The car body was constructed using lightweight steel,[4] based on a design licensed from the American Budd Company.

[citation needed] They are equipped with Kiepe-build quill drives.

[3] Some sets underwent refurbishment from 1985 to 1987, which included replacement of the old cab ends and addition of fire-resistant interior fittings.

[4] One unrefurbished unit, set 604, was taken out of service in 2002 is being preserved for a later use as a museum car.

Shortly before they were scrapped in 2016 all of these parts were taken from the DT2E again to allow a re-completion of set 604 as soon as its restoration begins.