Here Is The Reason Why Porsche Helped Mercedes-Benz To Build Flagship 500 E Supercar In The 90s

Late in the 1980s, the Mercedes-Benz Group (then known as Daimler-Benz AG) commissioned Porsche to engineer and build the 500 E (W124.036) because its own production line for the 124 series in Sindelfingen was too small.

Called the “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing” by the press, the 500 E (renamed to E 500 in 1993) produced from 1990 to 1995, was the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz W124 range.

The collaboration between the two German automakers had a strong benefit for Porsche during its financial crisis brought on from the crippling metalworker strikes and costly engineering and development work on 959.

The partnership stems from the size of body of the 500 E (renamed to E 500 in 1993), which was 5.6 centimetres wider than the other W124 models, didn’t fit through Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen production line.

After changes were made by Porsche on the suspension system and drive train, the redesigned W124 chassis were transported by truck to the Mercedes-Benz assembly plant in Sindelfingen to be painted.

When Mercedes was done with the painting, the varnished chassis were shipped back to Porsche’s “Rössle-Bau” plant in Zuffenhausen, where the engine was put in and the car completed.

For final inspection and delivery, the vehicles again were transported to Sindelfingen. This process took a full 18 days per car.

“From a logistical point of view, sending the vehicle parts back and forth was a big challenge. After all, the relevant parts had to arrive at the right place at the right time,” explains Michael Hölscher, Project Manager Development.

Just 10,479 copies were built by Porsche. The high-performance car, sold by Mercedes from 1990 to 1995, uses a 5.0-litre V8 engine producing 322 horsepower engine (326 PS) guaranteed exhilarating performance on the road.

The 500 E can accelerate from rest to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in 6.1 seconds, quarter-mile (0.4 km) in 14.1 seconds at 163 km/h (101 mph) while its top-speed was mechanically, gear-ratio limited to 250 km/h (155.3 mph).

The Mercedes-Benz 500E remains an eye-catcher today, thanks to its wider wings, slightly lowered body and modified front apron with recessed fog lights. Inside, it features center console in rear seat, integrated cell-phone and antenna-mounted in center armrest and a 6 Disc CD Changer.

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