I may have to concur/sympathize with Tracy's 500e experience (as just being ok), if....one's experience is limited to 'ridden' in such a car

naturally, 'driving' a correct 500e offers a completely different motoring experience- -

indeed, its very likely that many 500e/e500 owners are not financially limited to the 500e/e500 vs. newer models; regardless of the the newer model MSRP's- I find myself not warmed by the materials used in the newer models...over close the hood of an SLK32?

fwiw- I spoke to a gentleman last Saturday that passed on he found a '94 E500 with like ~19k original miles for sale- - asking price: $60K

-fad