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  Mercedes-Benz E 60 AMG      

  Article Image gallery (14) WDB1240361C213356 Specifications  
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Country of origin:Germany
Produced from:1992 - 1994
Price new:DM 179,860
Internal name:W124
Author:Wouter Melissen
Last updated:October 22, 2019
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Click here to download printer friendly versionDuring the late 1980s, Mercedes-Benz decided to add a high performance model to the W124 E-Class sedan as a potential rival to the BMW M5. With the company's own engineers busy developing a new generation of the top-of-the-line S-Class, the development of what would become the 500 E was subcontracted to Porsche.

The first task at hand was to modify the existing chassis to accept the new five-litre V8 engine that was also fitted in the 500 SL. The all-aluminium unit featured twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. The sophisticated 'M119' produced 322 bhp and was mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox.

The suspension was also modified and 500 SL sourced brakes were fitted to cope with the additional power. Changes to the exterior were subtle and restricted mainly to widening of the wheel arches in order to fit the large wheels and tyres. The 500 E tipped the scales at 1,710 kg, which meant it was actually considerably lighter than the similarly engined SL Roadster.

In addition to engineering the car, Porsche was also tasked with building the 500 E. This was an arduous process as the work started with hand assembling the chassis and body, which was then sent to Mercedes-Benz for painting and then back to a different Porsche facility where the work was completed. As a result, it took 18 days for one car to be completed.

Production started in earnest in the fall of 1990. At that time the list price was DM 134,520 but this quickly grew to DM 145,590. In 1993, the W124 range received a facelift with clear turn signals as the most obvious change. A model specific change was the use of larger, 600 SL derived brakes. At that time the nomenclature was also changed and from then on the car was known as the E 500.

At the 1994 Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz added a special 'Limited' model to the E 500 line-up. Strictly limited to 500 examples, it was available in 'sapphire black' or 'brilliant silver' and fitted with wheels in the same style as those fitted to the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II. The first example was delivered new to German racing legend Hans Herrmann. Towards the end of the production run, AMG also created the E 60 AMG with a six-litre version of the M119 V8.

Production was wrapped up early in 1995 and the final examples were assembled side by side with the Audi RS2 that was built by Porsche in the same facility. By that time, 10,479 examples were built of all versions of the formidable wolf in sheep's clothes.

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  Article Image gallery (14) WDB1240361C213356 Specifications