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Mercedes 400E: One Remarkable Sedan
by Dwayne Thomas
Despite the new models that Mercedes-Benz is developing and introducing, some models are simply remarkable that they continuously evolve into a much better vehicle. An example of which is the Mercedes 400E which was introduced in the year 1992 as the first E-class V8. But two years later the name was change to E420. It was also given some trim changes just to justify the change of name. The production of the 400E/E420 cars covers period from 1992 to 1995 model years with some 15,425 cars sold in the United States at that time. The 400E/E420 has features that appeal to mid-50s customers who enjoy the V8 power and all the comfort that comes with the E-class.
The 400E sedan has a weight of 3,660 lb and can travel 60 miles per hour in a matter of seven seconds. It is also capable of traveling 150+ mph all day long and yet delivers a mileage figure that is almost on par with its 6-cylinder siblings. The transmission, braking upgrades, and suspension provide the extra power while the tire size remained the same at 195/65/15. The Mercedes 400E is known for its 2.24 rear differential hampered performance off the line but what many do not know that performance on the highway is the true expertise of this model. The mixture of lots of smooth torque together with the tall gearing provides the acceleration feel of a jet aircraft that is about to takeoff. The 400E just like the rest of the luxury vehicles that Mercedes has is equipped with common options like the ASR traction control, trunk mounted CD changer, heated front seats, integrated cellular phone, and a rear window sunshade.
The Mercedes 400E performance parts include the 4.2 liter M119.975 engine which has replaced the 4196cc or 256.1 cubic inches engine. The new 4.2 liter M119.975 engine delivers 275 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 295 lb-ft of potent torque at 3900 rpm. The variable valve timing on the intake cams as well as the long intake runners enables the engine to rev up 90% of peak torque not lower than 1500rpm. Other technical highlights of the 400E includes its 32 valve DOHC V8 which comprised of an aluminum alloy block and heads designed for weight reduction, LH sequential multiport fuel injection, silicon crystal cylinder liners to lessen friction and antiknock control---All these are managed by a Control Area Network data management system. The EPA fuel figure rate of the 400E is 18mpg for city driving and 24 mpg for highway driving. Each of the Mercedes 400E part utilized for the 3,660 lb sedan is tested for quality and performance.
The 400E offers more power improvements compared to the previous 300E and E320 cars. The car is so powerful that drivers are pinned to the seat whenever upper rev changes. That's the punch of the 400E. Similarly, the brakes were also improved and are par with many sports cars. Its only drawback is that it lacks the nimble and tossable feel of the previous 300E which has been lost in the V8 performance.
In addition the handling limits of the V8 has easily match those of the earlier cars unfortunately the increased in the weight of the 400E has somewhat numbed the feel of earlier models.
About the Author
Dwyane Thomas is a part time cook and full-time auto-enthusiast. This
31-year old Civil and Environmental graduate is a consultant at one of
the engineering firms in Pennsylvania.
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