out of e430, into e500?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 464
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From: long island , ny
2016 G63 ; 981 boxster GTS
out of e430, into e500?
does this make sense? i'm over from the 210 board, and always had the itch for the old e500/500e. i'm not an unhappy owner , but may be in touch with a real nice example thats a bit far to test drive. can anyone share experiences with both models, styling aside? i did have a brief , bad test drive of a 500e a few yrs ago, but car was poorly prepped by indy dealer (needed susp work) and nearly out of gas. never got the true feel for it , but seemed pretty comfortable for 10 yr old car. TIA for any advice.
j.
j.
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,197
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From: USA
18 G550, 24 EQB3504M
Re: out of e430, into e500?
Originally posted by jago1244
does this make sense? i'm over from the 210 board, and always had the itch for the old e500/500e. i'm not an unhappy owner , but may be in touch with a real nice example thats a bit far to test drive. can anyone share experiences with both models, styling aside? i did have a brief , bad test drive of a 500e a few yrs ago, but car was poorly prepped by indy dealer (needed susp work) and nearly out of gas. never got the true feel for it , but seemed pretty comfortable for 10 yr old car. TIA for any advice.
j.
does this make sense? i'm over from the 210 board, and always had the itch for the old e500/500e. i'm not an unhappy owner , but may be in touch with a real nice example thats a bit far to test drive. can anyone share experiences with both models, styling aside? i did have a brief , bad test drive of a 500e a few yrs ago, but car was poorly prepped by indy dealer (needed susp work) and nearly out of gas. never got the true feel for it , but seemed pretty comfortable for 10 yr old car. TIA for any advice.
j.
anyway,
I have driven W210 models (all V6s) though. Though very nice, comfortable, and roomy it just doesn't have the same feel (the interior isn't built as well)
plus, the 500 looks really distinct on the roads..
good luck
im on the hunt too
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 19
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1992 500E
As far as comfort and performance goes a 500E is truly awesome. It's almost ashame that US Highways have 2 digit speed limits when you're in a 500E. The car hunkers down right around 90mph and is dead stable at higher speeds (won't say how high for fear of law enforcement ) The only disadvantage I see with a 500E vs a E430 is four passengers vs five.
I'm selling my prestine 500E if you're interested. I promise you this example is not tired, and yes I've also experienced similar tired examples when I was searching for my 500E 3 years ago....so I know what you mean. Even low mileage examples don't always equate to great condition. Let me know. Here's a link to a Concours the car was entered in this past Sunday: http://www.500ecstasy.com/forums/sho...p?t=725&page=1 The car took first in Post War German Street Class!
) The only disadvantage I see with a 500E vs a E430 is four passengers vs five. I'm selling my prestine 500E if you're interested. I promise you this example is not tired, and yes I've also experienced similar tired examples when I was searching for my 500E 3 years ago....so I know what you mean. Even low mileage examples don't always equate to great condition. Let me know. Here's a link to a Concours the car was entered in this past Sunday: http://www.500ecstasy.com/forums/sho...p?t=725&page=1 The car took first in Post War German Street Class!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 464
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From: long island , ny
2016 G63 ; 981 boxster GTS
afshin,
yes, i've seen your car on other threads/boards. very impressive and congrats on the concours. i believe you said you are looking for an even more pristine car? what if you sell and cant find one?
i'm afraid the coast to coast thing is intimidating me also. i really need to drive the car i buy in this instance. i dont want to make a 8 grand mistake if i dont want to keep a car..no offense, i'm sure your car is aces. it's more that i need to experience a solid drive in a good example before really committing. i do have to justify a move out of my '02 MY. btw, is your car 040 or pearl black?
thanks , john.
yes, i've seen your car on other threads/boards. very impressive and congrats on the concours. i believe you said you are looking for an even more pristine car? what if you sell and cant find one?
i'm afraid the coast to coast thing is intimidating me also. i really need to drive the car i buy in this instance. i dont want to make a 8 grand mistake if i dont want to keep a car..no offense, i'm sure your car is aces. it's more that i need to experience a solid drive in a good example before really committing. i do have to justify a move out of my '02 MY. btw, is your car 040 or pearl black?
thanks , john.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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1992 500E
John,
Yeah initially I was looking for the perfect 1992 500E but in the last few months something different has cought my eye. I changed my mind when I flew out to Maine (we're moving there) and realized just how far it is from any North East Concours events. I then realized that I would have to buy a truck, a trailor and a $40K 500E to make my dream come true and I couldn't afford to do it right. I'm better off keeping what I have and showing in street class IF I show at all (I doubt I'll have time)
I'm actually seriously considering buying a Lotus Elise next year to replace my 500E. It has always been a dream of mine to have a minimalist car that handles perfect, looks awesome (IMO) and is fast. It is a complete opposite car to the 500E but I think I will get more enjoyment from it in Maine than I would with a 500E Showcar. I guess I'll have to wait and see.
I definitely understand why you would want to test drive the car first, you should be certain that it is something you really want. I do know a guy in CT that may offer to take you for a spin. I would also encourage you to try and find a couple of cars locally and test drive them as well. The more experience you have with the car the better off you will be. I test drove 5 500E's and looked at 15 cars before I found mine. It took 5 months before I found what I wanted.
My car is Black Pearl. 040 black was supposedly only offered in 1994 although many have said MB made exceptions on a few 93's. It is not documented anywhere in MB's records so I don't really know what the truth is.
Just a note, flying from NY to San Diego or Ontario Airport in SoCal shouldn't cost more than $400.00 round trip if you book it two weeks in advance. I bought this car in Seattle after searching the entire US and I also had to fly out there twice so I know your dilemma. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Yeah initially I was looking for the perfect 1992 500E but in the last few months something different has cought my eye. I changed my mind when I flew out to Maine (we're moving there) and realized just how far it is from any North East Concours events. I then realized that I would have to buy a truck, a trailor and a $40K 500E to make my dream come true and I couldn't afford to do it right. I'm better off keeping what I have and showing in street class IF I show at all (I doubt I'll have time)
I'm actually seriously considering buying a Lotus Elise next year to replace my 500E. It has always been a dream of mine to have a minimalist car that handles perfect, looks awesome (IMO) and is fast. It is a complete opposite car to the 500E but I think I will get more enjoyment from it in Maine than I would with a 500E Showcar. I guess I'll have to wait and see.
I definitely understand why you would want to test drive the car first, you should be certain that it is something you really want. I do know a guy in CT that may offer to take you for a spin. I would also encourage you to try and find a couple of cars locally and test drive them as well. The more experience you have with the car the better off you will be. I test drove 5 500E's and looked at 15 cars before I found mine. It took 5 months before I found what I wanted.
My car is Black Pearl. 040 black was supposedly only offered in 1994 although many have said MB made exceptions on a few 93's. It is not documented anywhere in MB's records so I don't really know what the truth is.
Just a note, flying from NY to San Diego or Ontario Airport in SoCal shouldn't cost more than $400.00 round trip if you book it two weeks in advance. I bought this car in Seattle after searching the entire US and I also had to fly out there twice so I know your dilemma. Good luck with whatever you decide.
