What Benz of this era competed with the 535?

[Stir Fry A Lot]

^^

[p1zz4guy]

what kind of benz are you talkin' bout? like a 190, a 400e, or a cosworth?

[Stir Fry A Lot]

I was thinking more of the sixes but how comparable were the eights? I guess the Cosworth too even though its more of a tuner as oppossed to the e34's less performance oriented nature.

[xlr8tin]

E300

[BavariaE34]

http://www.mercedesireland.ie/website%20006.jpg
E300 I think

[sachmo12345]

W124. I want one parked in my driveway next to the e34.

[UberFunfer]

W124 E-class, 84-95. Styling was dated even for that time. 500E competed directly with the M5 and was built in Porsche plants in Zuffenhausen. I guess their "Sportline" option packages were the equivalent to our M packages.

The main difference between these two models was that BMW never produced a 2-door or convertible E34 to compete with the W124 coupes and verts.

I wonder how the M5 would do against the 500E? I would assume loss on the strip, win on the circuit.

[ILoveMPower]

W124 E-class, 84-95. Styling was dated even for that time. 500E competed directly with the M5 and was built in Porsche plants in Zuffenhausen. I guess their "Sportline" option packages were the equivalent to our M packages.

The main difference between these two models was that BMW never produced a 2-door or convertible E34 to compete with the W124 coupes and verts.

I wonder how the M5 would do against the 500E? I would assume loss on the strip, win on the circuit.

Pretty accurate from what I've heard, there was a pretty length discussion on m5board regarding the two and although the M5 is a better track weapon the Benz is surely faster.

[UberFunfer]

Didn't the 500E start production well after the M5's had already begun? M-B would have had a major advantage. Still, the 500E is a block, and like all M-B's, it prefers straight lines to corners.

M5>500E anyday.

[BavariaE34]

W124 E-class, 84-95. Styling was dated even for that time. 500E competed directly with the M5 and was built in Porsche plants in Zuffenhausen. I guess their "Sportline" option packages were the equivalent to our M packages.

The main difference between these two models was that BMW never produced a 2-door or convertible E34 to compete with the W124 coupes and verts.

I wonder how the M5 would do against the 500E? I would assume loss on the strip, win on the circuit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QikcFzHIp-A
;)

[UberFunfer]

Thanks for the video. Don't think that was a fair race though - 500E driver didn't know how to launch properly.

[kipwinger]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbaffO_vVNk&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbaffO_vVNk&feature=relatedhttp://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbaffO_vVNk&feature=related

[ILoveMPower]

Good read here, I'm sure you guys will enjoy it also

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e34-m5-discussion/118431-w124-500e.html

[Dexm]

Maybe a completely baseless impression: but I always thought the Mercedes of those years, like the 190 and the 300 were cheaply built. Or at least not as well built as the BMW. I drove the 500 a lot in the early 90's and thought it was pretty nice.

[4500 RPM]

Thanks for the video. Don't think that was a fair race though - 500E driver didn't know how to launch properly.

Non-defeatable traction control

[5271990]

Thanks for the video. Don't think that was a fair race though - 500E driver didn't know how to launch properly.

M5 driver didn't give a f**k about the clutch :D


Non-defeatable traction control

BMW DSC is comical traction control, in my E39 slushbox I could spin the tyres all day:buttrock and the little light just flickered at you if you did something really stupid in the rain.......

[xlr8tin]

Maybe a completely baseless impression: but I always thought the Mercedes of those years, like the 190 and the 300 were cheaply built. Or at least not as well built as the BMW. I drove the 500 a lot in the early 90's and thought it was pretty nice.

Sorry you believe this, but the 190 is like the E34 to the Benz world...very reliable.

[BavarianFanatic]

Personally, I don't really think they compare well at all. BMW has always been an enthusiast driver's car with phenomenal balance and handling whereas the Benzs have always been more of a rider's car and, dare I say, a status symbol. Especially in the 80's and 90's. Powerful engines and compliant ride, but lackluster handling. The more contemporary examples branded as AMG (think E55, etc.) are a much closer match, but still tend to be softer than comparable BMWs.

You drive a BMW and ride in a Benz. To directly answer your question, I'd agree the E500 would have been the closest match to the 535i. But it's sort of like comparing a Cadillac to a Lexus. Similar, but different. But price-wise and equipment-wise comparable.

[Stir Fry A Lot]

You drive a BMW and ride in a Benz. To directly answer your question, I'd agree the E500 would have been the closest match to the 535i. But it's sort of like comparing a Cadillac to a Lexus. Similar, but different. But price-wise and equipment-wise comparable.

That's pretty much how I feel too. I was just wondering because the other night while taking my wife and daughter home I drove past a kid's nicely modded 2.6 pretty hard (unintentionally, lol). He tried to catch up but by the time that he did I had already made it to my house. I know BMWs are more for balance but I also know that the B'z are made for speed and it looked as though this kid had a pretty sweet suspension setup going too.

[ILoveMPower]

Any mercedes that is hand assembled by Porsche is surely performance oriented enough for me!

[BavarianFanatic]

Any mercedes that is hand assembled by Porsche is surely performance oriented enough for me!

Certainly true, but I love the fact that BMW figured out how to do it themselves. ;)

[bolloc]

I own both, actually a couple of 190's a 2.3 and a 2.6, although the 2.6 is quick it isn't as fast as the 535, also it doesn't handle anywhere near as well (non snowy conditions).

But the comparison isn't really fair, the 2.6 is an auto and a little shy on displacement compared to the 535.

The 2.3 has had some major suspension mods, handles like a dream and is very responsive all round. It gets awesome gas mileage.

The 535 is a lot bigger, the 190's have a helluva steering lock to them, you can squeeze these suckers into just about anywhere, (u-turns are great).

The 190 beats the hell outta the 535 in the winter, the ass warmers are 10 times better than the 535, (they heat the back of the seat as well as the bottom). The cabin starts to warm up within a block. If there is a smattering of snow on the road the 535 can't even get close to the 190, if there's a cpl of inches or more forget even taking out the 535 even with snows, at least when you have a 190 with good all seasons on it......

The 190's and the 535 are the same vintage, both 190's have considerably more mileage on them than the 535 and both have been extremely reliable.

But to be fair, neither of them put that silly stupid smile on my face like the 535 does!

[janders211]

Non-defeatable traction control

You can defeat it - by pulling the ABS fuse. Still no LSD iirc.

[4500 RPM]

The 190E is the E30 competitor, not the E34.


You can defeat it - by pulling the ABS fuse. Still no LSD iirc.

I know it.

Car and Driver compared the 500E, E34 M5, and Audi S4 back in '92, look for the article. I prefer the 500E myself.

[Deanx2009]

Raced a 430...460e? i forgot which. With my 5 spd. didnt launch because wasnt plannin on racin.. but jumped in. had me for a car length at 50. not too bad I dont think. Im stock.

[4500 RPM]

Raced a 430...460e? i forgot which. With my 5 spd. didnt launch because wasnt plannin on racin.. but jumped in. had me for a car length at 50. not too bad I dont think. Im stock.

400E (then E420 in '94) is the W124 540i competitor

[xlr8tin]

Raced a 430...460e? i forgot which. With my 5 spd. didnt launch because wasnt plannin on racin.. but jumped in. had me for a car length at 50. not too bad I dont think. Im stock.

430....More comparable to my 540ia.

[4500 RPM]

430....More comparable to my 540ia.

That happened in '98 in the W210 :confused

[m60b30530i]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU9mQ7z5JVQ

[xlr8tin]

That happened in '98 in the W210 :confused
Hey, he's the one that said he raced a 430 not me...and yes it is...there are other things besides year to compare...;)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU9mQ7z5JVQ

No we're talking

Check this one out...

http://hatchandsons.com/pages/sales/JB21/

[shelbyz4u2nv]

posted this up before...

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m158/Shelbyzt2/Picture376.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m158/Shelbyzt2/Picture389.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m158/Shelbyzt2/Picture391.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m158/Shelbyzt2/Picture388.jpg
__________________

[xlr8tin]

The C36 is closer to the 535 though. The C43 would be closer to the 540 or maybe M5 since it's an AMG..For that matter I would of thought the C36 would be closer to the M3??

[TouringGuy]

I drove a W124 for awhile, the E34 is far superior in my opinion.

[4500 RPM]

The C36 is closer to the 535 though. The C43 would be closer to the 540 or maybe M5 since it's an AMG..For that matter I would of thought the C36 would be closer to the M3??

Dude, seriously? C Klasse is 3-Series competiton, ergo the M3.

[xlr8tin]

Dude, seriously? C Klasse is 3-Series competiton, ergo the M3.

No shit..I've had a few...look at the article that shelbyz4u2nv just posted...It clearly compares the 540 and the C36....:mad

[attack eagle]

Sorry you believe this, but the 190 is like the E34 to the Benz world...very reliable.

it CAN be... I worked on a LOT of 190e and 300.

they are clusterfunked engine bays, overly complex electrical/mechanical, and like mentioned, the 190s certainly are comfy drivers though with that uber plush carpet. I think the 2.6 is a close equivalent to the e34 535. so is the 300 though too.


BOLLOC: YOUR SEAT HEATERS ARE BROKEN> Mine heated lower back too. Felt good when I hurt my back.

[xlr8tin]

Yes, but from what I read on here, E34's aren't much better:confused

I love mine though

[attack eagle]

e34s are VERY simple... pop the hood of a 190 and try to figure out how to even GET to anything :)

Look under the dash.


e34s are SIMPLE cars.

[xlr8tin]

That's why I bought one

[attack eagle]

That's why I bought one
me too...

not looking forward to finding a replacement for it either.

Though I may buy a magnum sxt when they drop below 5k.

[bolloc]

BOLLOC: YOUR SEAT HEATERS ARE BROKEN> Mine heated lower back too. Felt good when I hurt my back.

Well here we go, another item to add to the todo list :) Thanks I appreciate you letting me know.

[xlr8tin]

me too...

not looking forward to finding a replacement for it either.

Though I may buy a magnum sxt when they drop below 5k.

My dad had a magnum as his company car..(so he drove it a lot) he told me (and you can easily see) that the rear glass is too small and creates a bad blind spot...

But if they go under 5K, why not.

[ross1]

I drove a W124 for awhile, the E34 is far superior in my opinion.

I've also owned both. I wouldn't call either better, just different. The W124 is hard to beat for comfort and the MB six is as bulletproof as an M30.
If I'm on twisty backroads give me the nimbler feeling BMW, on a long interstate haul the MB is more comfortable.
BMWs made me an enthusiast, MBs not, although W201 190s are fun to toss around.


me too...

not looking forward to finding a replacement for it either.

Though I may buy a magnum sxt when they drop below 5k.
A friend just bought a used Magnum. My impressions are:
It drives well, very solid(MB Platform)and quiet. Poor visibility but nearly all the modern high beltline slopey windscreen airbaggged to death cars are similar.
Good V-8 power with high teens in town and mid twenties fuel economy. Interior trim is nice. Opening the rear hatch can only be accomplished with the engine off or something silly like that but no major gripes.

[TouringGuy]

I've also owned both. I wouldn't call either better, just different. The W124 is hard to beat for comfort and the MB six is as bulletproof as an M30.
If I'm on twisty backroads give me the nimbler feeling BMW, on a long interstate haul the MB is more comfortable.
BMWs made me an enthusiast, MBs not, although W201 190s are fun to toss around.




Well then let me just say I would much rather have my E34. I enjoyed the Benz while I had it, but I fell in love with my E34. I would much rather have my car now then that any day. I think both cars are equally comfortable. But I prefer the interior of the E34 more. I always thought it looked better. The W124 just looked outdated.

[xlr8tin]

I'd rather have the Benz I got rid of a year ago...But you can't really compare it to the E34 I have now, since it was an AMG. :shifty