The Final W124: Mercedes-Benz E 500 Limited on Display in Stuttgart

A late-production example of the Mercedes-Benz E 500 Limited—described as the final car built of its kind—is currently on display at the Mercedes-Benz Museum as part of a rotating exhibition focused on modern classics.

Presented within the museum’s “Youngtimer” special exhibition, the car represents the closing chapter of the W124 generation’s top-tier performance model. Built in 1995 and showing just 422 kilometers, the example belongs to the limited-production “E 500 Limited” series, introduced toward the end of the model’s lifecycle.

The E 500 traces its origins to a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, with early versions sold as the 500 E beginning in 1990. The formula combined a naturally aspirated M119 V8 with a widened, understated sedan body—creating a high-performance model that maintained the brand’s traditional restraint.

Mercedes-Benz E 500 Limited (model series 124) from 1994. Driving shot from 1994. (Photo index number in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archive: A94F192)

A Limited-Series Finale

The “Limited” designation marked a final production run introduced in 1994, capped at 500 units. The Stuttgart display car reflects that specification, finished in sapphire black with model-specific six-spoke wheels derived from the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II. The interior features coordinated soft leather upholstery and black-stained bird’s-eye maple trim, consistent with the series’ emphasis on material detail and customization.

Positioned alongside other 1990s-era models, the car is presented as a reference point for the period’s engineering approach—balancing performance with a largely understated design language. Today, the E 500 Limited is regarded as one of the more sought-after variants of the W124 range, alongside later AMG-developed models.

Mercedes-Benz E 500 Limited (model series 124) from 1995 in the “Youngtimer” special exhibition at the Mercedes-Benz Museum. Photo from the front right. Photo: Thomas Niedermüller. (Photo index number in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archive: D878926)

The “Youngtimer” Exhibition

The “Youngtimer” special exhibition brings together ten vehicles from the 1990s and early 2000s, presented as part of the museum’s rotating “Close-up” series. The format highlights individual vehicles within a broader historical context, focusing on design, engineering and cultural relevance.

The exhibition runs through May 31, 2026, with the E 500 Limited positioned as a representative example of the era’s high-performance sedans and the closing phase of the W124 platform.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Exhibition Dates: Through May 31, 2026
Museum Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)
Location: Mercedes-Benz Museum
Admission: Ticketed museum entry
Nearest Area: Bad Cannstatt district, Stuttgart

QUICK TIPS FOR VISITING

Best time to visit: Early morning for lighter foot traffic and easier access to featured displays
Crowds: Weekends and midday hours tend to be busiest
Time required: 2–3 hours for the full museum; 10–15 minutes for the “Youngtimer” section
Access notes: The exhibition is part of the main museum route; no separate ticket required
Nearby stops: Mercedes-Benz Arena, Neckar River walking paths

GETTING THERE

By public transport: Stuttgart S-Bahn and local transit connect directly to the museum area
By car: On-site parking available; easy access from central Stuttgart
By foot: Limited walkability from city center; transit recommended

WHY IT’S WORTH A STOP

For visitors planning a stop in Stuttgart, the E 500 Limited adds a specific point of interest within the broader museum collection. As the final example of a limited production run tied to both Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, it offers a concise look at a period where performance and restraint were closely aligned in the brand’s sedan lineup.