The Mercedes-Benz W124 500 E, produced from September 1990 to October 1992, represents a high-performance iteration of the popular W124 sedan. Often referred to as the “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing,” this model combined the understated elegance of the W124 with the potent power of a V8 engine. While the W124 series was sold globally, the 500 E was primarily marketed in Europe and North America as a luxury performance vehicle, competing with models like the BMW E34 M5 and the Porsche 911. It was a statement of engineering prowess, offering a unique blend of comfort, refinement, and exhilarating performance.
Mercedes-Benz W124 500 E: A Performance Sedan
The W124 series, launched in 1985, was designed as a successor to the W201 (190E) and W116 models, offering a significant step up in terms of size, comfort, and technology. The facelift in 1989 brought subtle styling updates and improvements to the interior. The 500 E, however, was a different beast altogether. Developed in close collaboration with Porsche – who were heavily involved in its engineering and initial assembly – it was intended to showcase Mercedes-Benz’s ability to create a truly high-performance sedan without sacrificing the brand’s renowned luxury and build quality.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 500 E is its 4.973-liter (303.47 cu. in.) M119 E 50 V8 engine. This naturally aspirated powerplant produced 320 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 470 Nm (346.65 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3900 rpm. The engine featured multi-port manifold fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration resulted in a power-to-liter ratio of 64.3 hp/l. Paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, the 500 E could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.1 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph in a calculated 5.8 seconds. Its top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 5.3 kg/hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 3.6 kg/Nm further emphasized its performance capabilities. The engine required 8 liters (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) of oil and 15.5 liters (16.38 US qt | 13.64 UK qt) of coolant.
Design & Features
The 500 E retained the classic W124 sedan body style – a four-door, four-seater configuration – but with subtle visual cues that hinted at its performance potential. These included a slightly wider body, lowered suspension, and unique 16-inch alloy wheels. The interior was appointed with high-quality materials, including leather upholstery and wood trim, reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to luxury. Beyond the luxurious appointments, the 500 E was equipped with advanced features for its time, including an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard equipment. The car’s suspension utilized a wishbone setup at the front and a hydro-pneumatic, independent multi-link suspension with a transverse stabilizer at the rear, providing a comfortable yet controlled ride. The trunk offered a minimum capacity of 520 liters (18.36 cu. ft.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | W124 |
| Generation | W124 (facelift 1989) |
| Type | 500 E V8 (320 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | September, 1990 |
| End of production | October, 1992 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 16.9 l/100 km (13.9 US mpg / 16.7 UK mpg / 5.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.3 l/100 km (22.8 US mpg / 27.4 UK mpg / 9.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 320 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 64.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 470 Nm @ 3900 rpm (346.65 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 119 E 50 / 119.974 |
| Engine displacement | 4973 cm3 (303.47 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 96.5 mm (3.8 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 15.5 l (16.38 US qt | 13.64 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1710 kg (3769.9 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2160 kg (4761.98 lbs.) |
| Max load | 450 kg (992.08 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 520 l (18.36 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 90 l (23.78 US gal | 19.8 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1900 kg (4188.78 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4750 mm (187.01 in.) |
| Width | 1796 mm (70.71 in.) |
| Height | 1410 mm (55.51 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2800 mm (110.24 in.) |
| Front track | 1538 mm (60.55 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1529 mm (60.2 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.7 m (38.39 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element, Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 16 |
The Mercedes-Benz W124 500 E remains a highly sought-after classic, appreciated for its unique combination of performance, luxury, and engineering excellence. Its collaboration with Porsche and its powerful V8 engine cemented its place as a true icon of the era.
