The 500E is perhaps overshadowed by its 190E 2.3 16v cousin, which was developed with Cosworth, but the larger saloon was built by none other than Porsche. The 500E started life as a W124 bodyshell at Stuttgart but was transported to Porsche's factory in Zuffenhausen where Porsche's engineers spent 18 days building each car by hand.
The engine was a 5 litre, 326bhp unit taken from the SL. The brakes were SL items too. Other variations to the standard W124 included flared wheel-arches, a special 4 speed auto gearbox, Porsche suspension, Jetronics ignition system, 16" alloys, headlights, fog-lights and spoiler and Sportline leather interior.
The 500E could sprint to 60mph in 6 seconds and went on to a limited 155mph. Derestricted models could achieve 170mph. In total 10,479 500Es were made between 1990 and 1995 - all in left hand drive.
To appreciate how special the 500E is, an example is currently on display at Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands, UK alongside a CLK GTR, SLR, 190SL and Sauber Mercedes C9 Le Mans racer. Mercedes-Benz understand it's place in their history, which is as the direct ancestor to their AMG saloon models. The E 63 AMG owes it's existence to the 500E.
The car for sale is a 1993 model, has done 212,298 miles and has a full service history. The 500E may only turn the heads of true petrolheads who know their stuff, but the buyer of this car will know they have bought something really rather special.
The full advert is reproduced below and the link to the ad can be found here.
This Stunning & Extremely Rare W124 500E / E500 is offered to you by Mercland. 5.0 Litre V8 Engine Producing 326 BHP, Automatic Transmission, Full Black Sports Leather Interior, Heated Seats, Electric Memory Drivers Seat, Electric Passenger Seat, Original 16" Alloy Wheels, ASR Traction Control, Cruise Control, Electric Rear Blind, Electric Windows & Mirrors, Electric Sunroof, Pioneer CD Player, Upgraded Sound System from Factory with Speakers in Doors, Climate Control & Air Conditioning, Power Steering, Adjustable Steering Column, Front Fog Lamps, Full Comprehensive Service History (full details below) & Comes Fully Inspected & Serviced By Us, 3 Months Comprehensive Parts & Labour Warranty from Us, In Excellent Condition, A Real One Off Opportunity and the Cheapest I Have Ever Seen! If you have any questions you can contact us on 024 76386327. Delivery anywhere in UK. Thanks for Looking!
• Registered 29th January 1993 – K Reg – Imported to UK in August 2000
• 212,298 Miles / 339,677 Kilometres with Full Service History (see below)
• 5.0 Litre V8 Engine – 326 BHP
• Automatic Transmission
• ABS
• ASR Traction Control
• SRS Airbags
• Comes Fully Inspected & Serviced by us
• Spare Key Included
• MOT to November 2013
• 1 Months Parts & Labour Warranty