I was on my way to lunch today, and as I pulled up to the light to make a left onto Crenshaw, a brand new silver M5 pulled up next to me. While we were waiting for the light, a lowered black E430 with Brabus kit and Monoblock V 2-piece was making a left from Crenshaw onto the street I was on, blocking both me and the M5. Anyway, my path was clear first, so I jumped out and made the left first. I wasn't going all out, but I wanted to see if he'd take the bait. There were three lanes, and I was in the middle one. The M5 made the left as well, but at this point I'm already about 50 ft in front of him, cruising at the speed limit. All of a sudden he guns it and shoots over to the far right lane to pass. I saw it coming, and floored it. Keep in mind I was already out ahead of him, but he couldn't gain an inch on me. I comfortably moved into the right lane ahead of him, since I had to make a right at the first light. At this point we're probably at about 65-70 (all before the first light, mind you), and he switches back over to the middle lane to try to pass again. Unfortunately, I was already slowing down to make my turn. I was very tempted to finish the race, but my coworker and I were hungry. I can't call it a kill, because I started ahead of the M5 and we never finished, but I guarantee you it was a fairly even match. I assume his workplace is within a few blocks of mine, so we'll inevitably tangle again. I can't wait. I can guarantee that he was probably scratching his head, wondering why he couldn't catch up to a W124 on an open road.

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1994 E500

Be careful. It depends on the model of M5. The latest 400HP M5 will beat a 500E/E500 and kill it in the corners.

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

Neil, of course you're right, but how many people actually BUY those cars that truly know how to drive them? You've got to know which gear, and when, and you need to engage it properly. All we do is drop the hammer and we're gone.

Likely the guy was fuddling around trying to get that right gear, 'cuz he should have stayed with you no problemo.

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"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

Yeah, I know he had the advantage. I wasn't expecting to outrun him. I was satisfied that I was able to pace him though. In a stoplight drag or on a track, the E39 M5 has the advantage over the E500. But that doesn't mean it isn't fun to go at it. My point was that the cars were similar enough in performance that it was an interesting matchup.

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1994 E500

Sorry, amigo, we weren't trying to diminish your experience; actually, we encourage it! It is indeed amazing that an 8-10 year old car can acquit itself honourably against some of today's finest wheels. I've been amazed several times when a non-Z06 'vette couldn't lose me, nor a 996 Carrera!

Now, go find an older M5 and slap him around a bit...

__________________
"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

Well the M5 has a manual transmission... it is cool to have.. but if I had an M5 (which I would really love to... BTW) and saw a.. say.. CLK430... I probably wouldn't be stupid and try to race it especially since I'm not so confident with sticks...

The M5's a nice car to have.. but when the owners think they are king of all 4-doors... that's something else.
In fact, I think if I have the money.. I'd rather have an M5 over the current E55... but the next E55 w/ 476hp is quite different...
But the E500... I'd take that over the M5.. even if it was the newest M5.. i dont even care if it had a Turbocharger and produces 600hp...

Holson, you'd rather have an E500 than the current E55? Wow. I love my car to death, but given the choice, I'd probably take the W210. It's at least as fast or faster, and it has cupholders. But I did choose the E500 over a "normal" W210 (along with a host of other candidates).

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1994 E500

I drove a friend's 2001 M5 (down in Chicagoland area) and I was left speechless. Lord, that car was fast, esp. for a sedan. I hope the next E55 does indeed have some serious HP, becauase this car can just about smoke anything.

No offense to any E55 participants here, but I would ABSOLUTELY take an E500 over an E55. I mean, really-look at the cars. Park an E55 next to an E320, and compare. Now, park an E500 next to a W124 E320. An order of magnitude more character, the E500. Much more special, much more custom, much more hairy-chested and all that. Whereas an E55 is an E320 with a more robust drivetrain, tighter suspension and some distinct interior bits, an E500 is a completely different animal altogether from the more pedestrian variants.

I really wish there was a 4-door Mercedes Hot Rod that I aspired to, but it simply hasn't arrived yet. Maybe the next E?

__________________
"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

Michael speaks the truth!

and keep in mind...500e owners are not biased whatsoever!

-fad

Don't get me wrong brothers of the Benz...

I'd still rather have a 500E, moreso than the M5 and an E55. The history of the car is so unique plus you can't beat those killer fenders.. I could go on and on...

If I stretched things a bit (and brainwashed my wife) ownership could be a reality, but as an adult student in grad school, it would be too much of a distraction My time will come.

Count me lucky, I found a 500E that's an off-beat color (Wineberry/ a dark metallic purple), and my wife likes it. Moreover, she likes how smooth and how much torque it has. It has now become her car, and I drive the wagon.

But things will change when the baby comes . . .

Whatever you do, don't have her fill-up the tank. I made the mistake and she can't believe it get 16-MPG or less in town.

Bid your time,

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

Careful if you let the wife drive the 500-tough to get her out

Her quote..."it just feels so light..." Torque will do that.

__________________
"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

It never fails to amaze me how much adoration this car enjoys from those in the know. Even moreso than newer, technologically superior peers like the E55 and E39 M5. All of that may be put to rest, however, when the E50 AMG hits the streets with its 400+ hp supercharged 5.0L V8.

My friend is complaining about her car moving in "slow motion" after riding around in the 500 a few times.

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1994 E500

it's funny (or maybe it isn't), but most of the people i've posed the question to DO prefer the W124 500E/E500 over the current W210 E55. Myself included. I have to admit that I would not trade in a 500E/E500 for an E55 if given the chance. Even if it were a straight trade.

Although the E55 is a faster car built on newer technology with a more powerful engine, it doesn't feel like a Benz. It doesn't have the intangible quality that made the 500E/E500 special.

Yes, the E55 is an AMG, but the 500E/E500 was designed with the help of and assembled at Porsche. When is THAT collaboration likely to be repeated?

An E430 sport could easily be mocked up to look like an E55, but there's NO mistaking a 400E/E420 for a 500E/E500.

Furthermore, a 500E/E500 is not as refined and cushy feeling as an E55. In my opinion anyways. I find the 500E/E500 to have more of an edgy feel to it. Sort of like a barely contained beast that you need to have a great deal of respect lest it bite you. The E55 on the other hand feels too...tame.

Finally, the quality of the more recent MB products has been less than stellar. I find the older Benzes to be of surperior build quality and I don't think I'd be alone in feeling that the W124 series was the last of the Benzes that had all of the qualities that made past Benzes what they were.

Anyhow...that's my opinion.

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'94 W124.036 249/040 leder; 8.25x17 EvoIIs
'93 W124.036 199/040 leder; 8.25x17 EvoIIs, up in flames...LITERALLY!
'93 W124.036 481/040 leder; euro delivery; 8.25x17 EvoIIs
'88 R107.048 441/409 leder; Euro lights
'87 W201.034 199/040 leder; Euro lights; EvoII brakes; 8x16 EvoIs - soon: 500E rear brakes
'70 R113.044 050/526; factory alloys; Euro lights