusions that a 124 coupe is a "true performance oriented vehicle" that say, a Z06 Vette may be - or any other sports car. But I don't drive a Vette, or a BMW M5, or a Subaru WRX. I'm a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast. I like all MB's. I just happen to own a W124 coupe at the moment, and am very satisfied (and impressed) with it.

Anyway, thanks for your post. I'm glad to see your opinions and have the opportunity to reply.

E.P.

Great idea Mingson...just say when and where and I will be there.
Zach...Mingson knows all about my 300CE better than I do...he sold it to me almost two years ago.
Phillip
1992 300CE

Thanks for the reply/ Question EP- totally respect your position. I'm not putting down W124 Coupe performance capabilities just recognizing its limitations.

I haven't put my stock E320 Coupe on the track, but have had the opportunity to pilot it at its max handling, braking, and speed limits for a bit of reckless fun. Although any vehicle can be put on the track, and provide loads of fun- the W124 Coupe's engineered nature is heavy on the luxo formal side (even with 2-doors). Heck even MB's SL is on the luxo formal side...

The stock engineered W124C nature can be tweaked a bit closer to sporting duty with.... Sportline/ more aggressive suspension, new chassis bushings, a nice plus one or two tire and wheel package, 400e brakes,etc. The stock M103/M104 with first gear start is plenty adequate for scooting around with these mods.

My W124 Coupe observations came about based on recognizing what makes up the vehicle and its corresponding engineered limitations. For my own comparison, I've been fortunate to track other vehicles ie BMW 325is (Bilstein Sports, new urethane and suspension all around, Brembo cross drilled, plus one BBS, ZR Dunlop rubber), E500, Porsche 911 turbo, etc. I also have a little experience riding race-prepped bikes.

I enjoy the W124 Coupe immensely, but know not push it where its forte does not lie- - keeps me out of trouble and cuts down on unnecessary repair.

Enjoy

-fad

el presidente -

There's got to be a way to find some reasonably priced timeat Road Atlanta. Maybe this is something the folks at MB Autowerks might want to think about for a Spring event. At least have some kind of anAtlanta gathering at the new shop. After all (with no disrespect for our friends out west) not everyone's in California.

We should compare notes some time. There's a few, but not a lot of quality 300CE's in town.

__________________
1992 500E

for all 300CE and E320 Coupe owners. Since we don't have our own site yet, let us use this forum and this thread for all of us who like our coupes very much. Post questions, comments, and anything about W124 coupes. How about it, everyone?

Mike
'90 300CE