Raron

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?

2PHAST

Best choice out of the three. Not the fastest, but the best built. Don't purchase a cheap one with deferred maintaince, look for one that was enthusiast owned.

bsmuwk

I would tend to lean toward a 500E - although not the fasted, definitely worth the $$

Raron

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?

rivcal4life

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.

CDP

LOL.... I'd honestly get a S2000 or last choice the C32.

A W124 isn't worth it anymore.

I'm on the look out for a S2K too

spetz

If it was me.... S2000 hands down.
9,000rpm, VTEC, 6 speed, great handling, drop top, reliability, looks, economy, fun.... the list goes on. Mercedes can't match all this...

ZorroAMG

Yeah and the gobs of torque in the S2000 is breathtaking!!

Oh wait....


Get the W124.

RHW

^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.

190E 16V

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.

YNVDIZW124

for 12k w210 e55...

autoworrks320

The 500e is what you want for that 8 mile drive to work & back and more.....

M-bENZ

I was gona say that .

Andy

ps2cho

S2000???

Saijin_Naib

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.

spetz

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?

jwoods986

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................

morris374

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

1995E320Cab

Daily Driver, come on he's only driving 8 MILES, what's that like 4-5k miles a year ? Big deal right ?

I say go for the 500 if you want it all, yes ?

190E 16V

I think he's lost interest in the W124 already - hasn't been back to check on the opinion poll.

Raron

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).

190E 16V

It is a tight car, IF the suspension rubber is in good shape. I've replaced most of it on my car. That was two years ago, when the car had only 73,000 kilometers on it, but it was 16 years old. Rubber was dry. Replaced balljoints too, because there was some slop.
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.

USMC_C55

Im partial to any AMG. Maybe thats because I like watching peoples headlights disappear when I stomp on the gas.

190E 16V

I saw your original query:
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?

Raron

Yes... If I get a 500E it would need to double as my primary driver/toy. Does that work for you guys?