World 100,000 mile record: 140 mph for 30 days averaging 40 mpg

The following Distance Start International FIA records were set in vehicle category B - production vehicles, Group III - turbo-diesels, Class 11 - swept volume 2,500 – 3,000 cc:

10 kilometres Standing start 204.830 km/h -127.276 mph 10 miles Standing start 212.850 km/h -132.259 mph 100 kilometres Standing start 225.338 km/h - 140.019 mph 100 miles Standing start 217.847 km/h - 135.364 mph 500 kilometres Standing start 210.446 km/h - 130.778 mph 500 miles Standing start 206.502 km/h - 128.315 mph 1,000 kilometres Standing start 205.426 km/h - 127.646 mph 1,000 miles Standing start 204.892 km/h - 127.314 mph 5,000 kilometres Standing start 215.043 km/h - 133.622 mph 5,000 miles Standing start 218.779 km/h - 135.943 mph 10,000 kilometres Standing start 219.794 km/h - 136.574 mph 10,000 miles Standing start 221.268 km/h - 137.490 mph 25,000 kilometres Standing start 223.047 km/h - 138.595 mph 25,000 miles Standing start 224.278 km/h - 139.360 mph 50,000 kilometres Standing start 224.719 km/h - 139.634 mph 1 hour Standing start 216.942 km/h - 134.802 mph 6 hours Standing start 203.990 km/h -126.754 mph 12 hours Standing start 206.087 km/h -128.057 mph 24 hours Standing start 215.533 km/h - 133.926 mph

The following Distance Start International FIA records were set as the absolute best figure among all vehicle categories and classes:

50,000 miles (80,467 kilometres) Standing start 225.456 km/h - 140.092 mph 100,000 kilometres Standing start 225.903 km/h - 140.370 mph 100,000 miles (160,934 kilometres) Standing start 224.823 km/h – 139.699 mph

The world-record run took place under the supervision of the FIA, which sets strict rules for tests of this kind. The Paris-based FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) is the governing body for world-record attempts in the automotive sector

The participating vehicles were selected at random, sealed and shipped to the USA by the FIA officials at DaimlerChrysler’s Sindelfingen plant. Before, during and after the record run, the test vehicles were monitored continuously by the FIA until the world record was recognised officially.

In accordance with the globally recognised regulations, the extent of any repairs which may be performed is limited and the replacement of entire assemblies such as the engine, transmission or exhaust system is not allowed. The three Mercedes E 320 CDI models had no difficulty in meeting these requirements as no major faults occurred during the record run.

Part and parcel of the model range in Europe

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