Model History

From 1990 to 1994 Mercedes-Benz sold a high-performance version of the W124, the 500E, which was created in close cooperation with Porsche. In fact, each 500E was hand-built by Porsche, being transported back and forth between the Mercedes plant and Porsche's plant in Zuffenhausen, Germany, during assembly – taking a full 18 days to complete each model. In 1994 it was face-lifted along with the rest of the range and renamed to 'E500'. The 500E and E500 were known by Porsche as Type 2758 in that company's official nomenclature.

The 500E had a naturally aspirated 5-litre V8 engine derived from the R129 500 SL. Sports car braking performance also came from SL components: 300mm front SL 500 discs with 4-piston calipers came installed on the 1992 and early 1993 cars. The later 1993 and all 1994 cars came with the upgraded 320mm set taken from the 600 SL. Rear brakes on all years were 278mm brakes from the 500 SL. Called the "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" by the press, performance tests of the day yielded impressive results: 0-60mph in just 6.0 with a top speed of around 160mph.

The 500E was built with only four seats and in left hand drive, with the seats supplied by Recaro. With its aggressive stance: 1.5 inches wider track, 0.9 inch lower profile, flared fenders, side skirts, front air-dam and wide tires, the 500E was easily distinguished from its lesser brethren. The 1994 E500 model is more easily identified because of the cosmetic changes that affected all E-Class cars that year, such as updated headlights, grille, and trunk-lid. The engine, however, remained unchanged from the 1993 500E. 1994 models carried an upgraded sound system made by Becker or Alpine, replacing the two-piece Becker 1432 unit used in model year 1992 and 1993 cars. Because of its look, limited numbers, hand-built construction, and unique pedigree, the E500 is already considered a classic, even within Mercedes-Benz.

Equipment

Blue-Black Metallic paintwork, Anthracite leather upholstery, 4-speed switchable automatic transmission, 17-inch Evo II (E500 Limited) alloy wheels, Heated and electric Recaro front seats with memory, Electric tilt/slide sunroof, Electrically adjustable steering column, Automatic air conditioning, Electric windows, Electric door mirrors, Front central armrest, Mercedes cassette radio, Heat-insulating glass, Wood veneer interior trim, Tinted rear windows, Headlamp washer system, Infrared remote central locking, Mercedes tool roll, Spare keys.

Exterior

Hand assembled at Porsche in limited numbers and endowed with a powerful 5-litre V8, the E500 is one of the ultimate 90s Q-cars. Beautifully finished in timeless Blue-Black Metallic, this particular example – one of only 1,855 facelift cars – presents in excellent condition throughout. The paintwork has just been treated to a full machine polish by our in-house detailer and thus maintains a deep, uniform shine with no unsightly swirl marks or signs of previous poor repair. Aside from a handful of light frontal stone chips and one small mark on the edge of the offside rear door there are very few blemishes to report and, having resided on Japan’s unsalted roads since new, there is no rust to be found in any of the common weak spots. All the lights are clear and damage-free, and the anodised trims present with an excellent shine.

VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AND VIDEOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Interior

A treat for surely any Mercedes-Benz enthusiast, the E500’s well-equipped interior does not disappoint. Boasting heated and electric Recaro front seats, climatic air conditioning, fine wood trim, and that quality fit and finish 90s Mercedes are so well known for, it’s a superb place to be. The seats are without any major wear and the leather still feels soft to the touch. Having clearly been garaged when not in use the wood veneer is almost entirely crack-free and the headlining is without any sagging issues. In the footwells you’ll find the original Mercedes-Benz overmats, and pleasingly the original cassette radio also remains fitted having never been replaced with an aftermarket head unit.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

At the heart of the E500 is of course the Mercedes-Benz 5-litre V8. The engine bay here is very well presented, not overly dressed but in excellent original condition with no signs of any rust or previous poor repair. Having just returned from a full inspection by our trusted classic car specialists the mechanics of the car are in tip-top condition. Reading through the history file it’s clear that this one has always been maintained regularly and to a high standard. Unlike many cars imported from Japan it’s accompanied by a comprehensive and up-to-date maintenance record from new. The last service was carried out by a Mercedes specialist in 2021 at 94,325 miles (151,802km). A fresh MOT will be done upon sale.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

Filling the arches of this example are desirable 17-inch Evo II alloy wheels, all in perfect unmarked condition having just been fully refurbished with the correct diamond-cut finish by Lepsons. They are shod in a matching set of Michelin tyres all date-stamped 2019, each one with ample tread remaining. The brakes have also been inspected and remain in fine operational condition, effortlessly bringing the car to a stop quickly and in a straight line. New pads were fitted all round in 2020 less than 600 miles ago. Four-wheel alignment has also been carried out recently and so, as you’d expect, it feels as tight as a drum to drive.

History File

Supplied new by Yanase Mercedes-Benz in Japan, this exquisite E500 was first registered in September 1994. It was brought into the UK in 2016 and has seen just one private owner since then, the first registered keeper on the V5C being the company who imported it. The car’s low mileage of 94,739 miles (152,467km) is fully verified by a comprehensive service record from new, and since landing over here its maintenance has continued on regardless of cost. In fact, since 2016 the current owner has spent in excess of £22k on the mechanicals alone!

Within the History File the lucky new owner will be presented with the original Mercedes document pack, all owner’s manuals including original service booklets, a thick raft of UK invoices, two spare keys, and the V5C showing only one former keeper. Services have been recorded at the following mileages: 1,262 – 8,636 – 71,673 – 25,905 – 42,159 – 56,783 – 58,816 – 60,950 – 63,815 – 71,110 – 79,747 – 82,166 – 84,082 – 94,176 – and most recently in February 2021 at 94,325 miles.

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