In my opinion, the current E55 is a fine example of an engineering masterpiece, especially if you consider its superb active/passive safety and its performance.

Besides subjective opinions on looks and heritage, I really can't think of one area where the W124 500E beats the W210 E55. The latter is safer, quieter, more comfortable with improved overall balanced performances and I'm sure the W211 AMG version will again improve over the current E55, despite our fear of the supercharged engine, etc.

In regard to squeaks and rattles, last time I was in a friend's no accident low mileage 400E, I heard a fair share of body nosies and it's definitely not as quiet as the current E-class.

I think in most cases, the newer car model usually beats its replacement with rare exceptions perhaps in the case of the Ferrari F40/F50.

A brief 500e/e500 W124 comment: although 500e/e500 worldwide production was at 10,000 units, it is my understanding that we here in N. America were limited to about ~1506 examples 500e/e500 (in aggregate).

Moreover, with significant DOT compliance hoops imposed on importing grey market cars to N. America, it appears that the ~"1506" would be a relatively good number to base a description of the e500/500e vehicle as, "rare" (setting aside the old world craftsman/coach built porsche/mercedes engineering issue, etc....).

Regardless of model/year/styling/performance, we all manage to enthusiastically enjoy our vehicles inherent engineering and we all want to believe we have a piece of the rock.

-fad

Eric, you really think the F40 is a better example of a Ferrari supercar? The F50 is better in just about every way, acceleration, handling, looks (subjective of course), but hey thats your opinion, but im interested to hear why you think the F40 is better.

What I found very strange was that Ferrari banned anyone from directly comparing the F50 to the F40 on the track when the former was launched. It was quite controversial back then when Ferrari said they would simply not sell another such supercar to a owner who does not comply. One guy, forgot the name but some professional driver who owned both lend his cars to a car magazine and I believe the F40 was actually marginally quicker. The magazine complimented on the rush from the turbo charged V8 but the V12 on the F50, while smooth, did not carry as much punch.

The Ferrari Daytona Spyder is an example of the prototypical "rare" car. There were about 227 0f these cars made. In the 1980's the value soared to over $1,000,000 for a top-notch car. Now, I know they are worth much less.I traded an impeccable 94 E500 with 39,000 miles a year ago for $34,500 after trying to get a retail offer for 6 months with no success. These are simply not "rare" cars and the 500E/E500 market is much broader than the Ferrari Spyder market, with the 1500 or so imported to the US, plus all the European and other units extant. In 15 years or so, these units can be imported to the US without modification, if current laws remain in effect.
Enjoy your 500E/E500s, guys and gals. They are great cars and the Porsche connection makes them desirable compared to the E55s. I just don't think they will ever be megabuck collectibles.

When MBZ releases the next E-Class E500 (W211) with a 5.0 liter engine the other makers will be caught short! The BMW 5-Series will be changed the following year and BMW does not have a V8 larger than the current 4.4 liter (excluding the bored out M5 engine). Lexus does not make an engine larger than their current 4.3 liter and Jaguar has no 5.0 liter V8. The E-Class E500 will be the luxury mid-size class leader once again until BMW builds a 550i, Lexus has a GS500 in the showroom and Jaquar has something called the S-Type 5.0 available.

Just think, there will also be a ML500 SUV!

Then again, I wish they would update the 5.0L engine a little too. All they are going to do is drop it in the E-class body without any modifications, just like how the put the 3.2L engine in the C320. Then we have to wait at least 4 years to get a whole new engine. I guess MB is spending all their time on developing the GDI engines. Maybe by 2005, almost all of the MB lineup will consist of the GDI engines, because MB should really be updating their engines.

Hey SV,

The 5.0 liter engine is the newer type with 3 valves/2 plugs per cylinder. This engine technology first appeared in the 1998 model year. However, the first 5.0 did not appear until the 2000 S500 (excluding the bored out 1999 E55 5.5).

The GDI engines you mention, is that the same as the "direct injection" engines? What would be the benefits of the GDI engines besides a little more HP & torque and a little better gas mileage and emissions?

this thread has stuck in my head for some reason... As a 500E owner, I think a lot about my investment, ya-da ya-da ya-da...

My perception is that 500E/E500 owners are NOT under some impression that in a few years our vehicles will be work $50,000 with 150K miles; the cars are just plain fun to drive AND I guess if you have to worry about something, this is a FINE car to worry about!

The 500E is my fourth MB. I cut my teeth on a '86 300E, migrated to a low mileage '87 300SDL, became the custodial parent for a low mileage '79 450SL and the 500E. They are all fine cars... I probably miss the 300SDL most of all; what a piece of art THAT was...

You really can't compare a 300/400E to a 500E as far as attention to detail because they are so different... However, the 119, with the right owner, will be a LONG time performer. Strapped inside of a porsche-engineered suspension however makes a HUGE difference...

(here comes the sexist remark THe 500E is like a women... if you get a low mileage one (independent of age, mind you..) and pamper and take care of it, it will perform and be the trophy-companion all us ugly guys have always wanted..... oops.. gotta go... need another beer!!

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Mark Herzig
1995 E300D 153K
1985 300D 142K (sold)
1979 450SL 122 miles (sold)
1992 500E 127K (sold)
1987 300SDL 132K (sold)
1986 300E 161K (sold)

I know the 5.0L engine was updated with the 3 valves per cylinder and 2 spark plugs per cylinder, but we have not gotten an all new engine for a while now. The 5.0L engine has been around since the R129 SL came out in 1989. It had 320 HP. Then a couple years later, they changed something due to emissions and power fell to 315. Then when they updated to the 3 valve layout, power went down to 302. The power of the 5.0L engine has not increased ever since it came out. They should have increased it gradually over the years. I hope that will all change with the GDI engines. These are the same as the direct injection engines. The benefits are just some more power and more gas mileage. But what's exciting is that the engine that features GDI will be all new. So it will probably have a sophisticated valve timing system like Porsche and BMW already have, and also, I read MB is switching to the 4 valve/DOHC layout with the all new engines so we should see major power increases across the line of MB engines.

I have yet to confirm about E500(as well as rest of W211), however, ML500 is CONFIRMED!!! Should see those babies rolling into showroom in Fall...

Andy Kuo

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1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
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2002 Acura TL Type S
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I have heard from fairly a reliable source in MBUSA that the new E500 will have a detuned version of the SLR engine. He said it was a twin turbo rather than supercharged engine. Also the 3 valve design may be dead at MB due to patent infringement issues.

You probably mean the E50 (AMG version) right? The E500 is just going to replace the E430, it won't be supercharged or turbocharged. I wonder why they would turbocharge it rather than supercharge it.

He said he saw a 210 car badged E500. The car was a twin turbo mule that was being used for a long term test. When he asked he was told that this was the engine for the SLR and (detuned) for the next E500.

I am wondering what patent problems did M-B have with the 3 valve per cylinder idea. MBZ is not like Lexus in that they copy others.


OHHHHHHHH I can't wait for the next E50 AMG. 450-500 ponnies, wow, it will be able to run with a Z0-6. HEHE That Benz is going to be missile, nobody will be able to match Mercedes in innovation and engine design in a few years. The new direct injection engines will ne superior to anything on the market.

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"Damn the torpedos, four bells full speed ahead"
-Admiral Farragut




-1987 300E Smoke Silver
-1997 S320 Black on Black
-Soon To be E55 AMG
-27 foot Grady White Offshore Sportfish.