The E500 is a car that deserves special attention. There are legends about the “500th Mercedes”. Even the person whose ideas and knowledge about cars are very superficial can recognize this car. Because the “five hundredth” model of the “Mercedes” of the 124th body, even in our modern age, is one of the most popular cars that were previously produced by the Stuttgart concern.

The history of sedans produced in the 124th body began its annals in 1991. It was at this time that Mercedes-Benz, together with the equally popular Porsche concern, cooperated in the field of creating a special, small sedan series. What did this general project envisage? And it was planned to release a car, under the hood of which a powerful eight-cylinder engine with excellent performance would thunder. However, this turned out to be one of the many features of such an “iron horse” as the Mercedes W124 E500.

The design of this car also received a good sports suspension, an improved transmission and an excellent brake system, on which the engineers worked especially carefully. It is important to note one interesting nuance. The design of the E500 was entirely developed by the engineering group of the Stuttgart company.

Cooperation with Porsche

Of course, specialists from Porsche also took part in the development of the E500. But they only worked on a partial build. Most of their work went into the development of the engine. In general, it is not surprising that the car turned out to be so powerful. Everyone knows that Mercedes and Porsche are concerns that produce really high-quality, reliable and powerful cars. And by combining their forces into a single whole, it turned out to create a real powerful hybrid in terms of technical characteristics. True, not all people know that Porsche specialists also took part in the process of developing the motor.

Bandit "wolves" of the nineties

Not only the E500 was very popular in those days. This “gangster” car has a “brother”. And this is a Mercedes E420. Also made in the 124th body. These cars were nicknamed "wolves". True connoisseurs of quality will remember two bright, impressive cars for a long time. These cars are still positioned above many modern models to this day. These are cars for true adherents of the German "Mercedes" classics. Both the "500" and the 420th Mercedes are machines that compete with many executive class sedans released much later.

Indicators

Speaking about the Mercedes W124 E500, technical specifications should be noted with attention. And, of course, its closest “relative”, the 420th model, cannot be ignored either. The technical characteristics of these cars are similar. Of course, the “five hundredth” version will be more powerful. The engine produces 320 horsepower, top speed - 250 km / h, acceleration to "hundreds" - 6.1 seconds. Fuel consumption, however, is too big - 13 liters in the city. But people who allow themselves to purchase this car are rarely embarrassed.

What can be said about the weaker (if in this context it is appropriate to use this word) version? That is, about the 420th model? The maximum speed is the same, also 250 km / h. Acceleration to a hundred kilometers more by 1.1 seconds - it is 7.2. The engine is weaker by a little more than 40 “horses” - it is not 320, but 279 hp. But the consumption is less - 11.8 liters per 100 km. In general, in fact, these were two maximally similar models. That one, that the second was wildly popular in the 90s. And now, by the way, too.

Solid buy

To date, the “five hundredth” version is being acquired by wealthier people. Mercedes-Benz W124 E500 is a car that you can buy in about half a million rubles. The 420th version is bought cheaper. About 250,000 rubles can be asked for a car in good condition. As you can see, the difference in our time between the prices of these machines is double. Why? Perhaps because of the cost of parts, and maybe because of the “status” of the car. The price is also largely determined by how much the previous owner invested in the car during the time he drove it. And, of course, from the mileage and other important details.

By the way, no matter how high-quality the Mercedes is known, the car should be checked at the service station before buying it from hand. Outwardly, the car may look like new, and many people who are not versed in cars fall for this. And then it turns out that putty, a rotten body and a junk engine were hiding behind an attractive price. To avoid such errors, it is worth being safe and checking the car.

Technological production cycle

Mercedes W124 E500 “top” is a car that has a rather interesting history of creation. This car was created on the basis of a motor that was taken from a model known to motorists as the 500SL (R129 series). However, the unit was not left without improvements. The concern has significantly improved the engine. As a result of the fruitful work of Mercedes-Benz engineers, this is a real five-liter monster with 326 hp. If today this engine makes an incredible impression, then you can imagine how it amazed the public then, twenty years ago. This car was perceived by lovers of powerful cars as the perfection of the automotive industry. Indeed, the Mercedes W124 E500 “Wolf” is the real pride of the famous Stuttgart concern. A car that was popular and prestigious then and that has become a classic and a sign of perfect taste today.

Specifications

The "500th" Mercedes, like the 420th, the test drive was "excellent". The handling of the car was top notch. As a matter of fact, the specialists of the Mercedes concern have always paid special attention to the technical characteristics. Some people may not appreciate the design (although the vast majority believe that there is hardly a more presentable look), but it's hard to argue with the indicators. Obedient behavior on the road, responsive pedals and comfortable steering, perfect smoothing of obstacles, no difficulties on the steepest serpentines and turns - everything is perfect. Well, in addition to running characteristics, the “five hundredth” and 420th have well-developed technical ones.

An automatic four-speed gearbox, ASR system, hydropneumatic adjustment (it is equipped with a suspension), a catalyst doubled in size and a new fuel injection system. All this affected the test drive. Due to such additions, the car became even better to cope with its tasks.

The Ultimate Mercedes-Benz Car

It is almost impossible to praise the “five hundredth”. The Mercedes W124 E500, whose price in new condition in the nineties was several tens of thousands of dollars at that rate, is the dream of many. Even today. This car is good not only in technical terms. She is gorgeous on the outside as well. What can be noted as design features? First of all, these are wide wheel arches that look very impressive, presentable and expressive. Also wheels made of light alloys. They have a small feature, which consists in a curly neckline "chamomile". This car also boasts oversized low-profile tires. And, of course, fog lights. They are located on the front bumper - in its lower part. Finally, it is worth noting the attention of the headlights, which are endowed with independent high and low beam lamps.

Important nuances

By the way, it is worth noting some point regarding the expense. The “500th” Mercedes is not considered by many to be an economical model, but some do not take into account one point. According to the urban cycle, its consumption is 16.9 liters per 100 km. At 90 km / h, it drops to 10.3 liters. If you move at a speed of 120 km / h, the consumption will be 11.9 liters. But 13 liters, which everyone usually talks about, is already an indicator of the European cycle. The 420th will have less consumption. According to the urban cycle - exactly 15 liters, at 90 km / h - 9.4 liters. At a speed of 120 km / h, the engine consumes 11.1 liters. According to the European cycle, as mentioned above, 11.8.

What about top speed? She is different too. In 1st gear, the “five hundredth” squeezes out 68 km / h, and 420 - 71 km / h. On the second - 117 and 120 km / h, respectively. The third gear shows more indicators - 181 km / h and 186. And in the fourth, both cars drive the same way - at a speed of 250 km / h.

Well, as you can see, the 500th Mercedes (and the 420th, which has slight differences from its counterpart) is a good car. Strong, high quality, beautiful. Owner reviews are extremely positive about him. And this is understandable. Everyone unanimously assures that the car is reliable, does not break down, and has served faithfully for many years. So if you want to buy a car that would demonstrate the status and taste of the owner, you can safely make a choice in favor of the "five hundredth". Or the 420th - then someone's soul will lie down.

Specifications

Suspension, brakes, tires
Wheelbase	2 800 mm
Ground clearance (clearance)	160 mm
Front track	1501 mm
Rear track	1491 mm
Front suspension	Wishbone, suspension strut, coil spring, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension	multi-link, coil spring, transverse stabilizer
Front brakes	disc ventilated
Rear brakes	disc ventilated
Tire (wheel) size	225/55 R16

Review of Mercedes W124 E500: Russian roads are not a problem

The Mercedes concern has proved to the whole world that a car can (and should) be of high quality, comfortable, reliable and stylish. Dozens of created families, and each must have its own star. In the W124 line, such a star is the Mercedes E500 W124 "Volchok". The nicknamed Wolf fully justifies it due to its power and excellent parameters.

The technical characteristics of this model are beyond praise (well, this is understandable - Mercedes always pays great attention to the "stuffing"). The chic eight-cylinder V8 engine of the M119 series allows you to develop power of 326 “horses”. Wolf has a perfect injection system - Bosch LH-Jetronic. Few of the owners know, but initially this engine was installed on . The maximum speed is artificially limited, up to 250 km / h, and fuel consumption per 100 km is from 11.9 to 16.9 liters, which is quite an optimal indicator for a car of this class. The body type of this beast is a sedan, and overall dimensions promise comfort without embarrassment and inconvenience during the trip.

Thinking about buying a Mercedes W124 E500, the price will pleasantly surprise the future owner, it is adequate and corresponds to the quality of the Wolf. The 500th Mercedes has an excellent factory equipment. Looking at the photo, you can easily make sure that comfort and reliability are the undeniable advantages of this car, and by visiting car forums and reading the reviews of the happy owners of the Spinning Top, the desire to buy this miracle of the German car industry will increase even more.

Pros of modification:

• The assembly was carried out in Germany, which already speaks of impeccable manufacturing;
• Powerful engine that can cope with any ups and downs and weather conditions;
• Acceptable price;
• Automatic transmission, which certainly makes the driving process easy to manage;
• A wide variety of discs with interesting design solutions for every taste;
• No shortage of spare parts and their financial availability;
• Ignition and power control systems generate error codes independently of each other when problems occur;
• If the car does not start (which happens extremely rarely even in the most severe frosts), then on the Internet you can always find instructions and tips for troubleshooting.

The spinning top, as many motorists lovingly call it, came to us in the "dashing nineties", withstood, survived, and to this day continues to delight its owners with impeccable German quality.

The history of the W124 family sedans begins its history in 1991. A remarkable date, it should be noted, is associated with a mass of "interesting" events in Russia. So, it was in that very 91st that the well-known German automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz and the no less popular Porsche decided to cooperate in the field of creating a small series of sedan. The overall project involved the birth of a car equipped with a V8 engine. A strong eight-cylinder engine that develops solid power, however, turned out to be only one of the notable features. Mercedes E500 W124.

In addition, the design of the German car received a sports suspension, an upgraded transmission and a reliable reinforced brake system. It is worth noting that the design of the E500 was completely developed by the engineering group of Mercedes-Benz.

Porsche specialists carried out only partial assembly. The native "brother" of the E500 was the E420 model. These two so-called "tops" were remembered for a long time by the motorists' society. Even today, cars are positioned no lower than modern models. Version 500E can often be found in the list of competitors of other machines released much later.

How the Mercedes E500 W124 was created in the technological cycle

The history of the creation of the model- the process is quite interesting. The transport was created on the basis of an engine taken from the 500SL model of the R129 series, but subjected to significant refinement. As a result of the modernization, Mercedes-Benz engineers managed to get a real monster, with a total cylinder volume of 5 liters and a net power of 326 hp. Automobile "nuclear reactor", among other things, equipped:

• four-speed automatic
• ASR system (rotation lock)
• hydropneumatic suspension level adjustment
• doubling the catalyst
• fuel injection system "LH-Jetronic" instead of "KE-Jetronic"

The result was not long in coming. One of the German "tops" - Mercedes E500 as W124- got the ability to accelerate to a speed of 250 km / h, and the control speed - 100 km / h, could gain in just 6 seconds after starting from a standstill.

Involvement of Porsche specialists in the creation of Mercedes-Benz vehicles

The German city of Zuffenhausen is famous for the fact that the Porsche factory is located on the territory of this settlement, where part of the E500 assembly process took place. Here, at the first stage, W124 bodies were made, which were then transported for painting to another plant operating in the city of Sindelfingen, owned by Mercedes-Benz. After painting, everything returned to normal, and Porsche specialists proceeded to complete the painted body. At the final stage, fully assembled cars were again transported to the possession of Mercedes, where they underwent pre-sale preparation before being sold.

Product of German production under the Mercedes-Benz brand

On the shelves of the international market, the car was positioned exclusively as the property of Mercedes. Actually, this opinion was supported by the full-fledged traditional symbols of the famous German brand, plus the identification numbers were most directly related to the noted German company. Distinctive external features of the model were details such as:

• extended wheel arches
• light alloy wheel rims with daisy cut
• oversized low profile tires
• Headlights with independent high and low beams
• fog lights at the bottom of the front bumper

Epilogue for E420/E500

German works of art in the form of W124 sedans have become perhaps the most successful phenomenon in the entire industrial production of the Mercedes-Benz enterprise. Only in one class of sedans, more than two million cars were produced and sold over ten years of mass production. At one time, the guys from AMG laid eyes on the E420 / E500 sedans, with whose hands several dozen cars were modernized, which later received the E60 AMG marking.

The management of Mercedes-Benz in the mid-80s realized that the company needed a model that would compete with the BMW M5 E34 series. For help, Mercedes turned to Porsche: the company at that time was experiencing serious financial difficulties and accepted the order with great pleasure. The bestseller Mercedes W124 was taken as the basis, which Porsche turned into a "devourer" of freeways.

Outside, the differences from conventional versions are less significant: the wheel arches have become wider.

The most important thing, of course, is the engine. Porsche has redesigned the intake manifolds of the new 5-liter V8 and replaced the LE-Jetronic injection system with a more efficient LH-Jetronic. All this made it possible to increase the torque from 450 to 480 Nm.

The engine mounting points have been moved down to lower the center of gravity. The battery was sent to the luggage compartment. The capacity of the fuel tank was increased to 90 liters and the speed limiter was removed - the car must drive on expressways and have a large range. A number of parts were borrowed from the Mercedes SL R129 (introduced in 1989): front suspension elements, differential and disc brakes. The serial 4-speed automatic transmission was not touched.

Mercedes 500 E (E 500 after restyling) impresses, first of all, with the extraordinary work of the suspension. This car is not for spectacular slides in a skid. Resoluteness is his middle name. The sedan is very difficult to unbalance even with steep and abrupt maneuvers for which it was not intended. There is no self-locking differential, and the traction control system does not turn off.

Mercedes did not set the task of creating an unrestrained machine that is obedient in strong hands. This is the prerogative of the BMW M5. 500 E demonstrates its power more delicately and elegantly. The main thing is not the characteristics of the V8. The main thing is stability and calmness at 100, 150 and 200 km/h.

Another uniqueness of the Mercedes 500 E is the almost complete manual assembly. Each example traveled from the Porsche assembly plant in Ressl to the Mercedes plant in Sindelfingen and back. With special care the body was painted and protected from corrosion. The entire production process took 18 days and cost a lot of money.

The front seats are electrically adjustable.

The exclusive character of the 500 E was Mercedes' pride. The final price was horrendous. The Mercedes 500 E cost as much as two 300 E's and was 20 percent more expensive than the BMW M5. At that time, they asked for DM 134,000.

For five years of production, about 10,479 units of 500 E and E 500 were created. Today, European market experts are unanimous: the cost of used Mercedes 500 E and E500 is starting to rise noticeably. Those who bought a car a few years ago have a chance to earn money, provided that they have kept the German sedan in really impeccable condition. And it's not difficult at all. 500 E impresses not only with the high quality of workmanship and elaboration, but also with reasonable prices for spare parts.

Separate chairs are installed behind. The car is 4-seater.

Today, finding a Mercedes 500 E is not easy, but a well-groomed copy is even more so. In the secondary market, for an exclusive sedan, they ask from 170,000 rubles to ... attention! … 980,000 rubles!

Model history

The Mercedes 500 E was introduced in 1990. In 1991, the model was exported to the USA. In 1992, the 400 E version was introduced with the same V8, but without body modifications. In 1993, the sedan survived the facelift and was renamed the Mercedes E 500. A distinctive feature is the wider lining in the lower part of the body. In 1995, the production of the 500th was discontinued.

Typical faults:

Malfunctions in the operation of electronics, and corrosion of wiring insulation;

Failure of the suspension self-levelling system;

Gearbox failures.

Conclusion

The biggest surprise of the W124 E 500 is that it looks like a German taxi but drives like a Porsche. In fact, the Mercedes 500 E is not a sports car, but an ultra-fast sedan without a speed limiter for freeways.

Specifications Mercedes 500 E / E 500 (1990-1995)

Version
Engine
Working volume
Cylinders / valves
Max power	326 HP / 5700	320 HP / 5600
Max Torque
Dynamics
Max speed
Acceleration 0-100 km/h
Average fuel consumption	13.5 l/100 km	13.0 l/100 km

We are not afraid of the gray wolf, Gray wolf, gray wolf! Where do you go, stupid wolf, Old wolf, dire wolf?

Outside

This sedan is living proof that the idea of ​​implanting large motors in small bodies is not limited to tuning studios. In the late 1980s, Mercedes decided to set the competition on fire by releasing a hot remix of its then favorite W 124. Stuttgart fellow villagers from Porsche were called to help with the arrangement. With such initial data, mediocrity could not be born in principle. The car received universal recognition and the formidable nickname "Wolf" to boot. The nickname stuck firmly to the sedan, having stood the test of time.

Outwardly, the favorite of taxi drivers around the world is a classic of the classics. Bruno Sacco clearly painted the W 124 with an eye on the younger 190, but with all the stylistic similarities, the older model is expected to make a more solid impression. Subordination, reinforced by the signs of restyling in 1993, is impeccably observed.

Wherever you look, the sedan exudes a confident, well-fed arrogance. The very spirit of the true Mercedes, which many lack in his heirs. The car simply does not have bad angles. The square body of dark green color is completely devoid of excessive embellishments. Although it was the E500 that had every right to dress up to the fullest. Each piece took 18 days to make by hand. But the wings and other tinsel are for amateurs. Muscular wings that hide the extended track and more massive bumpers - the "five hundredth" is modest, like a true bourgeois.

Inside

The door closes with a characteristic weapon click. Salon "five hundredth" is in complete harmony with the exterior. At one time, Mercedes invested a lot of effort and money in the design of the 124th. It is not surprising that the interior at the molecular level has absorbed this German solidity. Whatever you touch - the feeling that everything has been done for centuries does not leave you for a second.

For a 23-year-old car that has driven most of its 160,000 km on not always hospitable Russian roads, the interior is in excellent condition. Volchara managed to survive in the nineties, lasted in the 2000s and, without any restorations, looks as if he had just left the stocks of the factory in Zuffenhausen.

The style of the interior hung halfway from the thoroughbred "eighties" to the king of the "nineties". The vertical front panel, molded from high-quality vinyl, protrudes into the cabin by no more than 30 cm, so the interior space is at the level of modern business-class models that are larger than the old man.

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Thick black leather upholstered door inserts and gorgeous seats that are in no way inferior to buckets. The standard finish of the banal "Mercedes" walnut root has been replaced with slats of noble dark wood. It turned out both brutal and stylish. A black ceiling just begs here, but such a whim was not even provided for by the list of options, and the “collective farm” is contraindicated for such machines.

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Equipped with the "five hundredth" to match its special status. Dual-zone climate control, power seats (driver's with position memory), sunroof, Becker top-end audio system and other amenities of a rich life. On the second row, two separate seats are optionally installed. Being a passenger here is a special honor. There is enough legroom, and the seat itself pleases with a successful back profile and tangible lateral support. The high class of the model is emphasized by individual reading lamps in the side pillars and an electric blind on the rear window. Such a gray wolf is definitely not terrible for us.

In move

“Well, Bavarians, do you drive tractors?” - Sami Naseri's joke, told by him in the film "Taxi", cost the creators of the picture $ 2 million. Looking at the characteristics of the E500, it is difficult to understand why the Mercedes were so offended. 326 l. s., taken from a five-liter eight, accelerate the sedan to hundreds in almost six seconds. The only thing left for the French was to enviously troll the Germans with the movie records of the non-existent Peugeot.

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In absentia, being led by a loud nickname, I considered the "five hundredth" uncompromising sports sedan. Therefore, having easily adjusted the electric chair for me, having adapted to the family mirrors of different sizes, I turn on the Drive and, sinking the gas, I prepare for a fight with a fierce beast. But already at the next traffic light, it became clear that I was in vain clutching a stranglehold on the bus "steering wheel".

At city speeds, the "500" is comfortable, as befits a car with a star on the hood. Despite the sharper steering compared to the standard W124 (three turns from lock to lock), straight line stability was not affected, but there was confidence in cornering. "500th » with its lightweight steering, it still keeps you at bay, but it's clearly more nimble than its "dashing '90s" counterparts.

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The old-fashioned four-speed "automatic" left the most pleasant impression. The gears change smoothly, and a slight thoughtfulness when you sharply press the gas is more than compensated by the most powerful thrust of 470 Nm. Sports tuned suspension is such only by the "Mercedes" standards of the last century. The chassis perfectly absorbs asphalt joints, tram tracks and other road "evil spirits". The tendency to wobble is moderate even by today's standards. The branded reinforced concrete directional stability has not gone away either. It seems that there are no forces in the world capable of knocking off the intended trajectory of the Wolf, rushing in pursuit of game.

Fuel consumption Mercedes-Benz E500 W124
For 100 km

Confident habits in any of the modes, comfort built into an absolute, coupled with impressive power, the "500" can be a real Gran Turismo, albeit with four doors. This beast was trained to devour kilometers of freeways, delicately (and not so) driving away any husk from the left lane. Rushing furiously to fulfill the will of the owner, the Wolf along the way scattered small competitors and forever staked out a place in the hearts of the true fans of the brand.

Purchase history

For the first time, Vitaly learned about the 500E / E500 by watching the same comedy action movie by Luc Besson "Taxi". It was only in 2011 that the dream of owning a car “like those of movie robbers” was realized. Then Vitaly bought his first E500. The car was not in the best condition. Realizing that the restoration of this instance is a costly and troublesome business, Vitaly sold it, buying another, better preserved sedan. Then there was another and another.

This Volchok is already the fourth in a row. At Vitaly, he appeared by chance. Friends said that there is a collector who owns the E500 in excellent condition, and he is not at all averse to parting with it.

The meeting with the car brought a lot of surprises. 1993, imported into Russia in 1997, "native" mileage of 160,000 km, good technical condition and only two owners by title. It was simply impossible to resist. The purchase of Volchka cost Vitaly a little less than a million rubles.

Repair

Immediately after the purchase, the E500 went to the pits for troubleshooting. Vitaly's goal was to bring the car to a state as close to new as possible.

Rear lights

25 000 rubles

The body of the car was in good condition - only the paintwork needed to be updated. For painting, Vitaly personally dismantled the sedan, removing the engine and interior. The color of the new paint is No. 199 (according to the catalog, it completely matches the VIN number). Along the way, all external rubber bands and moldings were updated (the cost of each is approximately 12,000 rubles). All optics have been replaced with new ones. Only the taillights cost 25,000 rubles. Also, a new rear window was installed here, bought for 53,000 rubles. The high price is due to the use of particularly thin heating filaments that are not afraid of damage from the use of a lifting electric curtain. Such glasses were installed only on expensive modifications of the W 124.

New throttle assembly

120 000 rubles

Long standing idle affected the technical condition of the "five hundredth". Vitaly completely went through the suspension, replaced the brakes. The largest amount of work was carried out with the engine. There were no major repairs, but the motor underwent a total revision. A new throttle assembly (120,000 rubles), a flow meter, all consumables, plus a recently replaced cooling pipe - this is not a complete list of new parts that went to the legendary M119. The engine compartment is decorated with new factory stickers.

Salon thanks to factory tinting has been preserved in excellent condition. No restoration of the skin or plastic was required. The electronics are also in perfect order. All options, including electric drives and seat memory, work perfectly.

The work was carried out in the workshop for the restoration of oldtimers, which is led by Vitaly. Spare parts, with rare exceptions, are used new and strictly original. The search for details took about six months, the work itself lasted about the same. Investing in a car is almost equal to the cost of buying it.

Improvements

Vitaly sincerely considers the image of the standard E500 almost perfect, but he could not resist and made a couple of changes.

Connoisseurs will note that 18-inch Evo wheels have never been installed on this model. Standard size is 17 inches. With all due respect to the work of the Stuttgart engineers, Vitaly believes that this is too little for such a car. So, a Japanese replica of the legendary "Mercedes" wheels appeared on Volchka. The wheels are installed through centimeter spacers.

The second revision concerns the interior and inspires special respect. Vitaly got the car with a standard walnut finish. Now the car is decorated with dark wood inserts (in the common people "Bird's Eye"). This finish was the prerogative of the limited edition version of the E500 Limited. The panels were found by Vitaly purely by accident. He just saw an advertisement for the sale of interior parts from the E500, where the desired panels were visible in the background. Negotiations with the seller were not easy, he clearly understood what a rarity is in his hands. As a result, they bargained for 70,000 rubles for a complete set of inserts.