[s-cars] Scan of 1992 Car and Driver on the S4, M5, and 500E

[Douglas Landaeta]

Teddy,

Depending on what 500E you drove, there are many possibilities for it's
disappointing handling. To keep a 500E tight and fresh after 80-100K miles,
suspension work (which can be rather expensive) is required. Motor mounts,
with their liquid center, need replacement, as do nitrogen self-leveling
cells and hydropnuematic struts in the rear - this, is in addition to usual
rubber bits good tires, and steering damper. I will say that the ride is
very different from an UrS4 or the BMW. the MB 124.036 is much more of a
high speed cruiser, where handling response is very predictable and
controllable. Nothing ever squirly with that weight distribution and
rotating ball steering. 18" wheels make a big difference in road feel on
cornering!

As far as spartan interior, it seems that way because it has more room - it
doesn't surround the driver like an Audi, but all the same features are
there. That was one of the design statements of a 124 - understated luxury.
You're right though - it's all about the power and torque. The effortless
acceleration of a 500E is very different from the head-throwing of a turbo,
but the grin is just as large. I should know - this is my daily choice. I
liken it to red wine versus white wine. You got 2 wheel drive vs. 4 wheel
drive, big blowing turbo vs. big displacement, 4 speed auto vs. 6-speed CRB.
and yet both are excellent sleepers and relatively easy to work on!

Doug
'92 500E Renntech chips, exhaust, airbox
'94 UrS4 Dahlbacked beyond RS2, torsen rear, CRB, etc.

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