500E, C32, S2000 - The $12k Question
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500E, C32, S2000 - The $12k Question
So I'm a bit all over the place... Need a daily car that will keep my attention. I drive about 8 miles to the office through curvy hills of Austin.
Is the 500E the kiss of death from a maintenance perspective? I'm drawn to it for its quality, looks, rarity etc. Just wondering if I'd regret it...
Any 500E owner feedback?
Is the 500E the kiss of death from a maintenance perspective? I'm drawn to it for its quality, looks, rarity etc. Just wondering if I'd regret it...
Any 500E owner feedback?
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So I know the 500e is a special car and built to the highest of standards. But does that mean I'll need a specialist here in Austin? Also, can I expect to pay a great deal in normal maintenance like valve adjustments etc?
Or is it just expensive when something breaks but otherwise the cars are reliable and relatively maintenance free?
Or is it just expensive when something breaks but otherwise the cars are reliable and relatively maintenance free?
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92 500e, 95 E34 525I Touring
If you've owned an SL500, you should already know the answer to those questions.
Most parts aren't that bad nowadays price-wise. Also, for $12,000 you can find an example that won't need much, if anything.
I bought my car cheap on the other hand, and have spent almost the same amount to get her where she is now. There are still some areas that need attention.
Most parts aren't that bad nowadays price-wise. Also, for $12,000 you can find an example that won't need much, if anything.
I bought my car cheap on the other hand, and have spent almost the same amount to get her where she is now. There are still some areas that need attention.
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#9
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^lol
wrong board. wrong board!
A friend's S2000 led to my 380SL purchase (but I don't fit great in either).
An 'enthusiast owned' e500e version can be hard to find and often hard to buy for a competitive price. It would be easier to find a nice s2000 around here.
But the differences between an e500 and s2000 make this decision more about personal preference.
wrong board. wrong board!
A friend's S2000 led to my 380SL purchase (but I don't fit great in either).
An 'enthusiast owned' e500e version can be hard to find and often hard to buy for a competitive price. It would be easier to find a nice s2000 around here.
But the differences between an e500 and s2000 make this decision more about personal preference.
Last edited by RHW; 06-09-2010 at 11:00 AM.
#10
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For a DD, forget the 500E.
You want up to date amenities, lower maintenance, and better gas mileage.
The other cars are better 'packages' with all included.
A Chrysler 300, or an E55 would be a better DD if you want 4 doors, power, advanced features, 'run it hard and put it away, wet' type experience.
I'm on enthusiast forums looking for parts and fixes for my 500.
500E-specific parts can be expensive and hard to find now.
My car was 'cheap' and a low-miler, but still I put much more into it than I paid for the car, just to bring it up to standard, to get the true 500 'feel'.
It's an old car - think creaks, groans, and failed rubber components. It is likely that all the rubber chassis components will need changing, tranny build, timing chain and guides, maybe?
I love my 500E, but you need to be a real enthusiast, I think.
C32 - 4 doors, but still exotic,
S2000 - a whole different experience. I hear it's a tiring drive as a DD, though.
You want up to date amenities, lower maintenance, and better gas mileage.
The other cars are better 'packages' with all included.
A Chrysler 300, or an E55 would be a better DD if you want 4 doors, power, advanced features, 'run it hard and put it away, wet' type experience.
I'm on enthusiast forums looking for parts and fixes for my 500.
500E-specific parts can be expensive and hard to find now.
My car was 'cheap' and a low-miler, but still I put much more into it than I paid for the car, just to bring it up to standard, to get the true 500 'feel'.
It's an old car - think creaks, groans, and failed rubber components. It is likely that all the rubber chassis components will need changing, tranny build, timing chain and guides, maybe?
I love my 500E, but you need to be a real enthusiast, I think.
C32 - 4 doors, but still exotic,
S2000 - a whole different experience. I hear it's a tiring drive as a DD, though.
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Hahaha, that is VTEC indeed. Nothing, nothing, wait for it now, OH MY GOD.
I'd rather have EcoTec/EcoBoost myself (Saturn Sky Redline/Ford Taurus SHO).
S2000 if you like AutoX. C32 if you like straight hauling ***. 500e if you want some prestige to go with it.
I'd rather have EcoTec/EcoBoost myself (Saturn Sky Redline/Ford Taurus SHO).
S2000 if you like AutoX. C32 if you like straight hauling ***. 500e if you want some prestige to go with it.
#16
I don't expect a 500E to be much faster in a straight line than an S2000. And when corners come into play...
But seeing as this isn't your main car, and I assume your other car is a 4 door, why not go for something sporty? Fun to drive? Economical? Dependable?
But seeing as this isn't your main car, and I assume your other car is a 4 door, why not go for something sporty? Fun to drive? Economical? Dependable?
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'11 VW GTI
Wow, that is all over the place. And I thought I was bad when car shopping -lol.
But seriously, if your drive is 8 miles of twisty roads, and you don't need a back seat, AND this wouldn't be your only car, go with the S2000. I just test drove one (finally!) the other week and it was a blast! So small, light, and nimble, plus an awesome shifter, it was a joy. Although the particular one I drove was a little ragged and needed air in one tire, it certainly gave me a good impression of the car and I plan to try out another one in better shape.
If this would be your only car and your DD, I would be inclined to go with the C32 over the 500E just because it's newer, would probably have a lot less miles, and be less maintenance. Especially in light of 190E 16Vs comment above about already spending more in upkeep than the car cost.
But the 500E is still a great car, decisions................
But seriously, if your drive is 8 miles of twisty roads, and you don't need a back seat, AND this wouldn't be your only car, go with the S2000. I just test drove one (finally!) the other week and it was a blast! So small, light, and nimble, plus an awesome shifter, it was a joy. Although the particular one I drove was a little ragged and needed air in one tire, it certainly gave me a good impression of the car and I plan to try out another one in better shape.
If this would be your only car and your DD, I would be inclined to go with the C32 over the 500E just because it's newer, would probably have a lot less miles, and be less maintenance. Especially in light of 190E 16Vs comment above about already spending more in upkeep than the car cost.
But the 500E is still a great car, decisions................
Last edited by jwoods986; 06-10-2010 at 08:47 AM.
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1991 420SEL & 300E, 2003 BMW X5, 2001 740iL all on DUBS
honestly if i had a 500E i wouldn't use it for daily driving my 420 is strictly a sunny weekend driver. If u want a good everyday car that u can drive rain or shine without worry i suggest 300E or the closet thing in ur case C32
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Yes, I've been all over the place... The S2000 is a lot of fun (bought a new one back in 03'). But the 500E has always called to me since I was in high school reading car mags. I did get a bit scared off when I read the post about it being "an old car - think creaks etc". I was specifically expecting the 500 to be a tight vault like other 124's I've driven...
The other option is to get an E420 for about $5k and then also get an S2000. Just out of curiosity how different is the ownership experience between the 420 and 500? Performance, handling, maintenance etc. Also, a post mentioned it having more prestige than a C32... WE KNOW THIS - but does the general populace? Or do most just think of it as an old Benz? I've always imagined that most people might think its something special but not know why (fenders, low stance etc).
The other option is to get an E420 for about $5k and then also get an S2000. Just out of curiosity how different is the ownership experience between the 420 and 500? Performance, handling, maintenance etc. Also, a post mentioned it having more prestige than a C32... WE KNOW THIS - but does the general populace? Or do most just think of it as an old Benz? I've always imagined that most people might think its something special but not know why (fenders, low stance etc).
Last edited by Raron; 06-11-2010 at 01:41 AM.
#22
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Yes, I've been all over the place... The S2000 is a lot of fun (bought a new one back in 03'). But the 500E has always called to me since I was in high school reading car mags. I did get a bit scared off when I read the post about it being "an old car - think creaks etc". I was specifically expecting the 500 to be a tight vault like other 124's I've driven...
The other option is to get an E420 for about $5k and then also get an S2000. Just out of curiosity how different is the ownership experience between the 420 and 500? Performance, handling, maintenance etc. Also, a post mentioned it having more prestige than a C32... WE KNOW THIS - but does the general populace? Or do most just think of it as an old Benz? I've always imagined that most people might think its something special but not know why (fenders, low stance etc).
The other option is to get an E420 for about $5k and then also get an S2000. Just out of curiosity how different is the ownership experience between the 420 and 500? Performance, handling, maintenance etc. Also, a post mentioned it having more prestige than a C32... WE KNOW THIS - but does the general populace? Or do most just think of it as an old Benz? I've always imagined that most people might think its something special but not know why (fenders, low stance etc).
Car rides and handles beautifully now. However, I'm not out of the woods yet. An annoying banging and clunking from the rear, is developing. Many 500 owners are reporting the same thing. I am going to replace the top mount shock bushings, $50 plus labour, but hold onto your hat - most guys are reporting that they had to do the hydro-shocks at $750 a side plus install.
Now the tranny is showing signs, delayed reverse, that it needs the typical rebuild of these units.
The true cost will be more than $12K.
It is up to you whether it is worth it.
#24
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So I'm a bit all over the place... Need a daily car that will keep my attention. I drive about 8 miles to the office through curvy hills of Austin.
Is the 500E the kiss of death from a maintenance perspective? I'm drawn to it for its quality, looks, rarity etc. Just wondering if I'd regret it...
Any 500E owner feedback?
Is the 500E the kiss of death from a maintenance perspective? I'm drawn to it for its quality, looks, rarity etc. Just wondering if I'd regret it...
Any 500E owner feedback?
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...c32-s2000.html
Are you thinking that a 500 might double as a toy, like you suggest with the C32?
![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)