I have a '92 500e with 188,000 miles, paid for, of course. Only mods are H&R springs, K&N filter and AMG Monoblock 17's. I have shopped over the past two or three years for a replacement (E55, M5...) and found nothing that is worth the $$ compared to what I already have and know. The body is in good shape, but for a key scratch on two panels, and the small front panels under the headlights. The interior is great for 188K, mainly some cracked wood trim.
I've had the car down the 1/4-mile several times (best time 14.10 at 99MPH; best MPH 101). It's seen a few road courses as well, and for an automatic, does quite well.
I really like wagons, but I think it would be a major job and $$ to have a performance wagon that I could also drive on road courses. I even thought about taking the front clip (engine, tranny and all) off my car and putting it on a wagon, then adding the rear wheel well flares, but I have no idea if it would even work.
I drive it every day, but like to have the performance. Its due for a service interval and a timing chain, as well as other small items, so I'm thinking now might be a good time to "soup it up" a bit. I would like to keep in under $20K, better if under $15K. I've pretty much decided to keep my car, since its worth nothing on the market, and much more to me. I have another vehicle to drive during the time my 500e is down, and "shadetree mechanic" experience. I do my own oil changes, brake work, exhaust, smog pump, alternator...just no major engine or electrical work.
What should I do?
11-26-2003, 12:17 PM
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