1993 500E Daily Driver
#1
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... are always a good time.
1993 500E Daily Driver
I bought this car earlier this year. Looking for something with a little power. Something unique but subtle. Something to haul the kids to school and throw book bags and backpacks in the truck while at the same time still have room for my golf clubs or grocery bags.
I wanted something to customize and modify and rock out in. A couple track days a year. A couple car shows or meets. And then a weekend drive with the wife down Highway One to the Monterey Peninsula or to Napa Valley in the fall to buy our holiday gifts of California wine.
I settled on this "Gentleman's Hot Rod".
Did some suspension work. Got a set of used CLS rims and new tires. Still working out the small bugs of this 20 year old 200k mile car. But it's solid and quite nice. And it looks great on our driveway.
Looking forward...
Miguel
I wanted something to customize and modify and rock out in. A couple track days a year. A couple car shows or meets. And then a weekend drive with the wife down Highway One to the Monterey Peninsula or to Napa Valley in the fall to buy our holiday gifts of California wine.
I settled on this "Gentleman's Hot Rod".
Did some suspension work. Got a set of used CLS rims and new tires. Still working out the small bugs of this 20 year old 200k mile car. But it's solid and quite nice. And it looks great on our driveway.
Looking forward...
Miguel
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#8
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Very nice find. Have you checked the 500eboard (no advertising intended) ? Great board for 500E500 models (and M119 in general). It's always good to find new drivers of this excellent piece of work.
[I am still stuck with my 400E]
[I am still stuck with my 400E]
#9
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2011 GL550, 2004 Audi S4 v8
I'm starting to look at the 500e for a daily also, but I have so many things I wonder about them. OP, how do you like it so far? Are they fast? How do they handle? I just read something about them starting off in second gear...what's up with this? Does it make it really slow of the line?
I found one about 450 miles north of me. He's listing for $11k with 154K miles on it and loads of records. I'm thinking about it...
I found one about 450 miles north of me. He's listing for $11k with 154K miles on it and loads of records. I'm thinking about it...
#10
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Yes, they do start in second, but you can manually put it in first (B) or install the fist gear start valve on the tranny from like an E420 for a few hundred bucks.
I wouldn't call them slow off the line even in second, but they don't take off like a newer MB does. They still can do a low to mid 5 second 0-60. They easily and willfully go right up to 155 mph and handle really nice for an 'old' car too. Mine is easily a better/more comfortable ride than this CLK63 I recently got.
I wouldn't call them slow off the line even in second, but they don't take off like a newer MB does. They still can do a low to mid 5 second 0-60. They easily and willfully go right up to 155 mph and handle really nice for an 'old' car too. Mine is easily a better/more comfortable ride than this CLK63 I recently got.
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I'm starting to look at the 500e for a daily also, but I have so many things I wonder about them. OP, how do you like it so far? Are they fast? How do they handle? I just read something about them starting off in second gear...what's up with this? Does it make it really slow of the line?
I found one about 450 miles north of me. He's listing for $11k with 154K miles on it and loads of records. I'm thinking about it...
I found one about 450 miles north of me. He's listing for $11k with 154K miles on it and loads of records. I'm thinking about it...
http://www.500eboard.com/forums/forum.php
Get the vin # and do a search on the 500EBoard.
.
#12
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... are always a good time.
Thanks for the nice comments. I have been enjoying the car quite a bit. But I did need to make some repairs. I had the fuel pump replaced. It was causing me major headaches with a loss of power after it warmed up. It took awhile to diagnose until a flow pressure gauge was attached and then run for awhile.
Then I replaced the power steering unit. It was dripping oil and also squeaking.
I recently installed a new sound system too. But it still needs a few things. Floor mats!!! A new windshield... Otherwise, its a great daily driver. Total sleeper. It will easily shock and disturb the faster rice rockets and modern European sedans if they are not prepared. Today, while playing with this dude in a WRX, at 60mph I gently placed the 500 into 3rd. When the traffic opened up I just WOT and before he could react I was gone. He gave it a good shot but but the time I was a 95 I let off the pedal. I think he really enjoyed the display of old school power as he was totally
Im now spending the weekend in the Paso Robles Wine Country for my birthday. The drive down was fantastic.
Miguel
Then I replaced the power steering unit. It was dripping oil and also squeaking.
I recently installed a new sound system too. But it still needs a few things. Floor mats!!! A new windshield... Otherwise, its a great daily driver. Total sleeper. It will easily shock and disturb the faster rice rockets and modern European sedans if they are not prepared. Today, while playing with this dude in a WRX, at 60mph I gently placed the 500 into 3rd. When the traffic opened up I just WOT and before he could react I was gone. He gave it a good shot but but the time I was a 95 I let off the pedal. I think he really enjoyed the display of old school power as he was totally
Im now spending the weekend in the Paso Robles Wine Country for my birthday. The drive down was fantastic.
Miguel
#13
Today, while playing with this dude in a WRX, at 60mph I gently placed the 500 into 3rd. When the traffic opened up I just WOT and before he could react I was gone. He gave it a good shot but but the time I was a 95 I let off the pedal. I think he really enjoyed the display of old school power as he was totally
#17
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The 500E is a fantastic automobile. I absolutely love mine and it sees a lot more driving time than my SL. The SL is fun too, but the 500E is just way more comfortable.
They are hard to find so if you find a nice one you'd better jump on it.
They are hard to find so if you find a nice one you'd better jump on it.
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... are always a good time.
Here are a few of the more recent pics of my fabulous 500E. She got pretty dirty since the weather has been quite wet here in the SF Bay Area. She got a bath this evening.
Miguel
Miguel
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I'm starting to look at the 500e for a daily also, but I have so many things I wonder about them. OP, how do you like it so far? Are they fast? How do they handle? I just read something about them starting off in second gear...what's up with this? Does it make it really slow of the line?
I found one about 450 miles north of me. He's listing for $11k with 154K miles on it and loads of records. I'm thinking about it...
I found one about 450 miles north of me. He's listing for $11k with 154K miles on it and loads of records. I'm thinking about it...
I purchased this car with 200k miles on her. Original owner was a physician or attorney? I forgot. But the car is all original. Yes, some repainting from damage but... whatever. It still checked out as solid and gently used.
But I did recently replace the power steering unit which cost me 1900 dollars. I also had to replace the fuel pump and filter since I was in there. That was another thousand bucks. Otherwise, if you can find a decent example for a price you are comfortable with. Buy it.
Mine is a daily driver. you would never guess what I paid for it.
Last edited by Calspeed; 02-11-2014 at 02:11 AM.
#20
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There is no question about it, this car kicks ***. I recently had my first few experiences with it in real crappy winter conditions on 17" all seasons with a relatively empty trunk and she performed like a champ. Its just a pleasure to drive. It is true that it isn't quick off the line, but she floats around on the highway and handles in a way that always leaves you with that surprised grin on your face. Definitely worth owning one if you can. If you've only driven late model Mercedes you'll really appreciate what this thing is all about.
#21
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The rain finally stopped so I took some time and washed her. Met up with my wife for lunch at her office. Took some pics. .. Just enjoying the car on a beautiful day.
Miguel
Miguel
#25
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These really are great cars with excellent pedigree. I'm on my second one and looking at a third.