The Mercedes E500 appeared in response to the iconic BMW M5 – the first to receive a powerful 315 hp engine. MB needed decisive actions to compete with the solid Bavarian rival and retain customers.
Source: AutoExperts
Mercedes and the car had long been synonymous. When about 130 years ago, the German engineer Karl Benz officially filed a patent for a “gasoline-powered vehicle,” the legendary brand’s history began, giving the world numerous iconic automobiles. There were ups and downs, but the brand’s name proudly stood on the global automotive industry Olympus. The end of the 80s was scorching for the German automotive industry: automakers issued masterpieces one after another. But even then, the Mercedes W124 E 500, under the unusual nickname “Wolf,” managed to stand out and go down in history forever.
Source: Petrolicious
In the late 1980s, two giants of the German car industry, BMW and Mercedes, competed for market leadership. The first of these built a phenomenal M5 with an engine of 315 horsepower, able to accelerate to hundreds in 6.4 seconds. But the Stuttgart company lagged far behind: their most potent W124 had only about 200 “horses.” To retain customers, decisive action was needed. It was decided to turn to Porsche, which was in severe financial difficulty then. Porsche graciously took up the Mercedes, taking the best-selling W124 as a basis and turning it into a “devourer” of freeways. The allies decided to crash the competitor with the increase in engine size. The car received a 5-liter gasoline V8 with 326 hp and 480 Nm of torque. And so the legend was born! A breakthrough for the model was the rejection of the KE-Jetronic mechanical injector in favor of a full-fledged electronic injection.
Such a significant increase in power required reworking many components, but Porsche engineers did their best. The suspension was lowered and made more sporty, the brakes were completely redone, and traction control was added to all configurations. As a result, the E 500 overtook the BMW M5. The extra 20 hp and high atmospheric torque were decisive. Mercedes accelerated to “hundreds in 6.1s with automatic transmission. At the same time, the appearance changed a little – the wings received “regular” arch extensions, the bumpers were adjusted to the new style, and the headlights, instead of H4 bulbs, received individual diffusers for low and high beams. The equipment, of course, was luxurious, and a high-quality genuine leather interior was exquisite.
Source: Motor Authority
1993 was the year of restyling for the model. First, there was a change in class designations. In 1993, the entire W124 series became the E-class. All models received the letter “E” (as a class attribute) at the beginning of the model name. Also, diesel models received the prefix “DIESEL” and “TURBODIESEL.” A big update also affected the appearance of the vehicle. The radiator grill was changed, which was integrated into the hood cover. The brand’s famous star on the hood was also changed. The shape of the headlights slightly differed in front, but everything was left as it was in the back. In general, the 1993 sedan exuded style and a predatory breed—the very spirit of the true Mercedes, which many miss today. The car didn’t have the wrong angles. The square body and the lack of excessive details emphasized the refined nature of the model.
The salon “five hundredths” was in complete harmony. It was not surprising that the interior absorbed German solidity. Expensive leather, technical equipment worthy of a respectable owner, and the same German restrained chic style. Yes, it was the 1993 Mercedes-Benz E 500.
Source: Porsche Newsroom
In 1993, the sedan underwent a “facelift” and changed its name from the 500 to the Mercedes E 500. A characteristic feature of the 1993 model year was the more comprehensive lining in the lower part of the body.
Contact us if you have this or another classic car to sell.
| Mon - Fri Saturday Sunday |
9am - 6pm 9am - 3pm Closed |