400E vs 500E
 

Hello everyone. I have finally reached a point in my life to be able to purchase one of MB's finest cars IMO. I am torn between the 400E and 500E. I know that the 500 is more expensive, but wanted to know if there were any huge differences in reliability, maintainance costs, and driving pleasure between the cars. I know the 500E will be more in all regards, but I want to know if I am going to pay 2x as much for the 500E, will I get twice the pleasure, or simply be faced with 2x the maintainance costs.
Thanks in advance for any help.

I dont think you will be looking at 2x the maintainance cost for a 500 over a 400. They share alot of parts, so maintainance and replacement parts should be about the same. With the exception of body panels, bumpers and other bespoke bits of the 500.

The question is, if the 500 is 2x the car the 400 is? Does in have 2x the performance? I dont think so, but if you the dough then definitely go for the 500.

I'd go with the 500E all the way. Limited production manufactured by Porsche! :D :D

Having owned (and recently sold) both a 95 E420 and a 94 E500, I can tell you that the 500E/E500 is twice as fun as a 400E/E420. Truth be told the maintenance on both cars run about the same and both cars seem to be plagued with the same issue, though the 500E/500E does have issues all of its own.

Some things to look out for are:
TBA (both cars)
Wiring Harness (both cars, but for sure on the 500E/E500)
Rear Shocks/Self Leveling Suspension (500E/E500)
Power Steering Pump Leaks (both cars)
Rear Diff leaks (both cars)
Tranny issues (such as flaring between 2-3) (VERY COMMON 500E/E500)

There are a few other things that fail to come to mind at the time, but I am sure others can pick up where I left off.

All in all I liked both cars for different reasons. I sold my 95 E420 with 170K miles and my 94 E500 sold with approx 89K miles.

If you really want a 500E get it and don't look back. I ended up with both because I really wanted a 500 but I was afraid of maintenace cost and blah blah blah...but then I realized they were praticially the same, so a year later I purchased a E500 and used the E420 as my daily driver.

Thanks so much on the responses. I think I have decided on the 500E. Shanta, I appreciate your list of tips. when you are saying TBA, I assume you mean throttle body assembly? And I know the trannys like fresh fluid, but what is the flaring you describe?
Thanks so much for your input, and I hope to be describing my 500E here in the future

Yes, the TBA is the throttle body actuator and it cost $800 or so from wholesalers, MB retail is $1200+. Not a cheap part to have to replace!

The flaring (for me) happens on 2-3 upshift, almost like the car over revs, it will rev for longer then normal then finally decide to kick into gear. Some have been successful in in purchasing a K1 kit and replacing this spring contraption, but I had no such luck.

If you are seriously in the market for a 500E/E500 go do a search on www.mercedeshop.com as a bunch of 500E/E500 people hang out in the Hot Rod and Performance Paddock section. Also you can find tons of info on the flaring issue and other issues on that site.

Good luck with your purchase!
:cool:

yes they were, id totally go for the 500E if you can get one. they are rare, and the flared front fenders are sweet!

Just closed the deal on a pristine 50K one owner93 500E. I pick the car up tomorrow. I'll have a hard time sleeping tonight, but it will be so worth it tomorrow. Thanks all for the advice.

first post. :)

congrats on the purchase!


RAM

Congrats and pics please! :D :p

oh yes please do post the pics. the 93's are great because i prefer the W124's look before the facelift in 1994.

I just installed the smoked taillights, and had the 60K service done (early). I am waiting on the avantguarde grill, and some wheels and then I will post pics. So far I am loving the car. I also have a 2002 M3 cabriolet, and the 500E is every bit as quick, without having to flog it to go fast like I do the M3. Will post pics soon, but am just having too much fun driving ;)

500E's are like sleepers, with the big beefy fenders! :D

:y

Lucky you!!!