The Mercedes-Benz 500E, later known as the E500, has long held a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. For many, including myself, the silver screen portrayal in the movie Taxi ignited a passion for this unassuming yet potent German sedan. But as captivating as the 500E was, Mercedes-Benz took it a step further, creating something truly exceptional: the E60 Benz, or more formally, the Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG. This wasn’t just an upgrade; it was a transformation into a limited-production super sedan that still commands respect and admiration today.
The original 500E was already a marvel. Co-developed with Porsche and hand-built in Stuttgart, it boasted performance figures that rivaled genuine sports cars of its era. Reaching 60mph from a standstill in just 5.5 seconds put it in the same league as the Ferrari Testarossa, a far more flamboyant machine. Its top speed, electronically limited to 160mph due to the 4-speed automatic gearbox and redline, hinted at its Autobahn-storming capabilities. The 500E was a car that could handle daily driving duties with ease, swallow luggage for a family road trip, and still deliver exhilarating performance whenever the mood struck.
However, for those seeking even more performance and exclusivity, Mercedes-Benz and AMG had something extraordinary in store. In 1993, coinciding with Mercedes-Benz’s new naming convention that renamed the 500E to E500, the e60 benz AMG was unveiled. This was the ultimate iteration of the W124 sedan, a truly limited and highly sought-after machine.
The e60 benz AMG started its life as an E500, but it was then subjected to AMG’s renowned “Technik Paket” (Technology Package), specifically the 957 option code. The heart of this transformation was a larger, more powerful 6.0-liter V8 engine, replacing the standard 5.0-liter M119 V8. This engine upgrade alone significantly boosted performance. Further enhancing its sporting credentials, the E60 AMG received 17-inch wheels, the same design shared with the iconic 190E Evo II, stiffer AMG-tuned suspension for sharper handling, and a distinctive AMG exhaust system that amplified the V8’s soundtrack.
Pinpointing the exact production numbers of the e60 benz AMG remains a challenge. Estimates range from a mere 100 to 150 units. Regardless of the precise figure, its rarity is undeniable, making it one of the most exclusive and collectible Mercedes-Benz models of the era.
The ambiguity surrounding production numbers stems from the unique way some e60 benz AMGs were created. In the pre-merger era of AMG, some discerning customers would purchase a new Mercedes-Benz E500 and then send it directly to Affalterbach, the home of AMG. There, the skilled engineers at AMG, still an independent entity at the time, would perform the conversion, installing the 6.0-liter V8 and implementing the other performance and aesthetic upgrades to transform the E500 into an e60 benz AMG.
This process makes it exceptionally difficult today to definitively identify a “true” factory-built e60 benz AMG versus one that started as a 500E or E500 and was subsequently upgraded. Authentic, factory-produced E60 AMG models, however, do carry specific VIN codes that denote their original AMG specification. While this provides a way to verify genuine examples, the waters can still be muddied, requiring careful inspection and provenance checks to ensure authenticity.
Finding an e60 benz AMG today is akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. These cars are exceptionally rare and seldom come up for sale. Encountering one often relies on chance encounters or pre-existing knowledge of their whereabouts. Sometimes, the most memorable experiences in life are unplanned, a result of venturing into the unknown and trusting that something worthwhile will emerge. This element of serendipity played a crucial role in my own encounter with this automotive legend.
Earlier this year, an unexpected opportunity arose to travel to Georgia. A spontaneous invitation from friends, coupled with incredibly affordable plane tickets to Vladikavkaz, Russia, followed by a bus journey to Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, led to an impromptu adventure. The trip was brief, just a few days, but packed with enjoyment, local culture, and lasting memories. On our return journey, with time to spare in Vladikavkaz before our evening flight, I decided to explore the city, hoping to perhaps find a car worth photographing.
Fate intervened in the most unexpected way. Just a year prior, I had learned about a low-mileage 1995 BMW M5 in Vladikavkaz, finished in the rare Dakar Yellow – a color applied to only five factory M5s, with three believed to be in Russia. One of these had recently been imported from Japan. On a whim, I contacted the owner online. To my surprise, he agreed to meet. He cautioned that the M5 was currently dusty, with a dead battery, and suggested showing me another car from his collection instead.
While many car collectors are passionate about sharing their prized possessions, my experience in Russia suggested a different norm. Often, collectors are busy individuals who value their privacy and time. However, perhaps luck was on my side that day. Within an hour, Konstantin arrived, not in the potentially dusty M5, but in an even more extraordinary car: a one-of-two 1996 Carlsson CM 62. When I inquired about its origins, the answer was simple and predictable: “Japan. And my other cars too. Come see them; we can take this car or another – it’s up to you.” Complete creative freedom.
A short drive later, we arrived at Konstantin’s garage, and I was immediately immersed in a collection of automotive dreams. Rather than focusing on a single marque, Konstantin’s passion lay in 1990s German super sedans. Alongside a standard E34 535i with its own interesting history, the garage housed some of the most desirable performance cars of the late 20th century. These included the Carlsson CM 62, the Dakar Yellow M5, a 1992 Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo, and, the star of the day, a 1994 Mercedes-Benz e60 benz AMG.
The feeling of finally encountering a dream car in person is truly indescribable. Two decades after the movie Taxi sparked my fascination, I was face-to-face with an e60 benz AMG. The car, initially appearing almost black in the garage’s dim light, revealed its true color as Konstantin rolled it into the daylight. The Azuritblau paint shimmered, shifting to a deep blue with hints of violet depending on the angle of the light.
We took the e60 benz AMG for a drive around the city, eventually stopping for a meal as Konstantin shared the car’s story. His affinity for Mercedes-Benz was long-standing, with numerous models owned over the years. His ultimate favorite, if forced to choose, was the W140 BRABUS 7.3S, the epitome of luxury and speed in its era – another model he owned, with remarkably low mileage. Always seeking to expand his collection, he discovered this e60 benz AMG at auction in Japan and imported it to Russia.
Upon arrival, the e60 benz AMG underwent a thorough service to ensure it was ready for the road. It was found to be in excellent condition, requiring only routine maintenance. Interestingly, the brake system had already been upgraded in Japan, necessitating the replacement of the original wheels with 18-inch versions of the same design to accommodate the larger brakes. Konstantin also noted that Direct Racing Fuji in Japan, who had previously serviced the car, had likely worked on the suspension, fitting high-quality German H&R components. This resulted in a car that retained Mercedes-Benz’s renowned ride comfort while offering sharpened handling and responsiveness.
Inevitably, the day drew to a close, and it was time to head to the airport. Sinking back into the Recaro CSE seats, the e60 benz AMG still felt incredibly fast, even by modern standards. Its acceleration was almost startling, especially on narrower roads. The surge of power from the 381 German horses under the hood was undeniable. Reaching 100mph felt effortless, the speed deceivingly masked by the car’s composure and refinement. The e60 benz AMG, the true König der Autobahn, remained quiet, smooth, and utterly assured at high speeds, a testament to its engineering and enduring legacy as a remarkable super sedan.
