Mercedes-Benz 500 E W124
The 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 E W124 is one of the most remarkable performance sedans ever produced, a car whose creation involved an unprecedented collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. The concept was deceptively simple: install the 5.0-liter M119 V8 engine from the S-Class into the mid-size W124 E-Class body to create the ultimate executive express. The execution, however, required extraordinary engineering effort.
The M119 V8 was too wide to fit into the W124 engine bay without significant modification. The solution involved widening the front fenders by 23mm on each side, lowering the engine by 30mm, and extensively redesigning the front subframe. The floor pan required modification to accommodate the engine's oil pan, and the inner wheel arches were reshaped. The transmission tunnel was widened to accept the four-speed automatic gearbox.
These modifications were so extensive that Mercedes-Benz lacked the production capacity to handle them alongside regular W124 assembly. The solution was to have Porsche, located nearby in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, handle the final assembly. Each 500 E was partially assembled at the Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen plant, then transported to Porsche for the engine installation, bodywork modifications, and final assembly, before being returned to Mercedes-Benz for quality inspection and delivery preparation.
The result was spectacular. The M119 V8 produced 326 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, propelling the 500 E from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest sedans in the world. Top speed was electronically limited to 155 mph. The engine was supremely refined, delivering its power with the silky smoothness expected of a Mercedes-Benz V8.
Suspension modifications included revised springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars, along with self-leveling rear suspension to maintain the car's stance regardless of load. The ride height was lowered by 23mm compared to the standard E-Class, giving the car a subtly more aggressive stance. The chassis tuning provided remarkable composure at high speeds while retaining comfort levels far superior to most performance cars.
Externally, the 500 E was deliberately understated. Only the subtly wider fenders, lower ride height, wider tires, and unique front air dam distinguished it from a standard W124. There were no wings, spoilers, or dramatic body kits. This discretion was entirely intentional and became a defining characteristic, establishing the template for the 'stealth performance sedan' that BMW's M5 and subsequent AMG models would follow.
The interior featured full leather upholstery, power everything, climate control, and the comprehensive build quality that made the W124 famous as perhaps the best-built Mercedes-Benz of the modern era. Production ran from 1990 to 1995 (renamed E 500 for 1994-1995), with approximately 10,479 units built.
Today, the 500 E is increasingly recognized as one of the great driver's cars of the 1990s. Well-maintained examples command strong premiums over standard W124s, and the car's Porsche assembly heritage adds a layer of collector interest that is unique in the Mercedes-Benz catalog.
The W124 body is famously well-built but check for rust in rear wheel arches, jack points, and under battery tray. The M119 V8 is robust but inspect wiring harness insulation which degrades with age. Check for cylinder head bolt stretch. Self-leveling rear suspension accumulators need periodic replacement. Verify Porsche assembly with build records. Low-mileage European-spec examples are most desirable.
Partially assembled at Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen, then completed at Porsche's Zuffenhausen factory. Each car required approximately 18 days of assembly. Production ran from 1990 to 1995, with the car renamed E 500 for 1994-1995 model years.