500E or 560SEC?

[nvr2mny]

I’m thinking of recapturing a car of my youth (SEC) or possibly the P-car/M-car variant (E). I’ve read the old threads on the E. Had an ‘91 SEC about 15-20 years ago. Fabulous cruiser. Anyways, I’m aware of the potential expense in maintenance. Still not deterred. I SURE hope that doesn’t come back to bite me. Never owned an E500 but am very intrigued. I don’t completely understand the meteoric rise in prices on the E. Is it the rarity? Love to hear your thoughts. TIA.

[Noah930]

500E: the factory Hammer.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Noah930

500E: the factory Hammer.

Ditto. A very special car. I like the SEC but it doesn’t compare.

[Nostril Cheese]

You really cant go wrong with a W124 provided its been maintained.

[slow&rusty]

I've owned my 560SEC for 9-years and gone through just about everything on it including tackling new leather at home. The first years of ownership were VERY much "love-hate" as I bought a very unloved car and spent years addressing the neglect. Refurbishing the R12 AC was close to $3k alone with all the vacuum systems.

I find buying new genuine OEM parts to be fairly reasonable and fortunately the car can be maintained at home with mostly basic hand tools. Now that everything is sorted it is actually a reliable car to drive and can sit for over a month and fire up without any fuss.

In terms of driving experience, the M117 (5.5L) in the SEC is lazy as is the autobox, it is not a thrilling or exciting car to drive however it is well composed, comfortable and like any large German car feels very stable at highway speeds. The thing to remember with the 126, is that the R&D dates back to the '70s and it shares many suspension components with the W116, as such it drives and handles like a car from that era.

My car has 156k on it, but it looks like it only has 50k, the build quality is incredible and it has aged perfectly. Styling wise, it is one of the best looking Coupes and GT cars ever put into production. My car is lowered with larger wheels and the Gen. 2 AMG body kit, so that really enhances the body lines.

The 500E will definitely feel like a modern more enjoyable car compared to the SEC. Brakes, interior, suspension, throttle response...you name it, will make the SEC feel a bit wooden. I honestly think the M119 in the 500E is the best V8 MB ever built with 4 cams and 32 Valves, it is a wonderful engine that really is not working particularly hard and has the ability to log 200,000+ miles while being reliable. I own a '98 SL500 with this engine and it is silky and offers good good power. As stated above the 124 chassis is fantastic and also timeless and the lineage and R&D to Porsche will always make them truly special cars. High mileage, neglected one are easy $15k+

Interestingly SEC prices are starting to really climb, so which ever you decide, you will be shelling out some cash for a nice one.

If you decide on a SEC, I have two friends that own several SECs and are now thinking about thinning their collection down and can put you in touch with either of them.

For example this one has EVERY bit of maintenance addressed and is really nice for $6500, try buying a 500E for that:

[greglepore]

Good summary above. The coupes are amazing highway cars, the perfect vehicle for 2 to cover miles. I've never more relaxed after a 10 hr drive than stepping out of my w140 coupe. But if you have any pretensions to sporty, they're not that. Very satisfying to drive, and handle very well for as big as they are, but not really a sports car, and big for a gt.
The w124 500 is like a slightly less sporty M5, with an auto trans. Still not a "sports car" but much more energetic than the coupe. Still highway capable, just not the bank vault that the big coupes are.

[GG Allin]

500 E, but get an E 500 instead, they look better.

[nvr2mny]

Originally Posted by GG Allin

500 E, but get an E 500 instead, they look better.

Yes, I mistyped! It's an E500 I meant to reference. At least I got the pic right!

Thanks so far for the comments gentlemen.

[GG Allin]

Your picture is actually of a 500E. The E 500 was the face lifted version, '94 & '95.

500E:




E 500:

[slow&rusty]

It was not a facelift in '94 and '95. only a headlight change, I owned a '94 and compared the parts numbers on the MB EPC with the earlier years. Those later headlights do transform the front end and are highly sought after.

[biosurfer1]

This is on BAT right now, I assume it will go much higher than the current bid. Gorgeous car though.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1994-mercedes-benz-e500-19/

[GG Allin]

Originally Posted by slow&rusty

It was not a facelift in '94 and '95. only a headlight change, I owned a '94 and compared the parts numbers on the MB EPC with the earlier years. Those later headlights do transform the front end and are highly sought after.

Headlights, grill... I believe the hood itself is different also. Probably a lot more than that. The rest of the W124 line got new engines in 1994 too, E320, E420....from 300E & 400E.