I was on my way back from my lunch break about an hour ago, driving up PV Dr. I caught a silver W210 with the older AMG kit in my rearview, leading me to believe that it was a '99 E55. It turned out to be a '96-97 E420 with sport package, but I digress. So the E420 catches up to me at the next light and signals for me to roll down my window. The driver was an older gentleman (60+), and he asks me, "Hey buddy, is that really a 500?" I nod, and he gives me a thumbs up and says, "Nice car." The light has already turned green, and the cars behind us are honking their displeasure, so the driver of the E420 gives me a shrug and we're off. I pulled him with authority, slowed down to let him catch up, and he gives me another thumbs up and tries to say something but I can't hear. Anyway, it was nice to get props from an older enthusiast, as the younger kids all think I drive a 300E.

So as I continued to make my way back to the office, I was weaving through slower traffic through the twisty hill roads in PV when I came upon and passed a fully modded blue Civic Si (older 2-dr coupe, not the new hatchback). As I expected, he decides he wants to play and does his best to catch up. I let him, as I'm feeling festive. After all, there aren't a whole lot of cars that can accelerate up a hill like a 500E, and a Civic Si, modded or not, is not one of them. I toyed with the poor sap all the way up the mountain and even caught his girlfriend laughing in the passenger seat as he tried repeatedly to pass me to no avail. I was messing around mostly in 3rd and 4th, but on a straighter part of the road, I kicked it down to 2nd and pulled the Civic so severely, I almost felt bad.

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1994 E500

LOL!!!

Great story!

Enthusiasts will always know.

Alon

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'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon

Yeah, nice story, especially how you schooled the Ricer.

My 500 is cloaked (de-badged) and a couple of weeks ago I was fueling up in the Hollywood Riviera (just at the base of Palos Verdes) and this clean 80's SEL pulls up behind me. The man with a thick German accent, said "hey, nice 500E". To see if he really new his pedigree, I asked him "what gave it away?". He said "first it was the license plate (MBZ SLPR) and then it was when I saw the flared fenders". He told me later that he is a 2nd tier car dealer who specializes in MBZs and Bimmers.

Running through the streets of PV truely is a blast, especially through Portugese Bend.

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1992 500E (Daily Driver)
2004 Porsche RUF 955 Dakara 550

Hey PV'ers, sounds like we should try to do a lap of the peninsula again sometime soon. Last year I tried, but it was finally just Guido and me on an early Sunday morning. GTG now that the days are getting longer?

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Mark Stetson
1995 E320 Wagon Moonstone Grey/Parchment 106K mi.
2007 E63 AMG Graphite/designo 75K mi

I'm up for meeting in PV some weekend. I'm usually up in that area once a month. Besides some fantanstic views along the coast, especially if the marine layer is gone, you can almost reach out and grab Santa Catalina Island. There are some great places to meet and photo your cars too ... ie show'n shine.

In September, I usually attend the Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance which in now held at the wanna be Pebble Beach golf course called Ocean Trails. Trump just bought it. Anyways, here's the link ...

www.pvconcours.com

Each year the event honours a specific make of car. One year, I saw over a dozen 300SLs ... a mix of Gull Wings and Roadsters (which is one of my favorite MBZs, besides the 540k ... see below)

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1992 500E (Daily Driver)
2004 Porsche RUF 955 Dakara 550

My office is in PV, and I'm currently in the process of purchasing a home here, so I'm down for a GTG or fun run anytime. I'm only now beginning to get acquainted with some of the roads on the peninsula, and so far they've been fantastic. I just saw another Pearl Black '94 on my way to the office this morning, which adds to the Smoke Silver '94 I've seen around here a few times and of course Mr. Stetson's car. Once I move into my new place, that'll make four 500s on the peninsula (with many others hiding in garages I'm sure), and Guido's a stone's throw away. Anyway, I'd love to get together and compare notes and such. And if we do decide to take some laps, whoever has the V1 leads the way!

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1994 E500

I believe that there are more than four 500E / E500 in the Palos Verdes Penninsula. I have been watching regulary at least half a dozen of them in my commute to my office. In San Pedro, next to PV there is a guy that takes his 500E from PV every day to his office.

I agree with you guys, around here there are many nice roads to drive, but beware, local police is enforcing the speed limits. Yesterday my wife got a speeding ticket for driving at 49 MPH on a 35 MPH road.

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Ernesto Molina

1993 500E Pearl Black / Alpaca Grey
2001 E55 AMG Brilliant Silver/ Anthracite
2007 SL55 AMG Black / Anthracite

Yeah, when I go from Rancho PV into PV Estates, I immediately slow down to the posted speed. I can't tell you how many times I would see the lurking motorcycle cops shooting motorists with radar and watching for California Stops from a far, at the 4-way stops. Those boys mean business! But the drive is beautiful.

So your wife had a heavy foot with the e420, eh? Give her my regards.

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1992 500E (Daily Driver)
2004 Porsche RUF 955 Dakara 550

Palos Verdes Drive East!!!!!!! Some of the finest twisties on the hill! I grew up there and I can't tell you how many times I've bombed this road in various vehicles. This was our "test track" anytime me or one of my friends modded or got a hold of an interesting car. Wonderful place, lots of great memories!

Man, you SoCal types are pullin' all the FREAKS 'cause your GAME is so STRONG!!!

Give others a chance, Paradise-dwellers!!!

; )

PS - how about some PICTURES???

My GF broke my digicam awhile back, and I've been too lazy to replace it. Shame, since I have made some spicy enhancements to my car in recent months. Speaking of pics, when will you be unveiling your custom interior? Mmmm... two tone...

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1994 E500

...wil be NLT this SUN (16MAR03)!

; )

Count me in guys. I think after the GTG. The IHOP just opened in San Pedro if you guys are gamed. Mark good to hear from you.



Guido

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500E Sold
2006 Mini Cooper S
Modified,pulley,injectors,suspension
2009 E350 Sport AMG package

Guido! Did you sell your car? Glad to see you haunting the board! How 'bout it guys? The IHOP on Western in San Pedro, Sunday at 6:00am? Cross street Crestridge, right? By Peck Park?

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Mark Stetson
1995 E320 Wagon Moonstone Grey/Parchment 106K mi.
2007 E63 AMG Graphite/designo 75K mi

I'm always down for IHOP in the morning, but 6am on a Sunday? Yikes!

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1994 E500