W124 500E vs W211 Anybody had Both?
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From: Connecticut, New Haven
95' AMG SeeThreeSix
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...24-better.html
It's a pretty good thread BTW.
I vote (biased) for the 500E.
It's a pretty good thread BTW.
I vote (biased) for the 500E.
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From: Honolulu
2009 Nissan 370z Sport; 2005 AMG E55; 2005 Subaru Legacy GT LMT; 2004 Honda Element EX
Depends which W211...
My employer/friend has the e500 and it looks nice with his 19" Axis rims and those flares look nice...Engine wise you cannot compare......well,..
Not fair to compare as I have an 05' AMG E55....enough said....
My employer/friend has the e500 and it looks nice with his 19" Axis rims and those flares look nice...Engine wise you cannot compare......well,..
Not fair to compare as I have an 05' AMG E55....enough said....
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From: Los Angeles
1992 500E
There is no comparison even for an AMG model, sorry to say. I have not owned a W211 but drove a few and the owners of those W211’s were in tears after driving my 500E and how they wished they did not buy the W211. Build quality, engineering and materials used on W124 E500E’s by far outweigh anything the new models wish they could offer. The build quality for even the E55 AMG is crap compared to the W124 E500E.
Never mind the “hand build by Porsche in the 959 Rossle-Bau plant pedigree, the M119 engine and admire what was known as true engine craftsmanship since the V8 E class with the M119 engine was the best engine build ever, period” stuff. But to some that type of “older” car has less appeal then a newer Benz – which is a Chrysler underneath. There are very, very few cars out there (also by other manufacturers) the even come close to the W124 E500E’s and the W211 is very far away from that list.
My .02 cents.
Never mind the “hand build by Porsche in the 959 Rossle-Bau plant pedigree, the M119 engine and admire what was known as true engine craftsmanship since the V8 E class with the M119 engine was the best engine build ever, period” stuff. But to some that type of “older” car has less appeal then a newer Benz – which is a Chrysler underneath. There are very, very few cars out there (also by other manufacturers) the even come close to the W124 E500E’s and the W211 is very far away from that list.
My .02 cents.
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some
i had an E500 124 with a modded engine. and now i have a 211 E500 stock (minus rims) they are very diferent cars. the old 124 felt much more like a muscle car. you had to get the revs up to get the car moving because of its heft. it was geared much more like a "german car" long gears for the freeway, and not to much grunt arounbd town. where as the 211 can throw you around town, but on the interstate, it lacks the awesome power that my E500 had.
i sold the E500 about 1 year ago. to buy a brabus T-12.
i do miss that car.
i sold the E500 about 1 year ago. to buy a brabus T-12.
i do miss that car.
Thread Starter
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2010 E350 4Matic
i had an E500 124 with a modded engine. and now i have a 211 E500 stock (minus rims) they are very diferent cars. the old 124 felt much more like a muscle car. you had to get the revs up to get the car moving because of its heft. it was geared much more like a "german car" long gears for the freeway, and not to much grunt arounbd town. where as the 211 can throw you around town, but on the interstate, it lacks the awesome power that my E500 had.
i sold the E500 about 1 year ago. to buy a brabus T-12.
i do miss that car.
i sold the E500 about 1 year ago. to buy a brabus T-12.
i do miss that car.
Last edited by MBNUT1; Apr 16, 2009 at 07:10 PM.
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...
I have driven both. Either way, I still am utter happy with my 500E I purchased 5 weeks ago. I've done a lot of work to it recently, it was misfiring, it had an oil leak, all of it has been fixed. Nothin' can compare to the old W124 500E's!
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From: Central New Jersey
CLK63 Black, E350 Wagon, Supercharged Denali, Lotus Elise, Tesla Model 3 Dual-Motor.
I still own my 500E Renntech enhanced W124. It's a 600E with the Renntech engine work. I recently went ahead and bought another wide fender car, my CLK63BS. As long as I can maintain the 1993' 500E, I think I'll keep it.
MachC5
MachC5
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From: Seattle, Wa
1994 E320
Would you mind posting some pics (when you have a moment of course) of your W124 500e Renntech beast? I'm sure that a lot of people would love to see it, including me. Thanks!
starcar
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From: Murphy, Texas
1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E (W124-036), 2004 W211 E55
I currently own a '92 500E and a '04 W211 E55.
Build Quality- 500E
Pedigree- 500E
Acceleration- E55
Handling- E55
Cost to Operate (Repairs, Parts, Fuel)- 500E
Fun to Drive- Toss Up
My favorite is still the 500E.
Build Quality- 500E
Pedigree- 500E
Acceleration- E55
Handling- E55
Cost to Operate (Repairs, Parts, Fuel)- 500E
Fun to Drive- Toss Up
My favorite is still the 500E.
Thread Starter
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
So in my quest to answer this question I go to a local used import dealer who has a 500E. I see it and something isn't right. It turns out that it was sitting on the remaining 19 AMG wheel as the other three had been stolen the night before. The dumba$$'s dented the front passenger fender in the process and put a crease in the rocker panel. It was a sad sight really.
Last edited by MBNUT1; May 2, 2009 at 06:58 PM.
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1989 Mercedes 260E
I had the chance before to drive a 500E and just recently a 99 E55. And I agree with what all of the people above me have said.
Power-wise, the E55 is much more fun and more responisive but it feels somewhat unsurefooted unlike the 500E (or maybe because the 500E isn't as brutal feeling, I don't know). And with the 500E, it had this special presence inside that I can only describe as a sense of occasion. I somehow knew that I was driving and riding in a Mercedes even if I didn't knew it was built by MB. The E55 on the other hand though, feels somewhat closer to riding and driving Japanese cars in the same class... maybe something similar to a top-spec Toyota Camry only alot lot more powerful.. I thought it had too puch plastic inside.
Exterior-wise, it's just a matter of personal preference. I would take the E55 because it looks fresher, but the 500E doesn't look bad either..
Practicality, the 500E gets this. The E55 had a longer repair list than the 500E, even though it was a decade fresher, it had much less mileage and the owner was more of a DIY type of guy.
But I'd still take the E55 though, because I'm still too young to outweigh power, moderness and fun with anything else.. lol
Power-wise, the E55 is much more fun and more responisive but it feels somewhat unsurefooted unlike the 500E (or maybe because the 500E isn't as brutal feeling, I don't know). And with the 500E, it had this special presence inside that I can only describe as a sense of occasion. I somehow knew that I was driving and riding in a Mercedes even if I didn't knew it was built by MB. The E55 on the other hand though, feels somewhat closer to riding and driving Japanese cars in the same class... maybe something similar to a top-spec Toyota Camry only alot lot more powerful.. I thought it had too puch plastic inside.
Exterior-wise, it's just a matter of personal preference. I would take the E55 because it looks fresher, but the 500E doesn't look bad either..
Practicality, the 500E gets this. The E55 had a longer repair list than the 500E, even though it was a decade fresher, it had much less mileage and the owner was more of a DIY type of guy.
But I'd still take the E55 though, because I'm still too young to outweigh power, moderness and fun with anything else.. lol
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From: Toronto
E55
I had the chance before to drive a 500E and just recently a 99 E55. And I agree with what all of the people above me have said.
Power-wise, the E55 is much more fun and more responisive but it feels somewhat unsurefooted unlike the 500E (or maybe because the 500E isn't as brutal feeling, I don't know). And with the 500E, it had this special presence inside that I can only describe as a sense of occasion. I somehow knew that I was driving and riding in a Mercedes even if I didn't knew it was built by MB. The E55 on the other hand though, feels somewhat closer to riding and driving Japanese cars in the same class... maybe something similar to a top-spec Toyota Camry only alot lot more powerful.. I thought it had too puch plastic inside.
Exterior-wise, it's just a matter of personal preference. I would take the E55 because it looks fresher, but the 500E doesn't look bad either..
Practicality, the 500E gets this. The E55 had a longer repair list than the 500E, even though it was a decade fresher, it had much less mileage and the owner was more of a DIY type of guy.
But I'd still take the E55 though, because I'm still too young to outweigh power, moderness and fun with anything else.. lol
Power-wise, the E55 is much more fun and more responisive but it feels somewhat unsurefooted unlike the 500E (or maybe because the 500E isn't as brutal feeling, I don't know). And with the 500E, it had this special presence inside that I can only describe as a sense of occasion. I somehow knew that I was driving and riding in a Mercedes even if I didn't knew it was built by MB. The E55 on the other hand though, feels somewhat closer to riding and driving Japanese cars in the same class... maybe something similar to a top-spec Toyota Camry only alot lot more powerful.. I thought it had too puch plastic inside.
Exterior-wise, it's just a matter of personal preference. I would take the E55 because it looks fresher, but the 500E doesn't look bad either..
Practicality, the 500E gets this. The E55 had a longer repair list than the 500E, even though it was a decade fresher, it had much less mileage and the owner was more of a DIY type of guy.
But I'd still take the E55 though, because I'm still too young to outweigh power, moderness and fun with anything else.. lol
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From: Cupertino
W211 Estate
W211 vs W124 500E
Title said W211 with 500E so I can still share some opinion here!
my W211 is just a E320 wagon, it is an easy to drive and practical commuter for daily usage!
500E, then on the other hand has so much fun and doesn't cause me that much problem to keep it! Since W212 is coming up, I think W211 lines will vanish in time just like what people treat W210 today. For a modern classic: W124 500E
my W211 is just a E320 wagon, it is an easy to drive and practical commuter for daily usage!
500E, then on the other hand has so much fun and doesn't cause me that much problem to keep it! Since W212 is coming up, I think W211 lines will vanish in time just like what people treat W210 today. For a modern classic: W124 500E
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1989 Mercedes 260E
what I meant was it just 'felt' like a top-spec Japanese sedan, cause of too much plastic, so to speak. somehow it moved away from the 'traditional feel' of Mercedes interiors. that's what I thought anyway, so I'm sticking to it :P
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From: REHOBOTH BEACH DE
88-300CE TWIN TURBO, 99-C43, 05-G55K, 71-280SL, 94-E320 CAB, 08 CLK63 BLACK SERIES
well I knew something was gonna come up with this comment!
what I meant was it just 'felt' like a top-spec Japanese sedan, cause of too much plastic, so to speak. somehow it moved away from the 'traditional feel' of Mercedes interiors. that's what I thought anyway, so I'm sticking to it :P
what I meant was it just 'felt' like a top-spec Japanese sedan, cause of too much plastic, so to speak. somehow it moved away from the 'traditional feel' of Mercedes interiors. that's what I thought anyway, so I'm sticking to it :P
The W202 and the W140 in my opinion had the last of the Mercedes feel interiors.
Only to look at the quallity and color of leather and the less then tactile feel of the dash and switchgear on anything newer.
Even the styling of the latest Mercs make them extremely generic and far from being head turners...
The 124 was the last of the great overdesigned and overbuilt Mercs..
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From: USR, NJ, United States of Americaland
1994 C124 E320 Coupe - 1975 W116 280S
i'd buy a W124 way before I'd consider a W211...just CONSIDER.
I'd even buy a W210 way before I consider a W211.
Though the W211 does have drop dead gorgeous looks.
I'd even buy a W210 way before I consider a W211.
Though the W211 does have drop dead gorgeous looks.
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From: Hotlanta
AMG
I agree fully with you
The W202 and the W140 in my opinion had the last of the Mercedes feel interiors.
Only to look at the quallity and color of leather and the less then tactile feel of the dash and switchgear on anything newer.
Even the styling of the latest Mercs make them extremely generic and far from being head turners...
The 124 was the last of the great overdesigned and overbuilt Mercs..
The W202 and the W140 in my opinion had the last of the Mercedes feel interiors.
Only to look at the quallity and color of leather and the less then tactile feel of the dash and switchgear on anything newer.
Even the styling of the latest Mercs make them extremely generic and far from being head turners...
The 124 was the last of the great overdesigned and overbuilt Mercs..
I like nostalgia too....
Some would 'argue' the last great MB performance car was the W109 300SEL 6.3!
My 2 cents is this: If you like the latest technology, the W124 500E/E500 isn't for you. The dash harkens back to the 1970s W123 and subsequent W126s, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, particularly if you're familiar with the Mercedes layout and controls.
In the United States, the W124 500E/E500 is a very rare car (production numbers-wise), but - over 10,000 of these cars were built for all markets. Not necessarily 'exclusive' like a Gullwing or 300SL Roadster.
I've driven and enjoyed a 500E, and almost considered buying one several years ago, but opted for my CLK55 instead. I'm a long-time W124 owner (both a 300CE and W124 wagon). Perhaps I would not have purchased my CLK55 if Mercedes-Benz had made a 500CE.
My verdict: 500E > W211, unless it's an E55 Estate.
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From: USR, NJ, United States of Americaland
1994 C124 E320 Coupe - 1975 W116 280S
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From: Toronto
E55
I agree fully with you
The W202 and the W140 in my opinion had the last of the Mercedes feel interiors.
Only to look at the quallity and color of leather and the less then tactile feel of the dash and switchgear on anything newer.
Even the styling of the latest Mercs make them extremely generic and far from being head turners...
The 124 was the last of the great overdesigned and overbuilt Mercs..
The W202 and the W140 in my opinion had the last of the Mercedes feel interiors.
Only to look at the quallity and color of leather and the less then tactile feel of the dash and switchgear on anything newer.
Even the styling of the latest Mercs make them extremely generic and far from being head turners...
The 124 was the last of the great overdesigned and overbuilt Mercs..
, the 202/210/140 all have similar interiors with appropriate sizing difference, this cannot really be argued, one of my friends has a 202 and one has a 140 so I sat in and drove both, so i know. Now I may be a little biased since I have the 2 tone multicontour perforated leather seats along with birds eye maple wood trim but i know regular w210s are still of good quality.
Last edited by MR888; May 8, 2009 at 07:55 AM.
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From: USR, NJ, United States of Americaland
1994 C124 E320 Coupe - 1975 W116 280S
You guys either never sat in a W210 or are just not too bright , the 202/210/140 all have similar interiors with appropriate sizing difference, this cannot really be argued, one of my friends has a 202 and one has a 140 so I sat in and drove both, so i know. Now I may be a little biased since I have the 2 tone multicontour perforated leather seats along with birds eye maple wood trim but i know regular w210s are still of good quality.
, the 202/210/140 all have similar interiors with appropriate sizing difference, this cannot really be argued, one of my friends has a 202 and one has a 140 so I sat in and drove both, so i know. Now I may be a little biased since I have the 2 tone multicontour perforated leather seats along with birds eye maple wood trim but i know regular w210s are still of good quality.
