by Traian Popescu
Developed in conjunction with Porsche, the Mercedes 500E was based on the popular 300E model which had been released in 1986. Each 500E was transported back and forth between the Mercedes plant and Porsche's Rossle-Bau plant in Zuffenhausen during assembly and hand built, taking a full 18 days to complete each model. It was produced between 1992-94 in which time approximately 7200 cars were built.
Developed in conjunction with Porsche, the Mercedes 500E was based on the popular 300E model which had been released in 1986. Each 500E was transported back and forth between the Mercedes plant and Porsche's Rossle-Bau plant in Zuffenhausen during assembly and hand built, taking a full 18 days to complete each model. It was produced between 1992-94 in which time approximately 7200 cars were built.
Besides a totally new engine, the 500E was also equipped with a hydraulic self-leveling suspension, 11.8 inch vented discs in the front and 10.9 inchers in the back, wider wheels and tires and shorter and stiffer springs which lowered the 500E nearly an inch over the 300E. While the resulting slalom time is nothing to boast about (61 mph), the 500E still manages a healthy 0.84g on the skidpad and a sports-car-like 116 ft stopping distance. The engine was the same unit used in the 500SL but with a Bosch LH Jetronic fuel injection replacing the KE Jetronic and a redesigned intake manifold with longer runners that resulted in an additional 22 lb-ft of torque over that powerplant.
The four speed automatic transmission and rear axle were also sourced from the 500SL and the 500E was also equipped with standard ASR (traction control). While there was no factory option for an override switch, many aftermarket tuners could provide this, lowering 0-60 mph times into the 5 second ranges. There were a few other slight faults with the 500E as well. The single windshield wiper arm was not very efficient and the interior ergonomics were less than perfect while for the price, the 500E could still not deliver the same amount of all-out performance as the E34 M5.
The Mercedes was however an excellent Autobahn cruiser and could deliver a ride comfort and effortless power delivery at higher speeds in a manner that even the BMW M5 could not match.
Specifications
| Base Price, USD | 80,000 | Engine Type | DOHC V8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain Layout | Front engine, RWD | Displacement, cc | 4973 |
| Horsepower@rpm | 322@5700 | Torque, lb-ft@rpm | 354@3900 |
| Curb Weight, lb | 3919 | 0-60 mph, sec | 6.3 |
| 1/4 mile, sec@mph | 14.7@96.9 | 600 ft slalom, mph | 61.0 |
| 60-0 mph, ft | 116 | Top speed, mph | 155 |
Source: www.fantasycars.com Date: 14 December 2006
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