Mojave Mile - May 5+6, 2012

[gsxr]

OK, it's official, I done signed up for Sunday, May 6th. I plan to be there barring mechanical failures on the trip down or other unforeseen circumstances.

Anyone else going? Folks in SoCal could drive up to spectate even if you are unable to participate:

http://mojavemile.com/

 

[jano]

Just got my helmet and gloves. I'll be there bright and early between 7 and 7:30 am Sunday!

 

[gsxr]

Awesome! Are you going to try and get in-car video?

 

[jano]

I'm researching how to attach a camera, so I will try, yes!

 

[szvook]

F'ing hell, I wish I could attend even as a spectator...too much work that is taking up my weekends right now. How I hate $...

 

[gsxr]

Bummer you can't make it, Steve!

Jano, I'm checking out suction-cup mounts to attach to the windshield like this one. I've used this clamp mount to attach to the passenger seat headrest rails but the range is a bit limited.

I'm hoping that Mojave doesn't prohibit suction cup mounts - gotta call or email to confirm that. I plan to use my AX-22 data recorder as well. Side note - my ElCheapo camcorder (Sanyo Xacti something) lacks image stabilization, which is a bummer. I gotta upgrade to a better camcorder soon. Image stabilization would help immensely for in-car vids!

 

[jano]

Dave, just talked to a buddy of mine, he has a tripod for the car that he'll let me borrow, I'm going to check it out saturday. The clamp-mount you linked to might work well attached to my coat-rack thingy I got a while ago.

If I'll be recording my run, I'll need a catch phrase just before taking off. Hmmm.

Steve -- sorry you can't make it. How far is it from you, an hour and half? Could show up for an hour or two?

 

[szvook]

Sorry guy's, but my time on the weekends for work is between 10am and 7pm, by which time the races are over. The Mojave Mile event is 90 miles north of me and it would be a stretch for me to make it to just watch. I do hope ya'll give us some feedback on the May event. I do plan to make the September's dates, if anyone wants to attend then.

Btw, the suction cup mounts are allowed and even the promoter told me to make sure the suction cup mounts are well made, cause they saw a lot of cameras with bad mounts fly off the cars.

 

[jano]

The rulebook doesn't say anything about what kind of camera mounts, I'll ask if suction cups are fine and report back.

I've got the euro LH module in my car -- if there's sufficient time to do multiple runs, you think it'd be worth it to bring up the original module and see if there's any noticeable difference in this short distance?

 

[gsxr]

Hmmmm. I think that would be a rather interesting test! Maybe do 2-3 runs with your current setup, then if they have time and you feel like playing, you could pop in the stock module and see what happens. Don't forget the required 5mm Allen wrench to do the swap in the pits. From my conversation with them, it sounds like most folks are done by early afternoon Sunday, so you might get a chance at multiple runs (hot-lapping) if desired.

 

[jano]

They're not sure if they will allow the suction-cup camera mounts, said to bring it and a clamp-type for their techs to inspect.

I also asked if it'd be okay to swap out the LH module during runs, and same answer, to ask the techs during the inspection. So let's see what happens Will this test be flawed because there's no adaptation values for the car to use?

 

[gsxr]

Hmmm, did you specify that the suction cup mount was to be used inside the car, on the windshield...? I could see them being picky about external suction cups. I saw a couple of videos online where people had a GPS attached to the windshield (inside) via suction cup.

For the LH module, I wouldn't even ask, lol! The module should retain the adaptation values from when it was removed, but for the 94 module, these shouldn't matter much anyway as it remains in closed-loop operation. The adaptation values are more important on the '92 modules. If you've been driving around with the '92 module for months, you're all set.

 

[jano]

I asked since I don't want to ruffle any feathers on my first time out for fun

In my jag days, you would reset the fuel module by disconnecting the battery for 5+ minutes and then could do a "training" adaptation by running the car at various rpms for given lengths of time; so I thought with the original LH not having been connected to the car for over a year, it'll be lost, but sounds like it's stored in non-volatile memory. Cool. The euro module has been in my car, but I had the battery disconnected last week for a few hours while replacing the fuel pumps.

 

[gsxr]

Adaptation should still be present on both, unless the module's memory is flaky (seen this on a couple of modules, but it's relatively rare). I may have my Snap-On scanner with me down there and if so, we can view the adaptation values on both modules.

 

[jano]

Cool!

Dude - road force balancing - THANK YOU - I have seen the light!

 

[400Eric]

I'm out till this Fall.
Good luck guys!
Regards, Eric

 

[jano]

No one ever told me going fast was this much fun. I had an absolute BLAST. Dudes - try to make this event next time, it is so worth it. Sadly as a result, I doubt I'm going to enjoy drag racing as much, doesn't last as long and triple digits are just too fun.

Dave, it was a pleasure meeting you and your wife, hope your trip back was safe and uneventful!

Favorite quotes of the day:
- Some lady to Dave, after he told her I broke 145 mph: "In a Mercedes?!"
- Some dude behind me while waiting at the gates: "Does your dad know you're out joy riding in his car?"
- Dave to me, after we swapped to the US LH Module without turning off the ignition: "Uhhh... ooops."

Growing up believing MBZs are fast cars, I'm always perplexed when people show surprise our cars are fast. My car pretty much kept up with a light-blue 2009 Challenger that was running about 146-147 mph, and Dave was right up there with the more advanced stock Chargers, Challengers, and Mustangs driving his Bug Eyes.

My best run was 145.7 mph, which appeared to garner respect between all the American muscle. Besides Dave's car and mine, the only other european cars riding included one newish Mini (133 mph), and two VW Bugs (78 and 82 mph). The rest of the four wheeled cars included various corvettes, vipers, mustangs, chargers, camaros, and challengers. Plenty of bikes, but that's uncharted territory for me, they were fast.

I received multiple compliments on the EVO II rims. Gotta say, many of you drive with some cool wheels, but the EVO IIs really are my favorite, even if a little bourgeois for some of you.

The photos and videos from me are lousy, sorry. Plenty of excuses, but rather than bore you with them, here are the videos and photos.

You'll see I have different times for the LH modules. Before you draw any conclusions, keep in mind the wind really picked up after about 1pm. The first two runs of the day included my spare tire, which I promptly removed on Dave's advice and didn't return until after the run.

jano

PS: I tried embedding, but seems like Gerry has disabled html in posts, and I don't do youtube or the others. Ah, well, smugmug does the trick

PPS: Dave, sorry we didn't get many pics of you or your runs, Alicia is new to the camera, and I was just too giddy..

 

[gerryvz]

PS: I tried embedding, but seems like Gerry has disabled html in posts, and I don't do youtube or the others.

Nope, just copy the URL for each photo, and enclose it in [img ] and [/img ] tags (minus the space, of course).

 

[T-500]

From what Jano wrote, I thiunk I'd like to do the Mile rather than drag race.

looks great!

Dave, what did yours do??

 

[trooper6]

Jano,

Looks like a blast!!! Would you mind the company of a C126 next year? I still have to dial it in after a fresh heads (AMG Clone) install.

Mike

 

[jhodg5ck]

Glad ya'll had fun...sounds like a run down/up interstate 85..it's a bit more Interesting with traffic..;-)

Wish they had something like that here..I'd love to run the Hammer wagon and E55 wagon once it's de-resticted/tuned a bit to see what they might do.

bet that blob of sour cream cost you @ least a 1/10th of a mph...;-)

Anyone there tapeing up their cars/removing mirrors?

Sunday was Caffeine and Octane here...on the way we came across a pack of Subaru's and a few BMW's...We made them Wonder WTF b/w the Hammer/de-badged E55 Estates..!

Glad ya'll had FUN!!!

I'd add some pics but uploader is being fussy..will try again later..!

Jono

 

[jano]

Nope, just copy the URL for each photo, and enclose it in [img ] and [/img ] tags (minus the space, of course).

Hi Gerry - I left out a key word, sorry, "video" -- that should have read, "I tried embedding video...". Smugmug has a code for embedding video, but it requires vBulletin option enabling html within posts which is a potential logistics issue -- I researched this last night in anticipation. I'm like the only person who uses smugmug, so no big, a link works

 

[036]

Piiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiics!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jano]

T-500 -- well, drag racing has its place, while I haven't done it, from what I've read there's much skill involved, requires strategy, and you do try to win. In this run, you just put your foot down and go; any "skill" is left to those crazy crotch rockets that have multiple shots of nitrous, or the builders of special engines. I suppose once you get past 150, driver skill likely becomes more important, due to wind, car instability, and other factors. I do plan on giving it a try later, as it is much more accessible than the mojave mile.

 

[gsxr]

Teaser pics attached.

 

[szvook]

Most excellent! I’m going to attend the September’s dates if it kills me, I can’t make the June dates.

Love the quotes, Dave’s quote might have been tromped by the “In a Mercedes” line. Drag racing still has its place, but top speed (or close to it) is a bigger rush (7 seconds or lower ET time’s aside) – maybe if one could drag race another in the Mojave Mile.

We do need more Benzes out there, so I hope more will show up, plus we can get the 10% discount for 10 cars. This is a great testament to our car’s build quality and to see it tested again is priceless.

Jano, a few questions:

1. How’s the tarmac condition
2. How did car feel (it looked pretty stable)
3. How thorough was the inspection
4. Was the 145.7 mph speed hard to attain
5. Was the distance a 1 mile or 1.5 miles, as the promoter told me for 2012

 

[DerFuror]

Wish they had something like that here..

For those drivers closer to Texas, try the upcoming Texas Mile in Beeville, Texas (southeast of San Antonio & a straight shot along US-59 from Houston).

Late October temperatures should be perfect for flogging the beast.

 

[gerryvz]

For those drivers closer to Texas, try the upcoming Texas Mile in Beeville, Texas (southeast of San Antonio & a straight shot along US-59 from Houston).

Late October temperatures should be perfect for flogging the beast.

I have actually been eyeing this event for the past couple of years......

Anyone else up to join me?

 

[jhodg5ck]

based on my experience topping out various 124's/126's/129's..

They all feel Great @ speed..those w/ AMG aero kits do feel Better, the cars really hunker down around the 120+ mark. from about 130-160 it all pretty much feels the same, the cars will turn @ the speed, granted..not fast, but it's far from a white knuckle affair, ie, last time I was bumping the limiter on the 500SL w/ a 2.65 I had to pass a fellow in the HOV lane, No Problem car felt great riding on 18' AMG's w/ H&R/Bistein Sports but otherwise stock.
The Hammer wagon felt superb @ 170+ the GPS, wouldn't have believed I was going that fast had my father not been calling out the MPH.
My 560SEL AMG felt nothing but Solid going through traffic from 140-160 playing with a BMW M3, light enough to keep the lines easy and flowing but no pucker moments to speak of...;-)

If the inspection is anything like an HPDE you'll need to bring it to a shop for a general look over..inspection is not bad...just enough to be sure you're not going to put yourself or the others around you in immediate danger.

jono

 

[jano]

Mike (Trooper6): of course, go to the website Dave put up in his original post, you'll see all the dates there. I'm thinking it might be fun to try the magnum 1.5 mile one coming up, however, my tires may not qualify by then (25k miles on them, planning on new shoes later this year).

Jonathan: your Hammers are restricted? That's weird? Hmmmm... I thought you could get around that. And yes, sour cream was tough, but the beans made up for that extra boost. TMI?

Dave: THANK YOU!! I can't wait to see the rest of your pics! Hope to see more of Bug Eyes

Gerry: You gotta do it, and let us know how nitrous helps out. There were a number of crotch rockets that were souped up with nitro, pretty fast, and the comments from them were pretty hilarious.

Steve: hope to see you there, need more slavik "rednecks" to take on the americans Even if we're not the fastest, we do it with style and comfort! To answer your questions:
1. Tarmac in decent condition, there were repairs, some slight unevenness, but no pot holes and generally smooth. You see my camera bouncing around a lot like a boat suspension; that's due to the tripod mount, the car feels quite smooth.
2. The ride through 140's was solid, stable, and surprisingly quiet, and I'm very thankful to Dave for his recommendation to get the wheels road force balanced (more on that later). I've been that fast once before with my Jag (the 400hp xkr coupe, RIP), which had a more floaty feeling over 110. You could definitely feel the wind drag in the afternoon as well. Those lucky enough to have the autobahn would probably be able to provide better descriptions.
3. They were quite thorough, checked tires, looked for leaks, made a comment about my seatbelts (said they would want to see me look to replacing the seatbelts soon if I wish to do this more), required me to get a missing tire valve stem cap, inspected each article of clothing and safety gear. They took it very seriously.
4. Not sure how to answer this question on difficulty getting up to 145.7. It was my fourth run, with each successively faster. Dropping the spare tire and hitting wot straight away instead of feathering made a difference, as did keeping it wot through the finish line. I'm not sure how much, if any, difference the early LH computer made, the wind got somewhat strong in the afternoon.
5. 1 mile. They have a magnum 1.5 mile race coming up in a couple months. That should be fun, but keep in mind, the first run they restrict you to 150 mph, then provided you get clearance, they let you go up to 170. With favorable conditions, I think a stock e500e could reach 150 in 1.5 miles.

jano

 

[jhodg5ck]

restricted...nono traffic was the restriction when I was running the wagon..

When I say Limiter, I mean REV limiter, not speed limiter, ie running 4th and depending on the car bouncing @ 6/65K;-)


jono

 

[gsxr]

1. How’s the tarmac condition
2. How did car feel (it looked pretty stable)
3. How thorough was the inspection
4. Was the 145.7 mph speed hard to attain
5. Was the distance a 1 mile or 1.5 miles, as the promoter told me for 2012

My $0.02:

1. Tarmac was about as good as you're going to get outside of private manufacturer test tracks.
2. NO stability issues even with a 15+mph direct crosswind at the finish line.
3. Inspection was thorough, but not excessively strict.
4. I would expect most E500E's to be in the 140-145mph range. You'd need VERY good conditions to go faster (or modifcations). **
5. Spring and Fall Mojave dates are 1.0 miles. The Summer date is 1.5 miles and called "Mojave Magnum."***

Notes:
* Tech wasn't nearly as stringent as I thought it might be. They do check carefully but if you follow their Vehicle Prepration guide, it's not a problem. You need a certain type of helmet, clothing, shoes, and gloves. It's all spelled out in the docs, there are no surprises when you arrive. For the tires they are far more concerned with age than anything else (no belts/cords can be showing) but there are no tread depth requirements. Actually for the very high speed cars, they want shaved tires (less than 6/32 tread) otherwise they restrict their speed slightly at full tread depth. This is mostly irrelevant below 175mph.

** My interpretation of the '92 LH module was that it provided a solid 2mph, possibly 3mph, increase over the '94 LH module. The wind did not cause that much change in speeds, all my runs were within 3mph regardless of wind. I think if you look at Jano's runs with the '92 LH, they are also all within 3mph. I would be curious what a ram-air setup might do on the 500, but even that likely wouldn't add more than a couple MPH at best (i.e., wiper panel removal). A few more tricks could be pulled but I think it would be very difficult to get an E500E into the upper 140's at Mojave's 2700' elevation without a stiff tailwind.

*** The Magnum's additional half mile would likely add 7-10mph or so, I'd expect Jano's car to run low/mid 150's in the 1.5 mile course, given similar weather conditions and vehicle setup. A modifed EPROM will be needed to exceed 155mph though. I'd expect a 6.xL car to manage 160-165 in the Magnum 1.5 course if gearing allowed.

 

[szvook]

Hmm, I was under the impression that all 2012 dates were going to have 1.5 miles to run, no biggie...for now. So what was the issue with Jano's seat belts, are they still stock?

I've had my whip around 140mph on the freeway a few times and it didn't feel floaty, so it's good to hear that at 145mph the car still feels planted.

Slavik "rednecks" - nice one. Jano, are you also of Slavik descend? I'm half Russian (dad) and half Moldavian (mom) and I don't think the Slav's are that slow by U.S. standards...we just have to tune it down in the U.S.

Dave - what times do you run and where are "your" pixs/vids?

 

[jano]

Steve - my folks are from Slovakia, though born here I am fluent and have visited the country a few times.

There's nothing wrong with my seat belts, which are original as far as I can tell, the inspector pulled at them, and commented that they prefer to see seat belts no older than 10-15 years, and suggested that if I want to keep doing this, they would like to see me get new belts. Maybe he was just being nitpicky, but it stuck with me. *shrug*

 

[gsxr]

I believe they were fussing that Jano's seat belts were "old", as in from 1994. Interestingly, I had a different tech inspector and he barely looked at the belts except to make sure they were present. It wasn't a requirement, just a "recommendation", same as metal valve stems (which I didn't have either). Neither item will cause a tech failure, nothing to worry about for when you go, Steve.

I ran my W210 and didn't want to clutter up this thread with non-.036 chatter, but I will get my pics/vids uploaded within the next few days. I got a couple videos from inside the car, including one close-up of the instruments (very shaky though), and various photos.

BTW - there was a celebrity car there on Sunday, Big Red! Yes, THE Big Red! That was stinking awesome. Got some pics & short videos of that beast. Also, a Veyron was present on Saturday, so we didn't see it... but the Veyron did a mind-boggling 201mph (at 2700' elevation, with pretty significant crosswinds). On Sunday, Big Red and a twin-turbo Viper were the stars, both ran 218mph. The Viper didn't survive though, it broke after a few runs, oooops. Got a photo of it being towed. *snicker*

 

[szvook]

Slovakia, well then, we are almost brothers!

So older seat belts are an afterthought, I don't recall the rules dictating the age of the seat belts. My HRE wheels come with metal valve stems, so I'm good there.

I figured the event would attract the heavy hitters and it seems it did just that. We need to show a force of fast Mercedes, so the American muscle has some company. I think if we have a larger turnout, for the next attended event, we'll take over the race.

Dave, while you prepare your presentation, which car felt better - the 210 or the 036?

 

[gsxr]

I think if we have a larger turnout, for the next attended event, we'll take over the race.

I'd love to see a big turnout, but shoot, I contacted at least a half-dozen people in the LA area (only a couple hours away) and NOBODY showed up. Not even to spectate. And Mojave is practically in their back yard, compared to the 14 hour drive (one way) from Idaho. Go figure.

Dave, while you prepare your presentation, which car felt better - the 210 or the 036?

Tough call. In a straight line, I'd say they are comparable, both are very composed at high speed. My 210 has a full E55 suspension which is very firm (much firmer than the 500E or any 124 Sportline) and I'd probably give that a very slight edge overall, as it would probably be more controlled if the pavement got less than perfect. Tweak the 500E slightly (KONI front struts, larger sway bar, etc) and I bet they'd be about equal in straight line stability. In the twisties, the 210/E55 gets the nod due to improved steering response (quicker/lighter) along with the firmer tuning. I'd still prefer the 124 for any serious seat time though. I'm still not super impressed with the 210 chassis overall. It's ok but not great. Hard to explain.

 

[szvook]

I'd love to see a big turnout, but shoot, I contacted at least a half-dozen people in the LA area (only a couple hours away) and NOBODY showed up. Not even to spectate. And Mojave is practically in their back yard, compared to the 14 hour drive (one way) from Idaho. Go figure.

I know, I know and I do feel quite bad for not attending the event even as a spectator. Ironically, I came down with a bad cold over the weekend (still had to work, but form home) so this past event was not an option for me. Come hell or high water (or if it rains), I will attend the September dates and as a participant and I'm pretty sure Eric will be there as well - I'll make sure he'll be there.

So, which looked better doing it, the 210 or 036?

Btw, is there a 150mph club?

 

[gsxr]

I know, I know and I do feel quite bad for not attending the event even as a spectator. Ironically, I came down with a bad cold over the weekend (still had to work, but form home) so this past event was not an option for me. Come hell or high water (or if it rains), I will attend the September dates and as a participant and I'm pretty sure Eric will be there as well - I'll make sure he'll be there.

LOL - no worries, I totally understand. I just figured at least ONE other person might have been able to make it, but most didn't even come up with an excuse. Having to work is a good reason, hey, you gotta earn the $$$ to play with the .036, right?

So, which looked better doing it, the 210 or 036?

Pffffft. No question: The .036!!

Btw, is there a 150mph club?

Sadly, no. Only a 200mph club (and I think a 225 club?). To hit those speeds you need a TON of money for a car, or get a good life insurance policy that doesn't exclude "racing" events and hop on a turbo Hayabusa. There was a guy with a tweaked [Kawasaki Ninja] ZX-14 that was hitting a wall at 189mph, no matter what he tried he couldn't hit 190. Those speeds can be pretty hairy on a bike when there are 15-20mph sideways wind gusts. There were no wrecks or injuries while we were there, btw, just a handful of mechanical failures.

 

[jano]

I ran my W210 and didn't want to clutter up this thread with non-.036 chatter

Hey, Dave, I'm dying over here, share your speed with them already!

We need to show a force of fast Mercedes, so the American muscle has some company.

This is going to be tough, I think we'll need more modern mercs. The vette's were all running 170+. Which is why I'm trying to convince my associate to let me borrow his cls550 for the weekend.

So, which looked better doing it, the 210 or 036?

I agree with Dave's response, no question! See for yourself!

 

[szvook]

I'm still not super impressed with the 210 chassis overall. It's ok but not great. Hard to explain.

Could it be that the 036 feels predictable (once drive well a few times) while with the 210, your just not sure what it can do?

 

[szvook]

I think I read Dave's post too fast and for some reason thought he ran the 036 as well, hence my inquiry into which car looked better in the mile run. My bad. Either way, Jano is right and Dave said it all and without any questioning.

 

[szvook]

This is going to be tough, I think we'll need more modern mercs. The vette's were all running 170+. Which is why I'm trying to convince my associate to let me borrow his cls550 for the weekend.

I'm sure we can find a few cars in the fairly stock M119's power range, otherwise, we need juiced 036's out there. I'm saving up my $ to take my 036 to another level.

Will your associate know about the loan purpose?

 

[jhodg5ck]

just like dave, a 210 will Never compare to a 124..esp a 036. they feel like VW's.

The 211 feels So much more like a Mercedes in comparison.

 

[jano]

Steve: just come to the next race that you can, and have fun I was hoping to break 145, and when they gave me the ticket, my day was made, and I'm absolutely tickled that Dave caught the moment with his camera! There was a light-blue 2009 challenger that was running about 146-147, not familiar with the engine choices. The 210 isn't the prettiest car, but Dave's is cool in its own way, enough so that I've reconsidered my position. Still fun to poke fun of the styling

Jono: I think you asked earlier about tape and mirrors. Yes, several cars had painter's tape over the nooks and crannies, and both VW bugs had the side view mirrors removed. The one guy that hit 82 mph did so by blocking the lower air dam (?) with a euro license plate on the front, according to the gossip I heard while waiting for crew to clean up the viper's mess. Not sure if others removed their mirrors.

 

[400Eric]

Drag racing still has its place, but top speed (or close to it) is a bigger rush (7 seconds or lower ET time’s aside) – maybe if one could drag race another in the Mojave Mile.

That would be a double rush! Speed is a rush but a close race is a rush too! There's nothing like a side by side race all the way down the track that is so close you don't know who won until you get the timeslip!

I'm a little confused. How come nobody is talking about the other W124 in the picture? What did it run? Was that Dave's wife's ride? It is well known around here that she is a more than competent driver herself!

It's no mystery what the W210 ran, cause if it's electronics are still stock it is governed to 127-133 MPH. My question is why did you bring it Dave? Why when you could have brought another one of your W124s? Not knocking the W210, just curious since you have already stated several times in several threads that you still prefer the W124s.

Glad you all had fun!
Regards, Eric

 

[gsxr]

Steve/Jono, the 210 has a number of general ergonomic issues that I'm not crazy about, along with the Toyota-ish (or VW-ish) feel and quality. It's not terrible, but definitely a notch down from the 124/129/140 in the mid-90's. I've not driven a W211 for comparison so I can't comment on that, although I don't like the W211's brake-by-wire setup (which MB ditched after a couple years, IIRC). The 210/E55 handling is noticeably more sporty than the 124/500E but that's just one item on a long list of differences. I like many of the 210 features and some design improvements, but it's definitely not an order of magnitude improvement like the 124 was over the 123. More like a sideways move, some things better, some worse.

Now, remember Jano and I were running our cars with stock bodywork and whatnot. There could be some more speed to be had if we removed the mirrors or got crazy with tape, like a number of cars did, including Big Red (I got some close-up photos of the tape job on Big Red). Narrower and/or lighter wheels/tires also help, ditto for reducing vehicle weight. Even with all tricks pulled I'm not sure we'd get more than 1-3mph extra, if even that much. If trying for 175-200mph it would make more difference. The cD is already quite low on these cars. Really fat staggered wheels on a 500E (i.e., 10" rear and 8.5" fronts) might actually cost a mph or two compared to stock or Evo wheels.

Eric, the other 124 in the photo is Jano's Euro 200E with the body kit. That car didn't run as it would have been too slow, although it would have been fun anyway. The 210 ran a best of 155, btw. I figured Jano had the .036 covered and I'd bring down something different to play with!

 

[jhodg5ck]

@ Dave, you should find a lot w/ an 04 or later E55, go take it for a spin.. I think you'll like it.

The brake by wire is annoying, but your foot/brain learns it pretty quickly..having driven numerous customer cars prior to mine I can't comment on exactly how long the learning curve is, but it does come quick especially if you are engaged/thinking driver as I know you are

I'd love to play w/ more encapsulation panels..make an effort to get the bottom of the car Flat...AMG was doing as much w/ the Hammer and I'm sure it was for a reason..!

jono

 

[gsxr]

Correct - AMG lowered the cD drastically on the Hammer, and part of that was enclosing the underside of the car. I'd like to see some pictures of how they did this, I've never seen any details. Pretty sure some articles listed the Hammer cD in the low 20's, which was crazy low, even considering the car wasn't that bad to start with at 0.31 for a stock 300E. (The E500E cD is 0.32 in stock form, btw, according to factory docs.)

 

[szvook]

Really fat staggered wheels on a 500E (i.e., 10" rear and 8.5" fronts) might actually cost a mph or two compared to stock or Evo wheels.

Yeah, that's what I'll be facing with my wheels/tires setup. When I'll attend, my spare wheel/tire will stay at home. I need to get the new cats installed as well.