Although LEW (Lokomotivbau Elektrotechnische Werke Hennigsdorf) offered the V 100.4 as a V 100 version that was specifically suited for shunting operations with a max. speed of only 65 km/h and without train heating, the DR (Deutsche Reichsbahn of the former German Democratic Republic) made several own tests in this direction. To improve the visibility during shunting operations, they received conspicuous orange-coloured contrast areas. While already initially designated high-handedly as 108 001 and 108 002, they were in deed re-labelled at a later time � though while keeping their old fleet numbers.