A fitting finale for the top model of the 124 series: The Mercedes-Benz E 500 Limited, “last off the line”

• 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

“Close-up” – the name of this series from the Mercedes-Benz Museum says it all. Each instalment tells surprising, exciting and interesting stories about vehicles from the exhibition. In the spotlight this time: the Mercedes-Benz E 500 Limited in the “Youngtimer” special exhibition, Collection Room 5. Until 31 May 2026, the show will feature ten iconic vehicles from the 1990s and 2000s in a vibrant and stylish presentation.

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.

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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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Mercedes-Benz anniversary year “140 years of innovation”

Since Carl Benz registered the patent for the first automobile 140 years ago and Gottlieb Daimler built the motor carriage shortly thereafter, Mercedes-Benz has been committed to constant innovation in order to build the world’s most desirable cars for its customers. This aspiration has driven every innovation – from the world’s first automobile in 1886 to the intelligent and safe electric vehicles of today, such as the new GLC and the award-winning new CLA. With the new S-Class, the company is continuing the largest model initiative in its history. With a passion for performance and pioneering spirit, excellence and consistent customer orientation, the brand with the three-pointed star has always shaped the future of mobility. The result goes far beyond technical achievements – it creates the unmistakable feeling that Mercedes-Benz stands for in all its endeavours: Engineered around you.

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating 140 years of innovation by sending three new S-Class saloons on a transcontinental journey to 140 destinations worldwide. Each location highlights the brand’s technology, heritage, pioneering spirit and global presence. Along the way, customers, fans and colleagues can join in the celebrations – on an epic journey that will last until October. Follow the “140 Years. 140 Places” tour across six continents in our “140 Years of Innovation | Mercedes-Benz Media” and in the Mercedes-Benz Community.