I haven't posted for awhile, and here's why. I was recently involved in a high speed freeway accident in my 98 CLK320. My passenger and I walked away unscathed (thank God for airbags), but the car was totaled.

Anyway, after considering many replacements (including a BMW 540i, W210 E-Class, W203 C-Class, another W208 CLK-Class, etc. etc.), I settled on what I believe was the clear choice. I was at the dealership the other day, when lo and behold, there she was. A perfectly mint 1994 Pearl Black/Black E500 with 56,000 miles on the clock. Everyone I know probably thinks I'm crazy for buying an eight year old car instead of a brand new or almost new one, but I think some of you might understand. Besides, the CLK was as flashy as it gets, so I've had my share of bragging rights.

Anyway, after a few days of driving this car, I am head-over-heels in love. This thing is quite a beast, excuse my understatement. For those who aren't in the know, here are some stats. 5.0 liter V8 with 315 hp and 347 lb/ft. 0-60 in 5.9 (officially, but ppl have ran all the way down to 5.2 in stock configuration). This was a joint effort by Mercedes and Porsche, and is essentially the predecessor of the E55 AMG. Oh, and for the '94 model, only 374 were imported to the U.S. Which makes sense, since the base price then was $80,800.

I have no regrets. The CLK was prettier, I admit, but the E500 wins in every other category, hands down. And I think there are about 374 CLKs in my ZIP CODE. Anyway, I'll post pics soon.

 

My dad always talks about that car. I guess one of the reasons they stopped production was because people couldn't handle the power in that car, thus it was involved in many rear end collisions at stop lights.

Any mods planned?

 

It's definitely a car of lore from a previous generation. Yeah, the power is pretty tremendous, and it never feels like you're going quite as fast as you actually are. From what I gather, intake, exhaust, and chip upgrades will easily bring the car up to about 350 hp. But what it really needs is 18" or 19" wheels with 245s in front and 275s in back. The car actually starts in 2nd because of its superfluous torque. But you can force it to start in 1st, which lights up the rear tires like nobody's business.

BTW, Mach430, I love your ride. The rear decklid spoiler is so sweet.

 

Good to hear from you again Daez!

 

Thanks. I'd be happy to help you if you'd like. I now work for Evosport (the email address is coming soon).

What did you do with your old wheels?

 

JamE55 - Thanks for the warm welcome! I guess our cars are brothers of a sort--well, maybe more like second cousins.

Mach430 - You're working at Evosport? I bet you're having a blast! My Carlssons were destroyed in the accident, but they were the wrong offset for the E500 anyway.

 

Daez

We should meet sometime and take pics of our cars as cousins!

 

JamE55 - Not a bad idea. I'd love to see your 55, I've never actually ridden in one. If only my car were silver, or yours were black. That would've made for some interesting side-by-side photos.

 

Daez : true DAT!!

Mach430 : Can you hook me up??

 

Yeah, it's sweet. It's good to be able to work at a business that cares about helping people, rather than just a profit.

 

Hey Mach!

So you just started today or something?? Must be nice to work at something you like (modifying your MB).

 

That's why we work with them too.

 

Cool!

 

It defintely won't hurt I've been sponsored by them for a few months, today is my first real day of working for them.

 

That sounds good! So since you're being sponsored are you getting that kleemann kit?

 

Soon, I hope.

 

Great! Keep us posted!