Which do you think would perform better. Granted the 98+ C43 is a smaller car, but their is almost a 400 lbs difference. Wouldn't that make it more nimble then the 94+ E500. On the other hand, the 94-95 E500 was influenced alot by Porsche and is very performance oriented as well as the AMG C43. The C43 has the 5-speed auto while the E500 has the 4-speed. I like the 4-speed cause I can shift on my own, but I think there would be an advantage to having a 5-speed.

The C43 has some cheap touches in the interior while the E500 is a pure German interior that has the hand-made feel to it.

With some serious rubber on the E500, would the C43 be out performed? You can get 275s on the E500 without to much problem while the C can handle much wider then 255s. Would operating costs be more on the C43 or the E500.

They are both worth about the same in the current market, while the C43 could be found with less miles and it is a newer car. The E500 has the raw power and an original price of $80k. I haven't sold my car yet, but since we are considering the possibilities, I became more focused on the 2.

The only reason I ask is that people down the street from us just got an E55 (and his wife got an S500 last year) and wants to sell his C43 or the E500 (its kind of wierd living in a neighboorhood where a 190E and MLs are considered a common cars) and my dad likes them both. (I wish I were home to test drive them with him :D )

------------------
Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
- 93 190E 2.6 (4-sale) w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
- had a 93 190E m103 3.2, 5-speed trans,
- had a 88 300E 2.6
- had a 84 300TD w/275k+ miles
- 2001 C-Class - Maybe (if 190E sells)

I would go for the E500 for sure. E500/500E is very unique Mercedes. And in the future, there might not be one Mercedes that's as unique as this one. Sure C43 has alot more goodies, and might be more nimble to toss around when compare stock-to-stock with E500, in the long run, I think you will be more satisfy with E500's rare-breed nature, and excellent power.

Andy Kuo

------------------
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
<LI>Pearl Grey/Black Leather
</UL>
ICQ#26950002
Mercedes Owners ICQ ActiveList ID#61730549
Mercedes S-Class Page
http://drive.to/akry
http://akry.homestead.com

I am also obviously a 500E fan; what did it for me is not only the power and handling but the uniqueness of the thing. Remember; the car was built to be the factory answer the AMG Hammer; the car had no influence from AMG beyond the fact that assuredly the MBZ engineers probably bought a real Hammer and tore it down for ideas. The car was constructed of MBZ parts, but the parts were SPECIFIED by Porsche, who did all the chassis development work. Further, 500Es were handbuilt in the very same Porsche factory that the legendary 959s were built, and by the same hands. The cars arrived at the Stuttgart Porsche factory as body-in-white 300Es, and were then modified by Porsche to allow for the M119 drivetrain and given the flared fenders and custom suspension bits too numerous to list. Jeez, they were even manually pushed from station to station on carts! They were then shipped back to Mercedes for final assembly, then took another trip across town back to Porsche for final testing, tuning and elimination of ANY defects. In short, a handbuilt car.

History is one thing; driving is another. Since I do mucho highway driving, if I were to pick between a 500E and C43 on this criteria alone it'd be a no-brainer; the 500E OWNS the highway. But around town, no doubt a C43 is a nimble dance partner.

Drive both, then decide. It's the only way you'll feel good about the decision.

------------------
Best regards, Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE

Yeah. E500 is so unique in its own way thought not as nimble as the AMG Cs. It's its flared fender look that I like so very very much. Everytime I see one I want one. If opportunity comes I think I will get one & modified for leisure fun!

Best regards,
ET

Having owned both a 500E and C36 (and driven a couple of C43's) my nutshell is that they are different animals. Which is better depends heavily on what you find most appealing/important. In order of age:

The 500E/E500:
The car is heavy and it is evident in its handling feel. Though it can outhandle many cars designed solely for corner-conquering don't expect the feel of a Miata. Tossable is not something that comes to mind. Gas mileage and tire wear are the side effects of gonzo power and high curb weight. In hot climates with aggressive use high engine temp can be a problem but only under the most extreme conditions. That is about it for "down side". Everything else is upside. Power...it hits about as hard as the C43 does at its best off the line but when that V8 hits about 3500rpm and the valve timing kicks in it will destroy a C-AMG no problem. (no matter what RPM the C is at) From any highway speed the 500E is nearly untouchable. They are super "tight" after 100K+ miles which cannot be said of W202 AMG cars. The paint, interior fit/finish, and whatnot are leagues ahead of the W202's. By the numbers...handling 8.0 (on stock tires)8.5-9.0 on 17"s, brakes 8.0-9.0 depending on aluminum calipers vs 600SL ware, power 9.5, build quality 9.5. One other thing to consider is that a W202 AMG will depreciate more than any 500E/E500 will simply because it is newer and depreciating quicker all things being equal. In my opinion, all things are not equal and the 500E will ALWAYS be more of a classic than the C43/36's.

The C43:
This car is much lighter and has a more nimble handling feel. Though the raw numbers may not be much different (especially if the 500E has 17"s) the impression is of a smaller/lighter more tossable car. Handling is also more gradual/forgiving on the AMG's. The C43 leaps off the line hard but does not pull comparably after that. Its brakes will have the most bite of just about any MB available but that becomes more tire limited given the brakes huge potential. (read: buy good rubber!) The C cars will have more modern options (HID headlights, 5-speed tranny, etc) but the build quality is nowhere near the older cars in my experience. Not just the materials used... Rating by the numbers...handling 8.5, brakes 9.5, power 8.5-9.0, build quality 7.0. The C's are more nimble, scoot nicely off the line, and are more modern.

Final thoughts...the power from the 500E is just plain seductive/intoxicating. The handbuilt nature of the 500E is also a big plus. They eat gas, tires, and about anything on the highway. With better tires and some very minor tweaks they can match (or beat as our Shop Forum members have tested) the E55. That alone is noteworthy but I'm sure the same debate arose between 6.3 and 6.9 owners decades ago. The C43 will be more modern and have a lighter handling feel. They "feel" just as powerful as the 500E due to how they step off the line but under the test gear (read: GTech) the 500E's are just plain faster. If all of your driving is in tight stop/go traffic you might be better served by a C43. If you have lots of highway miles, the 500E is the ultimate stock benz. Having had both, in retrospect the C-AMG's are fun but there is something about the 500E that captures your heart. Styling I leave up to your own opinion but its one of those classic vs new/modern issues. Bottom line....drive both and see which one of these fine machines presses your buttons the best. If you can't decide I'll sell you my C36 and get another 500E.

Guess that casts my vote...Lee

Thanxs for the info, up in Delaware/Philly area, there are alot of small roads where I take delight in the driving a car at its max thrugh the twists. On the highway, I love when a car handles a 4-lane change at the slightest ease. I am truly a nimble-minded guy :) but love the power. The C43 has 4k miles on it while the 94 E500 has 42k miles on it. The only problem is that when Winter time comes around, we are going to have a couple of problems. When it snows even the lightest, we get an icy mix due to the hill-like terrain in our area. I just wanted to know is the ASR as effective as today's ESP. I remember we bought our 93 190E 2.6 during the blizard if 93 and when nobody wanted a RWD car. We tested both the ASR and non-ASR 2.6 and didn't find to much of a difference except that the ASR version applied the brakes earlier then you would. Once the ASR kicks in though, it was relatively too late. The ESP worked much better but it still isn't a 4wd car. We really don't want to be driving these vehicles in winter-like conditions, but it doesn't snow that much around here. I don't see a need to have to have a spare car like we did with the 190E. I have driven a C43 before, but not an E500/500E yet. I liked the V8 power but It just didn't feel any quicker then an M3. The C43 felt powerful but it also felt like it was trying hard to keep up with an M3. While driving an M3 it felt like it enjoyed racing and didn't feel overworked. That was when we compared the M3 and C43 side-by-side courtesy of the Dealer who had a used 98 M3 sedan (auto) traded in (for an E55 too.)

But the car really isn't mine (I wish it were) but rather my dads. He likes to cruise at high speeds (80-90) and isn't as much of a handling geek as I am. He would rather enjoy fast 0-60s w/o (no brkae stances for him though) and beat the pants off a vette, Jag, Caddy, or Bimmer. He likes the creture comforts that a car has inside and functionality is very important to him. I believe that is why an E500 would better suit his needs. The only thing is he is tired of the less-modern (I am going to say boxy for the lack of a better word) of the w124 and w201. For that matter he doesn't like the w202 as much as the new w220 (which he is still on the waiting list for) and I am wondering he just might be better off in an S-class then an E500.

He was interested enough to call me and let me know of the offers on the 2 cars and he has become impatient on waiting for the S-class V12 to come out. My mom is starting to get use to the ML430, and isn't complaining as much about it. So I think she is happy with that and isn't going for a new C-class anymore.

With that said we have 2 cars and 3 (my folks and me when I am off college this summer, then I will have up here in DC for the rest of the years) drivers and Someone is getting a new car. I want to sell the 190E and move into something a little more "daring" and am seriously considering a used 96+ M3 (thay wanted to know if I would be happy with the Company Truck, me in a F350 Super Duty Crew Cab do not mix :rolleyes: ) with a 5-speed manual. Right now, everybody knows what they want, it just depends on how soon the delear gets their S600 in stock.

If he doesn't get the S600 this summer I think he might go after that E500. Who knows, wait and see I guess.

Thanxs for the input.

------------------
Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
- 93 190E 2.6 (4-sale) w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
- had a 93 190E m103 3.2, 5-speed trans,
- had a 88 300E 2.6
- had a 84 300TD w/275k+ miles
- 2001 C-Class - Maybe (if 190E sells)

Have him drive the E500 on a cool evening. I guarantee he'll be happy...EG. I'd wager the S600 would be more comfortable and spacious than the E500 but when it came down to "pants-ing" other cars, the E500 will do that in spades. As I've said before, killing a showroom fresh Vette is one of the greatest perverse pleasures of 500E/E500 ownership. The E500 will also slaughter the M3 (even the manual) unless the M-car is packing a blower. I've noticed and tested that the C43's are not going any faster than the C36's despite 100lbs less weight and more power in a theoretically flatter curve. Don't know why they are underachieving but I've seen too many doing it to ignore it as happenstance or bad drivers. Then again, Michael's 500E pulled off a 1/4 mile victory against Gary's E55 so it isn't an isolated incedent with that engine family. I saw the timeslip, Michael did launch a bit better than Gary but it wouldn't of mattered much as the 500E just kept opening the gap. Once that M119.974 is "up on its cams" there isn't much that will catch you.

Hope this helps...Lee

Hi Lee,

I don't know if u already known this or not but according to my local service manager, Michael's 92 500E is probably the fastest model yr for 500E/E500. As for the E55 in N.A. is running a rather softer(comfortable) mode than its Euro counterpart. A simple code change can solve that(I am not sure if it will be exactly like the Euro one but the change in throttle response and surge forward feel are so apparant that it makes u wonder how far programing can change a car's behavior).
Also, the new 3v engine has somekind of protactive mechanism/program and is very keen on protecting engine (at least when its new) when suspecious variables are detected and this affects its performance sometimes as well. And not to mention that Gary's boy hasn't been properly run in as Michael's.

Too bad I can't be there to play with the guys. So Garry mabe u can go to ur dealer and find out about the code chage and maybe do a retest with Michael!? There is no doubt in my mind that Michael is a great driver with a quick car but we still got a chance to take him down, haha J/K.

P.S. Noah, have u change the code on ur car?

Happy motoring,

ET

ET,

A simple programing can SURE change a car's behavior. However, sometimes, it will vary on different cars(the same goes for Audi S4, with little tweak on programing, and little tweak on Turbo, 300hp mark can be break with out even put in a new mod part in).

As someone already mentioned, 3-valve twin spark engines stick to the factory performance figure rather then out performe factory figure as in the case of old DOHC V8/V12/even L6. Not that E55 is not a good performer. In fact, it's the best you can get as daily driver, in any road condition(except snow, I guess... :)). But 500E(espeically 1992)just has that little more HP on cool days.... :D

BTW, ET, which dealer do you usually take the car in for service?? Just wondering....

Andy Kuo

------------------
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
<LI>Pearl Grey/Black Leather
</UL>
ICQ#26950002
Mercedes Owners ICQ ActiveList ID#61730549
Mercedes S-Class Page
http://drive.to/akry
http://akry.homestead.com

Hi Andy,

How is going? According to the 2000 brochure the 55 is still the quiest car in the entire Mercedes line up & I will sure like to run some friendly comparison with an E500, haha. so is there anybody with an 500 in Vancouver area!?

BTW, I always go to the one on Broadway. Jimmy(service manager)& Ed(Tech director) did the code change for me.

Happy motoring,

Ed/ET

Well, you new this would generate alot of responses. I have a c43 and have to honestly say the two cars aren't really comparable the 500 great car not high in tork but killer mid range so for highway as the guys have said you really cant beet it plus with the fender flares they look super aggresive. the c43 very snappy leaps of the line mid range ok higher rpm flat which to be honest I think is detuned by the computer with a much less aggresive timing curve in the higher rpm's I honestly feel the car has great potential if somebody ever decides to make a chip. If money isn't an issue I love my C43 and wouldn't trade it for the world , but as everyone said I don't do alot of high way driving. My C43 has taken a bunch of mustangs and grand nationals. I've seen some 500e's run at the drag strip always makes me laugh all the kids bust on the big mercedes and then it just ripps them apart they just kind of shut up and stand then thats when the 30 something old guy (me ) next to them says "see told you so"

C43 and E55 of course!! :D


---WILL

ET,

I have NO COMMENTS on Broadway's service. I am sure they are quit nice to their BIG Clients(E55, W220 S-Class, anything above E430). But they don't treat me with the same respect I excected from Mercedes dealer to owners. I sit there, wait for 1 hour just for someone to look after me??? I told the front desk, and ask them to have at least ONE service advisor to come help me...you know what kinda of responde I got?? "I am sorry, all the advisors are with customers right now!!" when I saw at least 2 are free, sitting there chatting?? Ya...with customers right now?? As if I am NOT a customer?? Well, guess I am NOT a customer there any more....

I strongly advice you pay Richmond Mercedes a visit(ask for Nelson or C.C. Cheng), and you will truely feel(at least they make me feel so)that service has never been so easy and well, if you called it, user-friendly(or should I say owner-friendly).

JEFF,

Alot of ricers out there, when seen a 500E, they take it lightly as they think it's just another bulky Mercedes 4-door-box-on-wheel. And that's the way I like it. Exact sleeper look is what facinate me about 500Es.

Even I got pick(why'o why, I asked)by some young guy in SLK230 a while back ago. He pulled next to me at the light, rev his 4 bangers in Neutral. As I am on the outerlane, and the lane will merge in a block or so. So, I put into 1st, once the light is green, I nail it and dust that SLK. Later we pull over and talked. That guy thought that I have a S320/300SE because he didn't know 400SE was imported ONLY in 1992. And he still wouldn't believe me 'til I opened up the hood, and show him that DOHC V8.....

Be aware, 500E is a killer.... :D

Andy Kuo

------------------
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
<LI>Pearl Grey/Black Leather
</UL>
ICQ#26950002
Mercedes Owners ICQ ActiveList ID#61730549
Mercedes S-Class Page
http://drive.to/akry
http://akry.homestead.com

I think the service at the Broadway dealership is quite good actually. The only other place that I have ever taken my Mercedes for service is the new dealership in Burnaby on Boundary Road, where I found the service to be VERY bad, and very "impersonal". I've never tried out the the Richmond dealership for service (I'm assuming you guys are talkin' about the one in the Richmond Auto Mall). However, I have had experience w/ C. C. Cheng, who use to be a mechanic w/ the BMW dealership next door. He was very friendly, and gave personal attention to my BMW. I would highly recommend him.

------------------
1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 (W124 - Black Pearl/Black)

Hi Andy & Duck,

I think the most unfriendly face in Broadway Mercedes is Susan at the desk, haha.
J/K, (I trust u guys won't tell her about my post, haha). I can imaging why u might be upset because I do notice that they are pretty busy people & most of them have poker face on(due to the work load I presume). But once u get to know them a bit better u know they are dedicated people. And I really don't think they will treat u less because u bring in a small benz. Every Mercede is a Mercedes.

Nevertheless, I will check out the service at Richmand if possible. Boy, still more than 10000 km to go before my 1st schedaled service... How did they do this still puzzles me.

Happy motoring,

Ed/ET

So next time we stop by Broadway MB, I'll tell Susan ET with the E55 says hi?

What kind of service do you guys get. I know for our ML, every service that we drop the car off (and for the recall job that needed to be done) we were/will always be given a loaner car. Usually its a used C220 or C230 (Sometimes we get used w124s, like a 300D 2.5 or a E320) and we get to use it as long as the car is in the shop. Did I mention it free :D as well. Our dealer is nice enough, that whenever the car gets dirty, we can drive by and drop of the car and they will clean it for us as well (which is why I don't wash it that much myself anyways.) We get Free Shuttling and food. Whenever we are waiting, we usually end up test driving a ar for the hell of it as well. Usually S500, CL500, or an E430 Sport. Always try something different.

As far as the work goes, they do a great job, but sometimes end up going through trial and error. My only real problem is in the summer with 90+F and high humidity weather and when the car overheated once. They oculdn't figure out what was wrong except that I had a pressure build up in my radiator. Replcaed, hoses, tanks, the works. Fianlly the added more pressure by forcing water through it, and out came a melted plastic washer.

I never really had problems ith my dealer, and they are even helpful enough to recieve my dads faxes when he is waiting there he needs something faxed to him. Our dealer really is great.

------------------
Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
- 93 190E 2.6 (4-sale) w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
- had a 93 190E m103 3.2, 5-speed trans,
- had a 88 300E 2.6
- had a 84 300TD w/275k+ miles
- 2001 C-Class - Maybe (if 190E sells)

ET,

You are absolutely right. That front desk girl sure is something(not the look..DOH...I am too truthful again.. :D). ET, I bought the car at the dealership and have it serviced there since new('til finally I got PO). Everytime I was there, no one even look at me?? I always setup appointments before hand, and I am ON time with my appointment, but still have to wait for another 1 1/2 hour for someone to finally confront with me and help me out?? It's not service, that's dis-respect. And all I can say is that you have E55, that makes the difference. In 15 years period, when a E55 is about 10 grand on the market, I don't believe you will get the same respect from them....IMO....though I have to admit that Jimmy is very helpful, and couple other service advisors are very friendly.

But again, think of it. When my car was shaking bad, and I took it the the North Van Mercedes, the service advisor went to do test drive with me right away(BTW, the guy's name is Grahm), point out the problems(which turned out to be bad Caps and plug connectors). He even lead me to their working area after they took off the caps, and show me how the caps affect the car. After new caps are in, Grahm wouldn't let me pay, WHY?? Because he wanted to do test drive with me AGAIN, just to make sure everything runs well before I left. Though I have to go back again the day after because of another bad connector, which is changed FREE(about 50 bucks included taxes and labour). And I never received this type of treatment at Broadway....I wonder WHY....

I am not say that Broadway Mercedes doesn't do a good job when doing services(though I have my car wheels balanced there, and 4/5 times there are NO weights on the rims...go figure). In fact they used to be the best. But I don't think they treat customers' cars as if of their own. And they don't give a damn about how customers feel. They just want to rush your car out of their lot and do the next car.

C.C. Cheng is very knowledgeable, and friendly. He always go through everything with me(BTW, did I mentioned that Ed never explained to me what they do on my car for routine services)before the car is put into the shop. And explain in detail after the car is ready to be handed back to me. That's what I call taking care of customers' cars, and because of it, I trust C.C. Cheng so much, I let him decided what to do. Whatever is needed to be taken care of, he can just go ahead without notify me. And still, he saved me alot more money than when I was with Broadway Mercedes.

DuckMuck,

When I have a problem with the car, and phoned in for service advisor to give some feedback, 3/5 of the time, I don't get a phone call back at all. And 2/5 of the time, they won't call me back 'til 2-5 days later!!! What I expect is that, when I phoned, and Mercedes told me to leave message and wait, I expect they to give me a call back in the same day. I ain't gonna sit there just to wait for them.....Again, I can't help it but compare this matter with North Van Mercedes, which I got a phone call back 15 min later after I phoned.

You ever heard of 3-day service on battery?? They need 3 days just to check if my old battery is ok, or need to be replaced(ya ya ya, when my car will just die when leave it sit for 2 days?? Of course it needs to be changed..)...

So, Broadway is the only one I am having trouble dealing with, and I am sure they ain't gonna touch my car ever again.

As for Burnaby Mercedes, they are new, but the lady at the front desk isn't that friendly at all('til the point when she knew I am a friend of C.C. Cheng).

Well, I think I post enough. Now here are couple stories from Mercedes.

1st is related to Broadway. The last service I ever have there is the battery thing. When I was picking up my car, and waiting for Ed to get back to me. I overheard 2 service advisor discussing what they should do about a 1992 500SEL as when they were just about ready to hand the car back in an hour, they wrecked the car, and the rear bumper felt off, and would need some body-work on the rear-right fender. Hm....what a service...

Secondly one just happened recently. When I have my oil changed done at Boundary Mercedes. One of the sale person was having trouble locking a ML-Class, so he went back in, hope to find the right remote, or at least a working one. When he came back out, the ML is gone, and everyone rushed to the back, and started looking for that car. But looked like it's STOLEN.....not sure if they found the car later that day as my car was about ready by that time......

I strongly advice everyone to give Richmond Mercedes(in Automall)a try.....

Andy Kuo

------------------
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
<LI>Pearl Grey/Black Leather
</UL>
ICQ#26950002
Mercedes Owners ICQ ActiveList ID#61730549
Mercedes S-Class Page
http://drive.to/akry
http://akry.homestead.com

Hi guys,

Andy, guess u really had some bad experience with them. I don't think they will be shallow enough to judge a person base on the car but I do know a lot of people in our age do that though.

Maybe we should all go to Charlie's dealer because if Eric actually has his small talk with Susan I doubt I will be getting any service at all, haha. Maybe u can introduce me to CC Cheng sometime in the future!?

P.S. I do hope I have something else 15 yrs later though. Don't wanna be Al Bundy's Chinese counterpart, J/K.

Happy motoring,

ET

[This message has been edited by ET (edited 05-11-2000).]

ET, I'm sure after my small talk with Susan, the service you receive at the MB on Broadway will only get better.. Should I tell her you or Andy have a crush on her?

Hi Eric,

Hahaha, yeah, tell her that Andy has a crush on her please.

Happy motoring,

ET

DOH DOH DOH DOH DOH...... :D

So, I will get better service and discount, too??? :p

When ya guys have your next service up, go to Richmond one, and I will introduce ya to C.C. Cheng and Nelson... :)

Happy Motoring.....

P.S. Still drooling over E55s....

Andy Kuo

------------------
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
<LI>Pearl Grey/Black Leather
</UL>
ICQ#26950002
Mercedes Owners ICQ ActiveList ID#61730549
Mercedes S-Class Page
http://drive.to/akry
http://akry.homestead.com

Andy, I cold-called CC Chung yesterday and tried to sweet talk him into letting me disable Daytime Running Lights without luck..

I hope we'll hook you up with Susan and she'll get the mechanics to do it for us..

Andy/Eric/ET,
Though I have not seen this person (Susan) I know ***EXACTLY*** what you mean by the super attractive females at some of these MB dealers/independents. As many as I've seen I'm beginning to think its a requirement for the position. Anyone in the ATL area should know what/who I mean at RBM....EG

Go get her Kuo!

Lee

Hehehe... That's one part of customer service too.

Oh My Oh My Oh My....I can't wait.. :D

It's getting interesting....

Andy Kuo

------------------
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
<LI>Pearl Grey/Black Leather
</UL>
ICQ#26950002
Mercedes Owners ICQ ActiveList ID#61730549
Mercedes S-Class Page
http://drive.to/akry
http://akry.homestead.com

Lee, you have made a very intelligent observation, and most of these MB receptionist are indeed very attractive! Should we have a little contest here? Whoever can post a pic of the best looking MB receptionist wins a MercedesShop T-shirt?

Andy, go Andy!

Yeah, that will be fun.

Cheers,
ET

Just to add my $.02 to this long and misguided thread :D
I met someone at Pocono Raceway who has a C36 AMG with 3000 miles in his garage for sale...seems that his wife didn't like it, too small. He's about to order an E55. I asked him if he ever drove (or would be interested in)the 500E and he said he drove a 500 and it was much slower than the E55. I told him of my experience with Michael and his 500 (the one he drove must have been broken). I'd pick the AMG over the 500 because of potential parts availability problems in the future. It might not apply here, but try to get a water pump for a ZR-1-HA! Got to love the DOHC though, what the heck-get em both!
When I have the chance, I'm going to bring in the E55 to have the computer tweaked out. As it is, my wife can't drive it in sport mode, she's always in "W".
As for the "thinks she's a "10"" receptionists in high-end dealerships, been there, done that! What I lke to do is take 'em for a little ride. They'll always remember you after that, trust me on this ;)
Gary

------------------
http://clubs.snap.com/mercedesbenze55registry/index.lhtml
00 AMG E55
96 DCM Impala SS
94 ZR-1
81 Corvette Cpe

Let's get our digital cameras out(DOH, don't have one yet.. :(), and start shooting photos.... :D

Any one gonna lend me his???

Andy Kuo

------------------
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
<LI>Pearl Grey/Black Leather
</UL>
ICQ#26950002
Mercedes Owners ICQ ActiveList ID#61730549
Mercedes S-Class Page
http://drive.to/akry
http://akry.homestead.com

Andy, you'll have to ask Susan for her picture yourself..

Right guys...maybe we should have a new page called "Chix of MercedesShop.com"...where we post profiles and pix of MB receptionists :eek:

(anyways, how HOT is this Susan???)

------------------
1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 (W124 - Black Pearl/Black)

Hey guys...what about the cars???

Listen, I need some advice on life after 200 kph. I've been doing some high speed testing of the Michelin Pilot
Sports and notice that my E500 gets pretty floaty around 225 kph (140 mph).
Would a rear ducktail work with the W124 body style or does the sedan shape mess up the rear airflow too much? Would it be better to manage airflow under the car with an airdam? I'll need to sustain an average 120 mph for 90 miles at the Silver State Classic road rallye this September in Vegas and would like to stay tight to the road!!

------------------
Dean Albrecht
94 E500
99 ML320

Dean, I don't think it's the brand, the Michelin Pilot Sports are OEM on the M5 and the E55 so I would guess it's a decent tire.

Perhaps you need slightly wider tires and a stiffer suspension?

I envy you can take your car to 225km/h, here in BC, we don't have the opportunity.

By the way, does anyone know if those Uniden Beartrackers Police Radio Scanners work well in Canada?

Sounds like it might be an over inflation problem. try lowering the tire pressure by 2-3 lbs. and see what happens. Silver State classic, eh? I'm gonna try to plan ahead for that event! Hope to see you there!
Gary

------------------
http://clubs.snap.com/mercedesbenze55registry/index.lhtml
00 AMG E55
96 DCM Impala SS
94 ZR-1
81 Corvette Cpe

Yeah, Building a Mercedes "Chictionary" will be fun. BTW, Dean, maybe u can consider lowering ur car to Euro spec cause only they were meant to be driven on the Autoban. Here in N.A. the ride height is noticably higher and at higher speed it will produce greater lift not to mention greater underbody turbulence cause by a gust of wind. However, the stock ride height is just right for city "parking". you don't have to worry about damaging ur bumper by those concrete bars. I have witness my friend's 540's front bumper got partly torn down by those damn things (notice that each one has 2 little steel screws that actually act as hooks). This is why I am not too crazy about lowering my car. But highway safety is more important in this case.

I wonder if there is a way to fit new S500's air suspension on. It is very impressive, it is more comfortable than my 55 around bumpy roads yet offer similiar cornering stability and it is self leveling!

P.S. Susan is a Canadian born Korean or Cantonese(if I remember it correctly). Not drop-dead gorgeous but pretty.

Happy motoring,
ET

Eric,

Actually you can pull that 225km/h on No.1, the section between Langley and Abbsford...I have pull up to the point where the speedo meter is almost vertical...LOL....but the car floats like a Suzuki Swift...

Dean,

Try lower the car, and as Michael suggested, lower the tire pressure.

ET,

Hm...Chixtionary...hm...interesting.. :D If I remember it right, Susan is Cantonese-Canadian....Any one started taking pix yet???

Andy Kuo



------------------
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
<LI>Pearl Grey/Black Leather
</UL>
ICQ#26950002
Mercedes Owners ICQ ActiveList ID#61730549
Mercedes S-Class Page
http://drive.to/akry
http://akry.homestead.com

Andy, is that stretch on Highway 1 better than that 4 lane stretch on I5 on the way to Seattle?

and guys, I'm bringing my car to the Broadway MB dealership this Thursday, if conditon permits, I'll try to take a spy shot of our 'Susan' with my digital camera.. If it turns out to be nice photo, perhaps we can convince mecedesshop to replace the tirerack ad with 'Susan's face? :)

Hahaha... Eric, u have my best wishes on this one, hope this mission is a success.
It is too bad that I have a class on Thursday otherwise I will try to be there to suppport. BTW, we should ask for permission 1st.

Cheers,

ET

Eric,

Nah, the 15 Highway is better. But, that stretch of highway is pretty flat and straight, enough to do 60-250-60(km/h).... :D

But make sure that there are no cops hide under bridges/overpasses...

Maybe open a "Most popular Mercedes receptionist" section.... :) And we can vote to the best....hehe...

Andy Kuo

------------------
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
<LI>Pearl Grey/Black Leather
</UL>
ICQ#26950002
Mercedes Owners ICQ ActiveList ID#61730549
Mercedes S-Class Page
http://drive.to/akry
http://akry.homestead.com

Dean,

Get your alignment checked...a 500E should be stuck to the road like glue at those speeds. Heck, I've never been in another vehicle that made 150 seem so sedate!

I run Michelin Pilot XGT-Z4s and they track beautifully at any speed.

------------------
Best regards, Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE

And back to the cars...

I've tried changing tire pressure in increments between 29 front/30 rear to 37 front/38 rear (recommended on the sticker for driving over 100 mph) but still get the floating sensation.

Renntech sells a lowering kit for $625 - anyone know of another? I have 70,000 km on the stock shocks, should I also get new ones with the springs? Is there really any choice other than Bilstein?

And now, back to Susan... ;)



------------------
Dean Albrecht
94 E500
99 ML320

Whos gonna print this out and mail it to the dealership ?

Then I'd love to see a pic of Andys face when he next goes in ! &lt;grin&gt;

Try lowering the front of the car just a shade.... keep the rear the same. Should REALLY reduce the lift at speed. Michaels right tho, at 150 it should stick. Heck, even my 300CE riding on stock 15in Continentals (Yeah, yeah, I know, but I do 120 miles per day and need tires that last!) feels totally rock solid at 130-140mph. Noisy, but solid.

Bri

------------------
Brian Drought
1991 300CE
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~drought/
ICQ: 2180069

I prefer double adjustable Koni's to the stock Sachs or Bilsteins for the 500E application.

Dean,
The high speed instability sounds VERY odd in a E500. As Michael observed, those cars seem so stable and well planted its spooky. You might want to have the car aligned and put up on a lift for some inspection work. Pilot Sports should be a darn good tire. Road surface can also play a big role. If it is bumpy, has some minor camber changes, elevation changes, etc that can all have a negative effect on stability. Try taking the front tire pressure up to 35lbs and the back up to at least 35lbs if not more. As long as you stay under the max cold psi rating on the sidewall you should be fine. As for suspension, I seem to recall that Tirerack has H&R lowering springs for 500E's and Koni adjustable shocks as well. (fronts only due to the self leveling) Check out their application chart and pricing before going with Harmut.

That said, I prefer to actually go out with the said receptionists... Gary had the right idea on the "taking them for a little ride". Sorry folks, no digital pics. (can picture Bill the Webmaster gritting his teeth at the thought of it) Though link posting, ICQ/AOLIM transfers, etc are not as much under our direct control/liability.

Hope this helps...Lee
ICQ #56802240

PS I'll wager that the individual from RBM will "take the Pepsi challenge" against most any other contender. Perhaps that thread will mirror the "How hard have you pushed your MB"? j/k

Hmmm... This is out of topic again but Eric, how did the photo session go? haha.


Happy motoring,
ET

Well, I took some pictures, not of our pretty receptionist but of my V1/K40 Defuser setup yesterday, met up with Andy and too bad it was raining and my wife was with me, otherwise we could have gone for a little spin.

I may be bringing in the car to change the wiper blade soon and if so, I'll try to get our favourite girl online!

Hehe...

Eric,

Ya, it's too bad it was raining. But it's a pleasure to meet you. BTW, the installments of the V1 is neat. I like it alot... :) For now, I will keep my eyes open when speeding. LOL...

ET,

When will you be free to come out?? Let's meet up again. I am thinking about early June as my Father will be here, and I will have to spend more time with him. :p

Or better yet, see who's service is dued soon, and let's meet up at the dealership. Then maybe out for coffee/brunch/lunch.... :) or even take photos of out "beloved"(!!??) Susan.....LOL

Andy Kuo

------------------
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
<LI>Pearl Grey/Black Leather
</UL>
ICQ#26950002
Mercedes Owners ICQ ActiveList ID#61730549
Mercedes S-Class Page
http://akry.homestead.com
http://akry.homestead.com/files/mercedes_benz_2.gif

Meeting at the dealership sounds good :)