[bc2885]

Gentleman... A friend is wanting a new car. He had a 1993 500E MB/porsche collaboration car for 8 years as a second owner. He loved that car but wants something new now. In your opinion, would a w140 be an appropriate jump for him in terms of sportiness, performance, feel, or maybe the new body S class?
His budget is around $35 to 40k. I just dont think the new E class (E500) has that tough, masculine look he likes. It almost looks like a painting its so elegant. Any other thoughts on what car in the MB lineup would be appropriate for him? Thanks, BC

 

[posix]

Your friend must be sick in the head if he thinks he's going to find a quicker MB than his w124 E500. It's the quickest MB to date (quicker than the new E55 AND the previous-gen E55. A friend swears he even beat an SL55 in one).

If he REALLY wants to change that greatness of a car for something else first I'd recommend a psychiatric ward, failing that an "old" E55, an "old" C43, "old" C36 or the latest and greatest "new" C55. In that particular order.

But I tell you, your friend is either clueless or sick. If former tell him to keep that E500 under any circumstance, no ifs or buts. If latter is the case, offer a kind word and a helping hand.

 

[bc2885]

Thanks for your reply. What car would you put him in image wise to kinda flow w/ what he is used to?. Its not about speed here. What is a decent replacement for the w124 500e?

 

[ackvig]

If it's not about speed, but "feel" and the same level of quality, and with the budget you described -ONLY an AMG W126 SEC will do. It will be time and a slight hunt to find and verify, but if he appreciates a 500E, then he'll take the time. Or at least the top line 560 SEC. With a W140, the weight and sheer size will negate the feel of his stone cold classic, although the W140 is way more agile than it looks. An S600 would be power galor, but still, I don't think it's what he's going for from your description. SEC. There it is.[]

 

[heartmd]

I agree.
500E with a Porshe tuned engine is out of this world.
I would not think of moving to a S class

 

[Brett San Diego]

I fourth that. W140 is barking up the wrong tree, unless...

He can get an S600 coupe and have enough money left over to do some major suspension tuning, and buy lighter wheels.

These cars just weigh too much to be sporty for the most part.

Brett

 

[bc2885]

I can always count on you Ack when in need[]. My friend wants a new/newer car though. I and he realizes the performance wont be there, so what i was trying to say was, what car would have the same or there about curb appeal in a modern day MB??

 

[posix]

As I said - old gen E55, old gen C43, old gen C36, new gen C55, in that order. I am hesitating in recommending the new gen E55 as it's the worst merc ever, frought with electrical problems. But it looks the best though.

If he's got loads of cash to burn then by all means - the new S65 will give him all the kicks he'd ever want (it's got a maybach engine) but at a price!

 

[ackvig]

bc2885 - 3/7/2005 9:33 AM

I can always count on you Ack when in need[]. My friend wants a new/newer car though. I and he realizes the performance wont be there, so what i was trying to say was, what car would have the same or there about curb appeal in a modern day MB??

Just glad I could actually help someone[:I]

In regards to the above mentioned old gen C-classes, the curb appeal just isn't there to step into from a 500E. IMHO. Now BRAND new, yet not time tested, but out of range - CLS! [^]Only new bad boy I could recommend. First gen AMG CLK would be a banger too! Again, electrical problems though.

 

[posix]

I don't know about you, but these look plenty "curby" to me...

E55

C43

C36