500e or 400e!!!????help! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

daddiojiggy · #1 04-25-2002, 08:52 PM

can you guys help me out?i have a friend that is interested in a 500 or 400e.i told him that i thought i had read somewhere that porshe had done the engine or heads in one of the models.can you guys help me decide which is the better car in terms of uniqueness and value?is the 500e just a bigger 400e or are they different cars?thanks guys/gals!

#2 04-25-2002, 10:55 PM

Totally different cars! Here's some more info: http://www.peachparts.com/500e.htm

I'm sure one of the 500E guys can give more info. They're an enthusiastic group!

I'd like one myself, infact saw a nice '92 the other day at the Minneapolis Golf Club - drool!

zr one · #3 04-25-2002, 11:02 PM

500e all the way ...i love mine,i love it i love it i love it

#4 04-25-2002, 11:22 PM

12 oz. or 16 oz., you make the choice.

aldedmon · #5 04-26-2002, 12:00 AM

I have 2 mistresses and I love them both. They are both quite unique in their own special way.
The lady in RED is hot ,sexy and real head turner, whereas the lady in black is more subdued, but equally sassy and devilishly mysterious. I'll tell ya, I'm the luckest man alive cause I get to call them both mine and they dont fuss or fight. Everyone here will tell you about the lure and appeal of the 500e/e500. The elusiveness, exclusiveness , the pedigree. But there's definitely something to be said as well of the 400e. Its 75% the perfection of the 500e WITHOUT traction control or load leveling. Great V8, Terrific ride, less capitol to invest. But if you just gotta have what is arguably the best benz to come state side in the last XX years, when only the BEST will do.......... the 500e/e500 is the only way to go!

placo1 · #6 04-26-2002, 02:38 PM

I would suggest test driving both, you'll know immediately which one you prefer.

I'll say one thing, after having my 500E a month now I'm so convinced that I'll never find another car that will impress me with its ability as much as this car does. I'ts absolutely an amazing car to drive and the power......its endless.

I do have one problem with the 500E which I'm trying to deal with. The car does not give you any feedback as to how fast your going except for the speedo. I've found myself traveling at 110 far to many times and it scares me to death to think what would happen if an officer was nearby!

-fad · #7 04-26-2002, 02:53 PM

you may wish to turn your friend on to this website, and he/she may use the search to find an almost endless amount of info on both vehicles

to generally position a 500e's uniqueness:
only one MB vehicle of that era was seriously engineered to be the Luxo/Sport Sedan performance top gun

hope this helps
-fad

PS- I've heard that some E class W124 400 series cars were put together/ built in Mexico.

daddiojiggy · #8 04-26-2002, 03:44 PM

thanks to everybody for your time!roas,if i read you right you're telling me it's just a bigger engine.fad-MEXICO-you've got to be kiddin'!what's next?!

-fad · #9 04-26-2002, 04:41 PM

imho- a 500e is much much more of a vehicle than simply a larger engined 400e

(very special/ read: +$$$) :
significant differences exist in these major areas yielding an altogether distinct 500e vehicle,

>suspension/ chassis
>motor
>interior
>wheels
>tires
>steering
>brakes
>lighting
>body sheet metal

-fad

#10 04-26-2002, 06:45 PM

Bad analogy with the beer, what I meant is that "more is better". The 500E is just more car in every respect than the 400E and I mean no disrespect to any 400E owners out there.

The 500E handles better, is quicker to any speed, is faster on the top end, just plain looks better with its muscular styling. Both cars will suit the average driver VERY comfortably and with no fuss whatsoever day in and day out.

What your friend needs to ask himself is, "Is he a average driver or does he deserve something special in Life?"

daddiojiggy · #11 04-26-2002, 08:33 PM

ROAS, BEER???? -i thought we were talking about steaks!

thanks again-gotta go.suddenly i'm hungry AND thirsty!!!

Mike400E · #12 04-27-2002, 12:44 AM

As a recent owner of a '93 400E, and a long time owner of two other 'Benz's, I can say I am extremely pleased with the car. It is fast, quiet, stable, and has the immaculate build quality and finish you expect from Mercedes. The E class may well be Mercedes best all around car, ever. I have not driven a 500E, but I can imagine another 40 or 50HP would turn this already impressive car into a Supercar.

The real question is: How much money does your friend have?! If they can pop for around $30 grand, then by all means, search carefully for a 500E! (And be prepared to travel for the right one!) If their wallet is half that weight, then they will find many excellent 400E's to choose from at $12 - $17. The 5 litre is likely to hold it's value better because it so rare and exclusive. Hard to go wrong either way.

yhliem · #13 05-02-2002, 08:43 PM

Nothing against the 400E, but think of it in terms of the following scenario:

Would you rather have an E420? Or an E55?
How about a later '60's 300SEL? Or a 300SEL 6.3?
Maybe an R107 450SL versus a 560SL?
How about a BMW 325i versus an M3?
A 190e 2.3-8v or a 190E 2.3-16, or 2.5-16, or EvoI, or Evo II?

It's true that a 400E is a great car in it's own right and it's by no means something to denigrate, however if it can be afforded, I'd recommend going for the 500E.

The 500E is a car that is truly legendary because of its history and performance. I've yet to meet a 500E owner that regrets buying it. And that's another thing...there aren't that many 500E owners around.

-fad · #14 05-03-2002, 11:11 AM

yhliem-

are the ride heights and driving experiences "the same" in the N America version 500e vs. the euro delivery 500e?

what are the differences?

tks-fad

yhliem · #15 05-03-2002, 12:14 PM

fad-

honestly, the euro delivery car drives nicer and feels tighter than the NA delivery car. but I attribute that to the fact that the NA car wasn't as meticulously maintained as the Euro Del. The previous owner of the NA Del was a doctor from Hong Kong who spent most of his time there and left the car in the care of his son here in Vancouver. Consequently, the car was driven harder than the Euro Del.

That said, the Euro Dels are built to the specifications of the destination country and there are no differences in build or mechanicals. Sometimes the Euro Dels may have a more obscure colour, one that is commonly available in Europe, but not on the colour palettes here. Which is not to say that the colour is not available here, you can still order them, they're just not widely publicized. At least, they weren't a few years back.

So really, in a nutsheel, there is no difference in the Euro Dels. At least in theory. This is what the sales boys here keep telling us

Since we've never had a pair of cars since new that were matched with one Euro Del and the other NA, this is the best I can give you.