94 E500 thoughts?
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06 E-55-95-F355S- 99 Porsche 911 C2 w mods
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From: fl
1992 500E, 2006 E500, 2007 GL 450
Engine was slightly tweaked version of SL500 with different intake runners and exhaust which gave it a bit more torque. Body in white was sent to Porsche for assembly. Sent back to MB for painting. Brakes were MB from SL and E coupe. Suspension specific to 500E. From 500E site: "The M119.974 engine in the 500E displaced 4973cc or 303 cubic inches. This engine made 322 horsepower at 5700rpm and 354 lb-ft of torque at 3900rpm. Torque band is flat as can be with 90% available as low as 1500rpm. By approximately 1200 rpm the 5.0 mill was producing more torque than even the 4.2 M119 cousin did at its peak! Long intake runners, variable valve timing on the intake cams, silicon crystal cylinder liners, alloy construction of block and heads, antiknock control, a 10:1 compression ratio, and a CAN computer system to harmonize all of this made this engine the strongest in Mercedes' lineup save the V12."
Over past 15 years I have owned 3 Porche's, 5 BMW's, 3 Merc's as well as several others. My 1992 500E is the only keeper. It has been virtually flawless, (power steering pump & motor mounts) and is still fun to drive.
Over past 15 years I have owned 3 Porche's, 5 BMW's, 3 Merc's as well as several others. My 1992 500E is the only keeper. It has been virtually flawless, (power steering pump & motor mounts) and is still fun to drive.
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Mercedes Benz
Engine was slightly tweaked version of SL500 with different intake runners and exhaust which gave it a bit more torque. Body in white was sent to Porsche for assembly. Sent back to MB for painting. Brakes were MB from SL and E coupe. Suspension specific to 500E. From 500E site: "The M119.974 engine in the 500E displaced 4973cc or 303 cubic inches. This engine made 322 horsepower at 5700rpm and 354 lb-ft of torque at 3900rpm. Torque band is flat as can be with 90% available as low as 1500rpm. By approximately 1200 rpm the 5.0 mill was producing more torque than even the 4.2 M119 cousin did at its peak! Long intake runners, variable valve timing on the intake cams, silicon crystal cylinder liners, alloy construction of block and heads, antiknock control, a 10:1 compression ratio, and a CAN computer system to harmonize all of this made this engine the strongest in Mercedes' lineup save the V12."
Over past 15 years I have owned 3 Porche's, 5 BMW's, 3 Merc's as well as several others. My 1992 500E is the only keeper. It has been virtually flawless, (power steering pump & motor mounts) and is still fun to drive.
Over past 15 years I have owned 3 Porche's, 5 BMW's, 3 Merc's as well as several others. My 1992 500E is the only keeper. It has been virtually flawless, (power steering pump & motor mounts) and is still fun to drive.
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From: El Paso, TX
'03 G500, '13 G63, '17 GLS63,
If you want a collectible, the 500E is the one to get. I plan on adding one to my stable as it was my dream car back then. Times have certainly changed. Today's E350 is more than capable of giving it a run for its money and now the E550 is considerably faster, let alone the E63 (or E55). Regardless, the pedigree of Porsche and M-B is what makes it collectible in my eyes.
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2001 S500 Sport "Klaus"
If you want a collectible, the 500E is the one to get. I plan on adding one to my stable as it was my dream car back then. Times have certainly changed. Today's E350 is more than capable of giving it a run for its money and now the E550 is considerably faster, let alone the E63 (or E55). Regardless, the pedigree of Porsche and M-B is what makes it collectible in my eyes.
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From: USA
18 G550, 24 EQB3504M
My favorite car of all times, along with the Ferrari 355.
I wanted to replace my pristine E420 (W124) with a 500E but I just could NOT find a nice one.
I gave up and settled for a CLK55. No doubt a quicker, better handling, better equipped car... but.. it's no 500E.
Someday I have money for a toy/collectible car, I'd have one next to whatever E-class AMG can offer.
I wanted to replace my pristine E420 (W124) with a 500E but I just could NOT find a nice one.
I gave up and settled for a CLK55. No doubt a quicker, better handling, better equipped car... but.. it's no 500E.
Someday I have money for a toy/collectible car, I'd have one next to whatever E-class AMG can offer.
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From: Kentucky
500E's
was this "tuned" by porsche or partly made by porsche?
i think part of the charm of the 500E is the nostalgia...probably for the same reason why i still have a soft spot for my old porsche 928. i can' remember the name, but i recall when AMG first made a custom 300E w/ a V8 and upgraded suspension/brakes/wheels, it was about $200k USD back in the late 80's/early 90's. so when the 500E came out in 1992 for about $80k, it was almost the same performance for less than 1/2 the price. in addition, the power was very similar to what porsches and ferrari's did in the late 80's.
when i test drove the 500E, it felt like a nice car but unless it was pushed, it probably drove very similar to a 400 or 420E, imho. in fact, i think it started in 2nd gear also. therefore, i'm not surprised to hear comments like that.
btw, i still think it's a great car and will be a classic. who wouldn't mind having a parked in the garage in pristine condition? as a daily driver, however, i think i'm still very happy that i have my 01 E55
i think part of the charm of the 500E is the nostalgia...probably for the same reason why i still have a soft spot for my old porsche 928. i can' remember the name, but i recall when AMG first made a custom 300E w/ a V8 and upgraded suspension/brakes/wheels, it was about $200k USD back in the late 80's/early 90's. so when the 500E came out in 1992 for about $80k, it was almost the same performance for less than 1/2 the price. in addition, the power was very similar to what porsches and ferrari's did in the late 80's.
when i test drove the 500E, it felt like a nice car but unless it was pushed, it probably drove very similar to a 400 or 420E, imho. in fact, i think it started in 2nd gear also. therefore, i'm not surprised to hear comments like that.
btw, i still think it's a great car and will be a classic. who wouldn't mind having a parked in the garage in pristine condition? as a daily driver, however, i think i'm still very happy that i have my 01 E55
The car you are thinking about was the Hammer. and it was on the 300/400 body which is much different than the 500 body.
Having owned and driven both the E55 and my two 500E's I can pretty much assure you that unless you prefer a more "camry like" drive, the 500E is the one to drive as the daily [or cross country] driver.
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From: Kentucky
500E's
Orig. owner 93 E500E and new owner of 2001 E55.
There is no comparison between the E500E and the E55 AMG other than it's genes. If you prefer the old body style with questionable Porsche heritage (built in the same plant)then the E500 is for you. If you prefer a car that is better equiped, better balanced, and more reliable, get the E55.
The AMG has every feature/option you could want from ventilated seats, sun shade. dimming lights,dual chrome exhaus, etc. The E500E is spartan in comparison.
Each AMG is a very unique and special car, each engine is hand built and tested to perform prior to leaving the factory. The E500E is an ordinary 300E with flares and a very inefficient engine at todays gas prices. The AMG is averaging 21 MPG with 25 more HP. The E500E averaged 15 MPG a 30% decrease in mileage. Lastly the E55 AMG is faster than the E500E.
Just my two cents. I don't want to start a war, I'm just speaking from experience.
There is no comparison between the E500E and the E55 AMG other than it's genes. If you prefer the old body style with questionable Porsche heritage (built in the same plant)then the E500 is for you. If you prefer a car that is better equiped, better balanced, and more reliable, get the E55.
The AMG has every feature/option you could want from ventilated seats, sun shade. dimming lights,dual chrome exhaus, etc. The E500E is spartan in comparison.
Each AMG is a very unique and special car, each engine is hand built and tested to perform prior to leaving the factory. The E500E is an ordinary 300E with flares and a very inefficient engine at todays gas prices. The AMG is averaging 21 MPG with 25 more HP. The E500E averaged 15 MPG a 30% decrease in mileage. Lastly the E55 AMG is faster than the E500E.
Just my two cents. I don't want to start a war, I'm just speaking from experience.
And I am not sure how you drive but having owned both, I find the mileage to be just about equal. Now at over 50, with a bunch of years of racing, I know how to run a car hard or light but the 500E is a much tighter car than the E55. It was one of the reasons I dumped the E55 [that plus the many electrical gremlins that the W210 enjoys]. The E55 is a very nice car but it lacks character of a "special". There were only 1504 500E's brought into the US over 4 years. You don't see 20 of them at every meet. That is a good thing.
And as for the dubious Porsche connection, read up. The car had both Porsche design help in suspension and electronics and the car was built on the 959 line. It moved between the Porsche and Benz plant 18 times from start to finish.
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From: Kentucky
500E's
The 500E is my favorite MB ever made. It was a true sports sedan with drastic upgrades to all parts of the vehicle. I could go on for days about this car but there is no need!
Only buy 1992 and early 1993 production cars as those were the ones truely built by Porsche. These cars also have the "closed deck" motor which is much stronger than the open deck version. This is more important if you want to bore the motor out but why not go with the stronger design in the first place.
Porsche built 1992 and early 1993 cars because MB had production capacity issues and need to out source production to Porsche (who had excess capacity). After MB fixed their issues with production capacity, they quietly moved production back over to MB and ended the joint venture aspect of the vehicle.
For a collector, the 1992 cars are the most impressive and valuable even though the 1994 looks more modern. I personally like the older style as it was more "old school MB"
Fantastic car. Will likely always be the best 4 door sports MB made.
Only buy 1992 and early 1993 production cars as those were the ones truely built by Porsche. These cars also have the "closed deck" motor which is much stronger than the open deck version. This is more important if you want to bore the motor out but why not go with the stronger design in the first place.
Porsche built 1992 and early 1993 cars because MB had production capacity issues and need to out source production to Porsche (who had excess capacity). After MB fixed their issues with production capacity, they quietly moved production back over to MB and ended the joint venture aspect of the vehicle.
For a collector, the 1992 cars are the most impressive and valuable even though the 1994 looks more modern. I personally like the older style as it was more "old school MB"
Fantastic car. Will likely always be the best 4 door sports MB made.
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From: Kentucky
500E's
i know this isn't a w210/211 e55, but there's been many talks of the e500 and i thought people here would be best for making helpful comments.
what do you think of this 94 E500 w/ 142k miles for $15k?
similar miles E420 for that year clean would be around $7k and have lower prices for repairs/parts...and i just paid less than $20k for a 2001 E55 w/ 87k miles...just curious everyone's thoughts.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/243976810.html
p.s. i think those BBS wheels were very "in" during the late 80's and early 90's than today, and i'd prefer the stock AMGs.
what do you think of this 94 E500 w/ 142k miles for $15k?
similar miles E420 for that year clean would be around $7k and have lower prices for repairs/parts...and i just paid less than $20k for a 2001 E55 w/ 87k miles...just curious everyone's thoughts.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/243976810.html
p.s. i think those BBS wheels were very "in" during the late 80's and early 90's than today, and i'd prefer the stock AMGs.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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500E
I bought my E500E for over $75,000 in 1993. It is now worth $8,000 to $10,000? Mercedes have terrible depreciation. At today's price the E500E is obtainable by almost anyone with a job and it's hard for me to consider the car "special" when the Scion next to you is worth more.
Also, including the E 60 AMG a total of 10,479 E500E's were built Vs. only 500 AMG's per year.
Lastly, Is there any "lore" with a Chevy Cavilier because it's built at the same plant as a Corvette or a Ford Focus because it's built at the same plant as the GT40? If anything the E500E is a bit of a poser, because it was built at Porsche in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. If you want a Porsche buy a Porsche. There is nothing similar between a 959 and a E500E other than the dirt they drove on. My Summer car is in the garage.
Also, including the E 60 AMG a total of 10,479 E500E's were built Vs. only 500 AMG's per year.
Lastly, Is there any "lore" with a Chevy Cavilier because it's built at the same plant as a Corvette or a Ford Focus because it's built at the same plant as the GT40? If anything the E500E is a bit of a poser, because it was built at Porsche in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. If you want a Porsche buy a Porsche. There is nothing similar between a 959 and a E500E other than the dirt they drove on. My Summer car is in the garage.
Last edited by fireice; Dec 16, 2006 at 12:16 AM.
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2001 S500 Sport "Klaus"
I bought my E500E for over $75,000 in 1993. It is now worth $8,000 to $10,000? Mercedes have terrible depreciation. At today's price the E500E is obtainable by almost anyone with a job and it's hard for me to consider the car "special" when the Scion next to you is worth more.
Also, including the E 60 AMG a total of 10,479 E500E's were built Vs. only 500 AMG's per year.
Lastly, Is there any "lore" with a Chevy Cavilier because it's built at the same plant as a Corvette or a Ford Focus because it's built at the same plant as the GT40? If anything the E500E is a bit of a poser, because it was built at Porsche in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. If you want a Porsche buy a Porsche. There is nothing similar between a 959 and a E500E other than the dirt they drove on. My Summer car is in the garage.
Also, including the E 60 AMG a total of 10,479 E500E's were built Vs. only 500 AMG's per year.
Lastly, Is there any "lore" with a Chevy Cavilier because it's built at the same plant as a Corvette or a Ford Focus because it's built at the same plant as the GT40? If anything the E500E is a bit of a poser, because it was built at Porsche in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. If you want a Porsche buy a Porsche. There is nothing similar between a 959 and a E500E other than the dirt they drove on. My Summer car is in the garage.
when you tire of the "non-specialness" of your E500, give me a call and I'll take it off your hands!!!
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From: Manchester, CT
Fire&Ice man..... you ever been to Bowling Green, KY?...all they make there is Corvettes. And what do you think your cookie cutter AMG is going to be worth 15 years down the road. Your 2001 E55 is bottoming out faster than the 500Es did; thats' a fact. Cars depreciate, you must know that better than anyone....one can pick up an 80's Ferrari for under 10gs too..what's your point?
You obviously are so mis-informed on so many fronts that perhaps you shouldn't comment on ANY cars anymore. BTW, 500Es were built in the Rossle Bau (the Witch Kitchen bldg.) at Porsche and thru the limited build contracts with MB and Audi, practically saved Porsche back then.
Show some respect for the last true 100% coach-built car by the ur-Mercedes...that you yourself were foolish enough to shell out 80gs for a new one.
...and then proceeded to give to a 16 year old to total...
You obviously are so mis-informed on so many fronts that perhaps you shouldn't comment on ANY cars anymore. BTW, 500Es were built in the Rossle Bau (the Witch Kitchen bldg.) at Porsche and thru the limited build contracts with MB and Audi, practically saved Porsche back then.
Show some respect for the last true 100% coach-built car by the ur-Mercedes...that you yourself were foolish enough to shell out 80gs for a new one.
...and then proceeded to give to a 16 year old to total...
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From: Fallon, NV
BMW and Mercedes
I bought my E500E for over $75,000 in 1993. It is now worth $8,000 to $10,000? Mercedes have terrible depreciation. At today's price the E500E is obtainable by almost anyone with a job and it's hard for me to consider the car "special" when the Scion next to you is worth more.
I do agree w/ you that if you want a Porsche, buy a Porsche.....nice collection by the way
Last edited by FLYNAVY; Dec 19, 2006 at 02:50 PM.
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From: San Francisco, CA
04 E 500 4matic wagon; CLS 63 AMG
'94 500e
i know this isn't a w210/211 e55, but there's been many talks of the e500 and i thought people here would be best for making helpful comments.
what do you think of this 94 E500 w/ 142k miles for $15k?
similar miles E420 for that year clean would be around $7k and have lower prices for repairs/parts...and i just paid less than $20k for a 2001 E55 w/ 87k miles...just curious everyone's thoughts.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/243976810.html
p.s. i think those BBS wheels were very "in" during the late 80's and early 90's than today, and i'd prefer the stock AMGs.
what do you think of this 94 E500 w/ 142k miles for $15k?
similar miles E420 for that year clean would be around $7k and have lower prices for repairs/parts...and i just paid less than $20k for a 2001 E55 w/ 87k miles...just curious everyone's thoughts.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/243976810.html
p.s. i think those BBS wheels were very "in" during the late 80's and early 90's than today, and i'd prefer the stock AMGs.
Thread Starter
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From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
al unser's green 8k one w/o prices and in new mexico, and another one in CT but he's asking around $35k. not that it's not worth it, but for that price there are many cars i'd rather own that i can drive regularly. after all, it's not like living in SF i can have a 5-car garage and can just keep a spare car inside for show/nice sunny days.
......
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From: San Francisco, CA
04 E 500 4matic wagon; CLS 63 AMG
i ck'd online and only saw 2 for sale
al unser's green 8k one w/o prices and in new mexico, and another one in CT but he's asking around $35k. not that it's not worth it, but for that price there are many cars i'd rather own that i can drive regularly. after all, it's not like living in SF i can have a 5-car garage and can just keep a spare car inside for show/nice sunny days.
al unser's green 8k one w/o prices and in new mexico, and another one in CT but he's asking around $35k. not that it's not worth it, but for that price there are many cars i'd rather own that i can drive regularly. after all, it's not like living in SF i can have a 5-car garage and can just keep a spare car inside for show/nice sunny days.
BTW I had a '94 500e, the last model year back in the day; it was a great road car and for its time very powerful and fast. Traded it in on '99 E55 when they first came out.
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Mercedes Benz
its kind of true. These things are everywhere and everyone seems to have one or two. Back in the day the rare limited production cars were only seen once in a while but now there is an AMG everything (even a mini van) and that makes the name plate far less impressive. C36's were rare in 1995 but come 2000 there were buckets of AMGs everywhere.
I cant go 5 minutes i bet without seeing an AMG I bet.
I cant go 5 minutes i bet without seeing an AMG I bet.
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,846
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From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
I bought my E500E for over $75,000 in 1993. It is now worth $8,000 to $10,000? Mercedes have terrible depreciation. At today's price the E500E is obtainable by almost anyone with a job and it's hard for me to consider the car "special" when the Scion next to you is worth more.
Also, including the E 60 AMG a total of 10,479 E500E's were built Vs. only 500 AMG's per year.
Lastly, Is there any "lore" with a Chevy Cavilier because it's built at the same plant as a Corvette or a Ford Focus because it's built at the same plant as the GT40? If anything the E500E is a bit of a poser, because it was built at Porsche in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. If you want a Porsche buy a Porsche. There is nothing similar between a 959 and a E500E other than the dirt they drove on. My Summer car is in the garage.
Also, including the E 60 AMG a total of 10,479 E500E's were built Vs. only 500 AMG's per year.
Lastly, Is there any "lore" with a Chevy Cavilier because it's built at the same plant as a Corvette or a Ford Focus because it's built at the same plant as the GT40? If anything the E500E is a bit of a poser, because it was built at Porsche in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. If you want a Porsche buy a Porsche. There is nothing similar between a 959 and a E500E other than the dirt they drove on. My Summer car is in the garage.
M
Last edited by Germancar1; Dec 20, 2006 at 02:47 AM.
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From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
its kind of true. These things are everywhere and everyone seems to have one or two. Back in the day the rare limited production cars were only seen once in a while but now there is an AMG everything (even a mini van) and that makes the name plate far less impressive. C36's were rare in 1995 but come 2000 there were buckets of AMGs everywhere.
I cant go 5 minutes i bet without seeing an AMG I bet.
I cant go 5 minutes i bet without seeing an AMG I bet.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 352
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From: fl
1992 500E, 2006 E500, 2007 GL 450
Kind of interesting to see the kind of emotional discussion of the 500E seems to stir up after 14 years. I can understand it. Even people with no interest in cars tell me that my 1992 is one of the best looking Benz's they have seen, not realizing the car is lower wider with different fenders than other 124's they have seen. With regard to the driving experience, in many ways it seem less sophisticated than current E's but is still great to drive. I have a 2006 E500 and have driven an 2003 E55 extensively. At 80-100mph the 500E seems to be better planted. Perhaps it is the slower more heavily weighted steering and stiffer shocks, nevertheless, the experience is best described by Automobile Magazine which listed the 1992-94 E500E among the most significant 50 cars saying that driving a 500E "still makes the driver feel he can go out and conquer Poland."
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Atlanta
06 E55 Black
its kind of true. These things are everywhere and everyone seems to have one or two. Back in the day the rare limited production cars were only seen once in a while but now there is an AMG everything (even a mini van) and that makes the name plate far less impressive. C36's were rare in 1995 but come 2000 there were buckets of AMGs everywhere.
I cant go 5 minutes i bet without seeing an AMG I bet.
I cant go 5 minutes i bet without seeing an AMG I bet.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 784
Likes: 22
From: Atlanta
06 E55 Black
Kind of interesting to see the kind of emotional discussion of the 500E seems to stir up after 14 years. I can understand it. Even people with no interest in cars tell me that my 1992 is one of the best looking Benz's they have seen, not realizing the car is lower wider with different fenders than other 124's they have seen. With regard to the driving experience, in many ways it seem less sophisticated than current E's but is still great to drive. I have a 2006 E500 and have driven an 2003 E55 extensively. At 80-100mph the 500E seems to be better planted. Perhaps it is the slower more heavily weighted steering and stiffer shocks, nevertheless, the experience is best described by Automobile Magazine which listed the 1992-94 E500E among the most significant 50 cars saying that driving a 500E "still makes the driver feel he can go out and conquer Poland."
