- Exhibit in the “Youngtimer” special exhibition at the Mercedes-Benz Museum
- Last Mercedes-Benz E 500 of model series 124 produced, from the year 1995
- “Limited” as the final special series: “EVO II” six-spoke wheels, exclusive sapphire black exterior and coloured soft leather in the interior
No. 4/2026: Mercedes-Benz E 500 Limited (model series 124)
Last of its kind: The “Youngtimer” special exhibition shows a special Mercedes-Benz E 500 from model series 124. It is the “last of the line” – the last vehicle built of this exclusive top-of-the-line model in the first E-Class range. It has only 422 kilometres on the clock and belongs to the particularly lavishly equipped “Limited” series.
Fire and silk: The brand used this slogan to advertise the top model in model series 124 when it was launched in 1990. The E 500 in the museum brings the fascination of these contrasts to life. The sporty performance of the M 119 V8 engine meets the distinguished elegance of the Mercedes-Benz upper mid-size segment with discreetly flared wings. The power saloon was built in cooperation with Porsche until 1995, initially under the name 500 E until 1993.
Sapphire black statement: This E 500 Limited has the special paint finish in sapphire black (DB 009). It was one of two colours available for the special series at that time, the other being brilliant silver (DB 744). Black may appear aloof, but this paint finish certainly does not. It looks like a polished gemstone – the saloon presents itself to the public in a profound, calm and self-confident manner.
Wheels with history: The saloon stands firmly on striking six-spoke wheels. They are similar to those of the “EVO II”, the high-performance sports car 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II (W 201). For the sake of comparison: The “EVO II” is on display in the “Youngtimer” special exhibition right next to the “Limited”. Two powerhouses on one podium.
Perfectly coordinated interior: Mercedes-Benz gave the “Limited” an exceptional interior. The sports seats, steering wheel and door panelling were upholstered in coloured soft leather. The customer decided on the colour scheme, whether grey, red or green. Black/grey (code 288) was chosen for the last of the line. The automatic gear selector lever, inlay carpets and vehicle document wallet were designed to match. The wood trim is in black-stained bird’s-eye maple. Anyone who takes a seat realises that luxury is understated in this vehicle.
Exclusivity: The “Limited” special series appeared in spring 1994. “As its name suggests, the E 500 Limited will be a rare offering. To be more precise, once the five hundredth of its kind has left the factory, it will never be built again.” This is how it was described in the brochure at the time. “But it’s just a good feeling to know that there are only 499 other aficionados who can call this car their own.”
Rarity that still resonates: Today, the E 500 Limited is one of the most sought-after rarities of model series 124 and the entire tradition of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class – alongside the E 60 AMG. Its appeal lies not only in the small number of units, but also in the perfectly coordinated, extraordinary overall package. It is as fascinating today as it was then.
Witness of its time: The “Youngtimer” special exhibition at the Mercedes-Benz Museum shows the E 500 “Limited” as a symbol of the 1990s. It was the decade of new roles, new customers, new colours – and at the same time a great German engineering culture that needs no explanation. If you get close to this “last of the line”, it tells a vivid and compelling story of the spirit of its time, the end of an era and what makes the 500 E and E 500 so desirable.
The Mercedes-Benz Museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The ticket counter always closes at 5 p.m.
Registrations, reservations and the latest information:
Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. by phone +49 711 17-30000, by e-mail to classic@mercedes-benz.com or online at www.mercedes-benz.com/museum
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