W124 500E/E500 Experiences?

[onewhippedpuppy]

All of these W124 threads are killing me and reviving my lust for a 500E. I've driven multiple I6 and V8 W124 models and always came away impressed with the build quality, as well as the overall solid feel of the car. I'm also a sucker for the sculpted brick styling, I think it's timeless Mercedes. Obviously there isn't a 500E at my local Carmax that I can test drive, so I'd like to hear from those that have driven them, or better yet owned one. I've done enough research to understand the issues, so I'd prefer to hear about driving impressions.

Yes, I realize that the average V6 sedan is just as fast in a straight line, and I don't care. Comparisons to similar sedans would be relevant as well, such as the W210 E55, W202 C43, E34 M5, or X308 XJR. I've owned an XJR, driven an E55, and owned a W202 C36, so I have decent baseline in that department.

[911-32]

I would like to hear as well. The 500E is on my radar. Pretty rare in the UK though.

[kaisen]

Pretty rare anywhere

[widgeon13]

When I was working I had access to car service to and from LGA airport and a few times was picked up in a 500 SEL. While it was quiet it just had a solid feel and smooth acceleration that wasn't evident in Lincoln Town car or Cadillac. Seats were harder but actually very comfortable, typical MB. Always felt very secure in the cars.

I alway had a similar idea about getting a used one as well but the potential repair cost has turned me off to the idea.

[speeder]

That must be the Rosanna ra-danna post. ^^^

[speeder]

I would not waste your time with a 500e at this point in time. There are just too many better, faster MB cars, or non-MB cars for that matter. Servicing them is the 7th ring of hell, (V-8 w124 cars suck), and they are gas-guzzling pigs that were considered fast in in 1992 or whenever it was.

I think that you'd sell it so fast that it would even surprise us here.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by speeder

I would not waste your time with a 500e at this point in time. There are just too many better, faster MB cars, or non-MB cars for that matter. Servicing them is the 7th ring of hell, (V-8 w124 cars suck), and they are gas-guzzling pigs that were considered fast in in 1992 or whenever it was.

I think that you'd sell it so fast that it would even surprise us here.

Denis, since you seem to be the old Mercedes dude on this forum I'm surprised by that response. Could you go into more detail? My understanding regarding many of the new MB models is that the increased complexity has led to seriously reduced reliability, though the W210 seems to have a good reputation. Same goes for most newer German cars, too many gizmos and sensors to constantly fail. Why do they suck to work on? Limited access? That's a big consideration, as I DIY everything.

[911-32]

Qtr mile in 14.1 secs, 326hp and 354lbft. Still sounds respectable.

OK its weighs 1700kg and only has a 4 speed auto and the economy is mid-teens....

[intakexhaust]

Matt- Get one if your heart desires. Considered the real four door Porsche. Very reliable and an understated hotrod. Blends in with traffic very well, aim the gunsight on the hood and squirt the throttle. My brother purchased one seven or eight years ago from the original owner. Minty. Drives his cars hard. Guessing he now has 130k miles on it now. Only issues was the radiator leaked and just replaced (suprisingly not to bad of a price, all things considered). Routine pad replacement and fluids are not a big deal. I'm an Audi fan but would have to say the E-500 / 500-E is far more reliable than them or BMW.

Ps. The original owner approached him last year and wanted to buy the car back! That say's alot.

[VincentVega]

I've always wanted one, only drive a 500e once though. Manual would have been nice but my biggest complaint was the mgp. Terrible for a DD, at least to me. Love the understated look, looks just like every other 124 from most angles.

[kaisen]

For the same money for the same miles, I'd pick a decade newer W211 AMG E55 with 469hp and 520 lb-ft.

Unless it's a heart over head emotional thing, or the Porsche connection.

Otherwise, the W211 E55 are better than the W124 500E/E500 in every way I can think of -- apples for apples money.

[klaus]

There has been an E500 for sale here in Charlotte for the last three years, original asking price was something around $12 or $13k. Now it is down to $6,700 and I am tempted every time I see the posting on craigslist. I went to a BMW / MB mechanic friend to ask his thoughts, and he told me that I would be better off burning $100 bills in the fireplace......

But then again the same mechanic said the same thing about an E34 M5, and we had three years of trouble free ownerhip of that car. So perhaps he just hates 90's Q ships.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by kaisen

For the same money for the same miles, I'd pick a decade newer W211 AMG E55 with 469hp and 520 lb-ft.

Unless it's a heart over head emotional thing, or the Porsche connection.

Otherwise, the W211 E55 are better than the W124 500E/E500 in every way I can think of -- apples for apples money.

Hard to argue that a W211 E55 is a better performing and equipped car. But you also can't regularly find a nice one for $10-15k, at least not in the private market. Comparison to the W210 E55 is much more relevant, which is also a better car by the numbers.

Let's face facts though, most enthusiasts don't care much about numbers. A modern Honda Accord V6 can destroy the majority of our Porsches in a straight line, all while blowing cold A/C and never breaking down. It's caring about how cars make us feel that differentiates the enthusiast from the car owning sheeple. I love the solid feel of the W124, that is something that you won't get from a W210 or W211. The materials are top notch even today, and the build quality is impeccable. No modern car, even a Mercedes, has that same bank vault feel to it.

[Jorge at Pelican Parts]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

All of these W124 threads are killing me and reviving my lust for a 500E. I've driven multiple I6 and V8 W124 models and always came away impressed with the build quality, as well as the overall solid feel of the car. I'm also a sucker for the sculpted brick styling, I think it's timeless Mercedes. Obviously there isn't a 500E at my local Carmax that I can test drive, so I'd like to hear from those that have driven them, or better yet owned one. I've done enough research to understand the issues, so I'd prefer to hear about driving impressions.

Yes, I realize that the average V6 sedan is just as fast in a straight line, and I don't care. Comparisons to similar sedans would be relevant as well, such as the W210 E55, W202 C43, E34 M5, or X308 XJR. I've owned an XJR, driven an E55, and owned a W202 C36, so I have decent baseline in that department.

I had a 1994 E500 and it was simply amazing. The curves, the V8-power that growled with a Remus exhaust, the Porsche/MBZ collaboration and a reliable M119 made that car very special to me - not to mention the 040 exterior and interior also made it rare.

Some common pitfalls (some of which I personally encountered):
-Leaking power steering pump
-Faulty wiring harness
-Bad ignition control module (EZL)
-Faulty throttle actuator (limp home mode)

Other than that, the car was pretty much solid, especially considering my .036 was approaching 200kmi - it was an excellent DD (personally), and the MPG wasn't so bad as long as my right foot behaved . I'd pick another one up if I could find it in that color scheme.

I say go for it! Search 500eboard.org - that's where I found mine.

With a few mods to give it a fresh look, how can you say no?



Happy hunting!

[JavaBrewer]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Hard to argue that a W211 E55 is a better performing and equipped car. But you also can't regularly find a nice one for $10-15k, at least not in the private market. Comparison to the W210 E55 is much more relevant, which is also a better car by the numbers.

Let's face facts though, most enthusiasts don't care much about numbers. A modern Honda Accord V6 can destroy the majority of our Porsches in a straight line, all while blowing cold A/C and never breaking down. It's caring about how cars make us feel that differentiates the enthusiast from the car owning sheeple. I love the solid feel of the W124, that is something that you won't get from a W210 or W211. The materials are top notch even today, and the build quality is impeccable. No modern car, even a Mercedes, has that same bank vault feel to it.

Sorry not about the W124 - but since the subject was breached and I am nosing the line I was under the impression that the W210 E55 was substantially more reliable than the W211 E55. Of course condition trumps all but in general is my thinking on that correct?

[smokintr6]

Hands down one of the coolest older Mercs I have my hands on!! And I've been around quite a few, as I have a close friend that cycles through them like cheap garments . Driving it definitely changed my impression. It's a stable platform at speed, and comfortable. It's as if someone combined a 944 turbo with a 4 door sedan, and took away all the turbo lag.

Word to the wise, If I remember right there are some very rare very expensive pieces on the car, like the dampers, and most of the engine parts. The good news is that the engines are fairly bulletproof, and I think the suspension parts can be "updated" with aftermarket stuff.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by JavaBrewer

Sorry not about the W124 - but since the subject was breached and I am nosing the line I was under the impression that the W210 E55 was substantially more reliable than the W211 E55. Of course condition trumps all but in general is my thinking on that correct?

The W210 E55 = naturally aspirated (349hp / 391 lb-ft)

The W211 E55 = supercharged (469 hp / 520 lb-ft)

That's all you need to know

[kaisen]

Mercedes-Benz : E-Class E55 AMG in Mercedes-Benz | eBay Motors

But it now for $17,495

2003 w211 E55 with 62K miles

What would you pay for a 62K mile w124 500E??

[speeder]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Denis, since you seem to be the old Mercedes dude on this forum I'm surprised by that response. Could you go into more detail? My understanding regarding many of the new MB models is that the increased complexity has led to seriously reduced reliability, though the W210 seems to have a good reputation. Same goes for most newer German cars, too many gizmos and sensors to constantly fail. Why do they suck to work on? Limited access? That's a big consideration, as I DIY everything.

Access on any V-8 w124 is awful. Go look at a regular 400e or e420 sometime under the hood and then get back to me. My good friend has one of the best indy MB shops in Los Angeles and they absolutely hate V-8 w124s. And these are not guys that complain about much when it comes to servicing MB cars.

Other than that, I just never loved them. They were expensive and fairly ugly, IMO. Jorge's car looks good in the post above, but if I took a new Hyundai in black and put those wheels on it and shot it that beautifully in motion next to green grass, it would look better. A Pontiac Aztec looks OK with the right rims. Look at the picture immediately above this post for a more accurate view.

They are well built, but so are all w124 cars and many other lines of MB cars. I'd rather have a w211 e55 even if it cost double. Triple if it was a wagon. If you're going to waste expensive gas and pay big $$ for maintenance, get some serious HP and handling+looks in return. IMO, of course.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by kaisen

The W210 E55 = naturally aspirated (349hp / 391 lb-ft)

The W211 E55 = supercharged (469 hp / 520 lb-ft)

That's all you need to know

Yep. Apples to Watermelons.