With inauguration of the new "InterCity" system only a few lines (Hanover-Celle, Düsseldorf-Cologne and Munich-Augsburg) were enhanced for a top speed of , and the necessary government approvals for speeds higher than was also missing. Therefore, Class 103 in the first years did not reach its top speed in regular service. An accident furthermore delayed the introduction of regular top speed services, as on 21 July 1971 the AFB on 103 106 was suspected to be responsible for accelerating the train out of control, resulting in a derailment with 23 dead and 121 injured near Rheinweiler.