twinturba

I am looking at picking up a 90's era (less electronics) Mercedes performance car and was wondering which one you guys would choose and why. Premise being either a 1999 E55 or a 199x 500e both having equal mileage and pricing.
Any and all input is appreciated.

Jim's500E

They are both decent cars. Either one should bring a smile to your face when you get in it.

...the 99' is faster , but the 92' will be worth a tad more $$ down the road.

Many of the special bits exclusive to the 500E are fast becoming NLA from MB. The 99' E55...you may have weird rust issues in strange places and in general are not as well built as an early 1990's MB. You might want to find a later model like an 02' E55....but still, the W210 build quality can't compare to that of the old coach-built W124.036.

The early (92') 500E on the other hand is the one you might want; it has more hp and tq than the later model E500Es (equates to about a .1 sec in 0-60 and 1/4 mile). And the ride and handling of a 500E hands down beats any W210 E55.

Just my 2 beans...

dfreret

Interesting opinion. What makes you say it "hands down" beats it ??

Jim's500E

What I said is subjective. You might like the ride of an E55 vs that of the older 500E. I've also been in a number of E55s and while they handle and ride fine enough, they just are not a match to the 500Es more sporting nature.

The 500Es suspension development is legendary...the E55s, not so much; its more a big sweet motor, the monoblock wheel thing, with some different bumper covers and trim while the 500E was designed to be the more complete package.

Have you driven either car yourself yet? Me thinks you'll notice the differences right away.

Fabio D

We have both cars in house E55 more powerfull, but Jim's are completly correct 500E beats the e55 in handling. no more to said. 500E is a perfect car e55 is faster quicker newer but exelent cars both

Fabio Daniel

dfreret

Yes, I own a 2001 E55 lowered on H&R springs. Handles pretty fantastic if you ask me. Better than my buddy's BMW M5.

Others commonly swap in bilstein sport shocks with the HR and say that makes all the difference. I wouldn't call the E55 just a dressed up motor. From the guys at AMG, it has lower/stiffer springs, bigger sways, fantastic brakes, as well as AMG motor. It's not fully hand built like 500e, but it's certainly not just a e430 with a bigger motor/wheels/bumpers.

I've never actually ridden or driven a 500E, that's why I was curious to your statement. I've driven '95 E420 extensively, but I know that's really not a great comparison to 500E.

I'd be really interested in a comparison of E55 (with aftermarket springs/shocks) vs. 500E.

Fabio D

I have this! E55 with koni sport yellow adjustables (oem euro springs) and the handling is fantastic like you said. super stable at hi speed, but 500E have other handling sens, you need to drive 2 cars at 140mph+ to know the difference in driving sens. E55 reacts much faster at the steering than the 500E. but you need to drive the 2 models at same fast speed to see the difference. i like more the 500E at hi speed, but like more the e55 in all the other aspects

Anyway 2 cars are pieces of art and exelent construction quality

Fabio Daniel

twinturba

Thanks for all the input!

I went to check out a 1992 500e yesterday and was very impressed with the build quality. There are only 2 for sale in my area and the one I saw wasn't in the best shape, the other one has salvage title so my search for the right one will continue.

There are a few E55's in my area, but only one 1999 that I could find, so that will be next to look at. Seems the extra power would be fun and handling can be changed, not expecting the build quality to be on par with the 500e since I already have the same "era" E320 to compare.

Also found a couple clk55's that might get a visit since it appears with the right tires it could be faster than the E's and make a good addition to my current stable.

Definitely want to make my first AMG purchase when the right car presents itself, a 500e wouldn't be all that bad either!

allenjdmb

Both are great cars but way different. Have owned a few of each. 500e is definitely old school, but build quality is far superior and what us long termers expect. AC s quite good in 210, only so so in 124. Problem is that there are just so few 500's left around, so many are really Miley and quite tired. The real nice ones are expensive, and of course, they are so much fun to drive that you can run the miles up (and the value down) pretty quickly. If you do decide on a 210 55, I would absolutely get up to a 2000 as there are so many improvements.
Best thing to do is to get one of each.

allenjdmb

I was always amazed at the attention that my 500e's got. People who know what it is really respect it. It got much more attention than any of my e55's. Not that it matters, just interesting.

Drewloera

Thats my E55 and my friends 500E. I think the 500E has more character.

Fabio D

Feeendeers!! this car is amazing

Fabio Daniel

CharlyE500

+1 I totally agree that E55 is not only bigger engine with AMG bodykit. I believe our car has more advanced technology than 92 500e. Come on ! no matter what car is, its a 1992. 20 years old car. Plus, E55 has much better brake system that not same as E430 or E320. Not sure if E55 is fully hand build but the engine is fully hand build. As other stated, the handling can be upgrade with aftermarket. Also don't forget, W210 is a bit bigger for family ride.

MB AMG

E55 definitely! It handles better, has better brakes, way better steering feel, much more power, more fuel efficient, and a lot more features and better interior ergonomics. Try and go for a 2000+ though.

Don't get me wrong, I still love the 500E and it's a true classic but the E55 is just better in every aspect.

mtnhouse

History about the 500 E. The 500 E was created in close cooperation with Porsche; each 500 E was hand-built by Porsche, being transported back and forth between the Mercedes plant and Porsche's Rossle-Bau plant in Zuffenhausen, Germany during assembly — taking a full 18 days to complete each model.
No wonder why some of the comments here about the suspension are good.

vdubpower

500 E, the first Panamera

WBE55

I Love the 500 E's ,

cm60k

That means; you have a fancy good TASTE......

ZAYED,,