In order to increase the speeds in passenger train traffic, the Deutsche Bundesbahn developed the E03 series in the 1960s. The pre-production locomotives E03 001 to E03 004 were available from 1965.

These locomotives, designated from 1968 as 103 001 to 103 004, differed in several details from the series machines built from 1970.

Outwardly, the second row of fans on the series locomotives was very noticeable. The main areas of application for the beige / red painted locomotives were TEE and IC / EC traffic. From 1987 onwards, the locomotives were gradually painted in an oriental red color, with different designs being used.

In 1997 the star of the former "Starloks" of the DB began to decline. They were replaced by the BR 101. In 2003, the scheduled use of the train service ended, but the locomotives 103 001, 103 113 and 103 245, which are under the control of the DB Museum, are still used sporadically.