E500

[pbroome]

Considering an E500. Curently have a Subaru and still want the power. Very few available for sale, but those that are seem to be low mileage and relatively low price. Are they any good? How do they handle - will I be disappointed compared to the Subaru or pleasantly surprised??? Do they cost more to run than a small country?

All feedback welcome

Cheers all

Paul

 

[mjtray]

Are we talking E500 from the early 90's....I assume we are.

It will be a completely different car to a Subaru. The E500 is more of grand tourer packing some serious horsepower than something that you can throw down the lanes.

In a straight line there would not be much in it.....throw in some bends and naturally the Subaru would leave the big Benz for dust. Saying that for a big, heavy, rear wheel drive car, they do handle very well.

The E500 is built like a tank, the engine is under-stressed so will be capable of serious mileage......ie 200,000 without breaking sweat.

Running costs, apart from fuel will be no worse than any other Merc as long as you keep on top of maintenance, which is absolutely vital.

Service history is also vital and if you find a car with patchy history run away.

Fantastic cars that will still give new cars a fright.

 

[talbir]

Agree with mjtray's comments - and more ! Assuming we are referring to the W124 coachbuilt E500's.

I bought my 500E in May 2004 - and haven't looked back since. Infact, I who was an SEC lover for the past ten years, the SEC is no longer the no.1 car. IT's without question the E500.

Several reasons why - the E500 is a unique piece. Handbuilt and produced as a joint venture betwen Mercedes and Porsche with EACH car taking 18 days to build. (Todays E500 only takes 3 days to complete).

The 500E carries one of the BEST MB engines ever produced - the 32 valve M119. The M119's were modified slightly for the 500E's, having longer intake runners to produce more torque than the standard M119's in the S and SL500's. BHP figures are :

for 500E's built between 1991 and Aug 1993, 326bhp
and E500's, i.e. those built between Sept 93 to late 94 : 320bhp.

BHP was reduced slightly for the E500 facelift models to meet emissions regulations.

Torque figures remain unchanged at 354 lb ft. That's HUGE !

The 500E's also carry the 722.370 transmission - again one of MB's best.

The tranny is mated to a 2.82 rear diff - stunning take off speed whilst giving comfortable cruising revs on the motorway.

Take all the above and combine it with the fact that the W124 500E's weigh several hundred pounds less than the SL 129's and S-class W140's which had the same engine and transmission, and you understand why the E500 could wipe the floor with both of them !

On the inside, the E500's are like no other W124 - recaro seats, split seats in the rear and S-class standard carpeting and mats. The E500's were highly optioned too.

On the outside, the E500 has the most glorious fenders - arched out at front and rear, subtle but menacing. all lower body panels and mouldings are completely different to any other W124. Front fog lamps are in the valenced bumper.

Of course, they are all LHD. That was initially putting me off - but I have never looked back. Infact I find it easier and more enjoyable. Safer too, as you park your car and step out onto the pavement, instead of oncoming traffic ! And it's even better if you're going for a short break on the continent. It'a bit of a pain in shopping centres where you have to get out of the car to withdraw the ticket from the machines to lift the barrier etc....but I can live with that.

Points to watch out for :

- Service history of course

- engine upper and lower harness. The M119 has been shoe-horned into a very tight space and as a result has higher running temps, which lead to the engine harness becoming disintregated. Lift of the air box and check this before purchasing. The harness costs £500 plus easy £500 in labour to replace

- fenders : check for rust. The front fenders cost £350 EACH from MB as a raw panel.

- Imports : original UK E500's (and there are only 29 of them) have 3 identifiers. A MPH speedo plus indicators in the front wings plus the V5 will state 'Imported car' if it's an imported version. Nothing wrong with an imported one, but need to check history more carefully. I was lucky to get an original UK car.

- Gearbox : check for any slippage. Can cost a grand to re-build.


Here are some links to pics of my E500 (which infact is an early 93 model that I have facelfted) :

http://www.printroom.com/ViewAlbum.asp?userid=hakkinen&album_id=192395

http://www.printroom.com/ViewAlbum.asp?userid=hakkinen&album_id=191832


In summary, if ou do your homework, you will NEVER look back. I don't think MB have produced a better normally aspirated car in the past thirty years - the engineering, class and performance are sensational.

I don't see MB ever spendign 18 days on a single car ever again...you'll be buying a unique piece of history. Expect high parts prices, but a thrill-a-second. This car EATS tarmac !

 

[stwat]

Thats one awsome car talbir!!!!

Paul, Forget the very common subaru(no offence intended mate, but they are two a penny)and get yourself a peice of motoring history!!! Just look at them arches!!!!!! That engine!!! Im sorry, i think i've just come!!!!!!!!!!!!


Stu

 

[talbir]

Thanks for the complimet Stu.

Yes, it is an orgasmic machine.....



talbir

 

[pbroome]

Thanks guys - wow, what a lot of information. I hope it's not wasted as I'm actually talking the current generation E class i.e. cars only 2 or 3 years old. I fully appreciate it will be a totally different experience from the Subaru and the transition will be difficult. The Scoob may not have the class or pedigree but it is still a fantastic car. I have drievn TVRs and M5s and very little can match it's driving appeal. However with my first baby due in a couple of weeks it's time (reluctantly) to grow up a bit. think practicalities (my Subaru is a 2 door) and hopefully still end up with something fast and classy.

Any more thoughts?

Paul

 

[p_aplin]

Stop dont do it!!

Man, dont do it buy a proper benz, they havent been anywhere near as good since about 98/99, I looked at a new s-class recently and it felt like it had been chucked together rather than built, my w140 S500 put it to shame.