SOLD 1994 E500 Limited AMG 6.0L, Sapphire Black/Black/Gray, 146kkm, auction (Netherlands)

[gsxr]

UPDATE: For sale at auction in Netherlands, see post #82. Appears to have sold 5/30/2024, see post #114. Thread title updated.


1994 E500 Limited AMG 6.0L?, Sapphire Black/Black/Gray, 144kkm, JDM auction (Tokyo, Japan)

No affiliation. Code 958 but not 957, so if it's a 6L as claimed, it was a conversion. AMG Gen2 body kit.

VIN = WDB1240361C106711

http://auc.jdmconnection.ca/aj-ouJqRaRKuTSwNmA.htm

Datacard: https://www.lastvin.com/vin/Yz6Xk2RYYBPE1xjL9

 

[stickyvicky]

958 says it a limited edition,6.0 its post production conversion to 6.0

 

[inboundmotorsports]

No affiliation. Code 958 but not 957, so if it's a 6L as claimed, it was a conversion. AMG Gen2 body kit.

VIN = WDB1240361C106711

http://auc.jdmconnection.ca/aj-ouJqRaRKuTSwNmA.htm

Datacard: https://www.lastvin.com/vin/Yz6Xk2RYYBPE1xjL9

View attachment 92629 View attachment 92630 View attachment 92631 View attachment 92628

Any idea what "Company Vehicle" (Order Code 293) means here? Would this have originally been a German Delivery car? Would the door cards also have been trimmed in the Limited Pattern, or does that get negated because of the full leather option (Dash, etc.) Thanks

 

[gerryvz]

A company vehicle means it was ordered for some sort of official or semi-official Mercedes-Benz AG company/employee use. Highly likely it would have been a Germany-delivered vehicle.

As a code-958 factory "Limited" car, it would have had factory E500 Limited leather inserts in the seats and doors. Any interior door-leather conversion done "after the fact" would not have been associated/affiliated with the factory, but the one photo shows what looks like appropriate Limited door leather.

The data card lists this car as a standard E500 Limited model, 009 Sapphire Black external color (common/appropriate for Limited models), and with gray leather Limited-spec interior. Hard to say on whether this car is a "real" 6-liter car, without actually looking at any engine markings and/or actually measuring the displacement, unless there is specific paperwork that says the specific engine number was converted to 6-liter status.

 

[inboundmotorsports]

Just following up on this. Below is a photo of the AMG stamp on the Engine. Is there any possible way to get more info given this new info? Thanks!

 

[Calcifer]

Hi,

Where is this stamped on the engine?

Thank You

 

[gsxr]

Edit: Some AMG stamps are on the front of the block, others are on the rear. I think the later builds are stamped on the front. (?)

 

[Rouven036]

The AMG number on the 119.97 engine is stamped on the back side of the engine, by cylinder 8 (driver side) on the block when you look down in between the rear side of the air filter housing and the fire wall.

 

[Calcifer]

Thank you for taking the time in explaining. Aside from paperwork given, I've never looked for any markings on the E60.

 

[inboundmotorsports]

Edit: Some AMG stamps are on the front of the block, others are on the rear. I think the later builds are stamped on the front. (?)

View attachment 107693

Correct - and this one is on the rear side

The AMG number on the 119.97 engine is stamped on the back side of the engine, by cylinder 8 (driver side) on the block when you look down in between the rear side of the air filter housing and the fire wall.

Correct - this is on the rear of the engine by cylinder 8.

Is there anything that we can determine from this outside of it being a proper 6.0 Liter motor produced by AMG? Was this an AMG Affalterbach only modification? or was this done elsewhere as well (i.e. Japan). Any clarity will help, thanks!

 

[500AMM]

Here is another image showing where to look for the 6.0 AMG engine number, this is of my '92

I don't know anything about the 6.0 engines done in Japan, or if they ever built them but sourced them in other countries, or converted R129 and W140 engines. Maybe member @weide1 know something about that?

 

[Rouven036]

As per my info, engine conversions only have been made in/by AMG Affalterbach, further does for this car a special production order exists, which since no other changes are done are indicating such works as 6L conversions for example.

 

[gsxr]

As per my info, engine conversions only have been made in/by AMG Affalterbach.

So (for example) AMG Japan conversions had engines built in Germany, and shipped to Japan?

 

[Rouven036]

Could be, I have not yet seen any proper or proven evidence that (full) engines have been actually built in Japan. However a assembly or installation of "performance enhancing" kits are very well possible (see for example the installation manual for the M117 4v or power pack kits, kits available for m102, m103 etc) as long it did not include actual rework of the blocks.
At AMG's archive it is documented when and by whom the engine was built - based on the stamped AMG engine number however I can't say at the current stage how "accessible" this info is. A couple of years ago that was a bit easier.

 

[Eno]

Customization and tuning of 6.0 liter AMG engines were installed in Germany as per a Japanese friend.

 

[inboundmotorsports]

As per my info, engine conversions only have been made in/by AMG Affalterbach, further does for this car a special production order exists, which since no other changes are done are indicating such works as 6L conversions for example.

Thank you for the info regarding where the motors were built. Can you clarify the second part of your comment about this car and the special production order? Not sure I follow what you are saying regarding the 6L conversions either. Thanks.

Customization and tuning of 6.0 liter AMG engines were installed in Germany as per a Japanese friend.

Thank you for the insight as well. Any authority that your Japanese friend has, or an idea where he might have been able to determine this? Did he work for AMG Japan at some point perhaps?

I am interested in this car given that it was a "Company Vehicle", clearly a genuine Affalterbach installed 6L car, yet Resided in Japan for some time. It sounds to me like this car was originally delivered to a German Customer/Executive/Employee based on the "Company Delivery" location, then sent to Affalterbabach to get outfitted based on their preferences, and at some point down the line it was exported to Japan. In other words, this was not a Japan AMG car, but rather an Affalterbach AMG car, that was later sold to a second/third owner in Japan. Would this be a fair assumption? Thank you all again for the insight on this one. Certainly an interesting E60.

 

[weide1]

The MB Market Exclusive First Look: 1994 E60 AMG Limited

1994 Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG Chassis no. WDB124 036 1C106711 Engine no. 119 9760 0379 Gearbox no. 722 370 96 6145 (HWA 140 270 0100) Originally ordered under Mercedes-Benz’s general-use company vehicle account, this German-market W124 chassis began life as a 500 E Limited, and was delivered on...

www.thembmarket.com

The MB Market Exclusive First Look: 1994 E60 AMG Limited




1994 Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG
Chassis no. WDB1240361C106711
Engine no. 119 9760 0379
Gearbox no. 722 370 96 6145 (HWA 140 270 0100)

Originally ordered under Mercedes-Benz’s general-use company vehicle account, this German-market W124 chassis began life as a 500 E Limited, and was delivered on February 24th, 1994. Complete with special-ordered Saphirschwarz paintwork and AMG three-piece wheels, this unique ‘facelift’ chassis was converted to E60 specifications shortly after its delivery to corporate headquarters. With communication directly from AMG confirming this to be a true Affalterbach built E60, this “pre-merger” chassis presently exhibits all the proper equipment, stampings, and cosmetic details provided to a high standard of work, which irrefutably establish it as a bonafide AMG-executed creation. Furthermore, a set of recently completed dynamometer tests have verified the proper outputs of a factory-rated E60 powertrain. Utilizing the series-standard 5.0-liter M119 V-8 engine, engineers in Affalterbach pushed out displacement to 6.0-liters by adding a combined 14mm to the bore and stroke geometries. A set of four ‘hot’ reprofiled camshafts, lightweight alloy pistons, and more aggressive engine mappings pushed the unit’s maximum delivery to over 380 hp. A revised exhaust system paired with a marginally redesigned intake assembly surmounted by ‘AMG’ type font allowed the E60’s greedier powerplant to breath more freely at-speed

The stock, yet stout four-speed transmission was deemed adequate for AMG’s beefed-up purposes, though a retuned TCU map and specially geared ratios were required to extend longevity and maximize performance. Converted E60’s received a chrome muffler unit with dual square tips—this chassis presently wears a period-correct, cross-compatible unit labeled with the R129 SL series number. A revised set of springs and upgraded brakes housed inside a set of menacing, staggered three-piece ‘AERO III’, 17-inch OZ Racing wheels rounded out the E60’s mechanical modifications.

Cosmetically, the standard E60 typically did not vary greatly from the visage of the 500 Limited, though this example has been notably upgraded inside and out by AMG. The unique Saphirschwarz aesthetic is enriched by a proper ‘Gen II’ aero kit. The extended leather option extends the black leather upholstery to the door panel inserts and upper dash with a contrast stitch, and the black-toned bird’s eye maple trim which adorns the center console is emblazoned with a monochrome marque logo. Of equal distinction is the steering wheel—a pair of small typefont stamps located at 5, and 7 o’clock supplement a more prominent logo featured on the upholstered airbag unit—the grain matched trim substantiates that this wheel has been crafted to corporate standards. Lastly, the 300km/h ‘AMG’ gauge cluster is a touch attributed to specifications to of an AMG conversion of the most exorbitant variety.

Imported from Japan by the consignor in April of 2020, this E60 has recently benefitted from a well documented overhaul of its rear differential and transmission. Additional service invoices from Japan show over $30,000 USD of addressed line items in the past decade alone. Now offered with an extensive folder of Japanese documentation dated back to 1995, tool roll, and manuals, this exceedingly rare super sedan presents an ideal opportunity to own a piece of lean, mean, German steel from AMG’s earliest days under the corporate stewardship of Mercedes-Benz.

This E60 AMG will be auctioned with RMSotheby's Monterey Auction on August 14-15th with bidding available online beginning August 10th. Make sure to register well in advance of auction day in order to bid. More info can be found here.

 

[JAB12]

Does anyone know how much this one sold for in Japan back in January?

 

[inboundmotorsports]

I was able to receive confirmation directly from AMG in Germany that this is a true, Affalterbach built car, and not by AMG Japan. See below:

 

[JAB12]

I was able to receive confirmation directly from AMG in Germany that this is a true, Affalterbach built car, and not by AMG Japan. See below:

View attachment 109849View attachment 109850

Why don't you purchase the vehicle's data card and official Daimler-AMG letter with build sheet. That way there is no room for discussion. Search for my post on the subject in this forum where I posted the email contacts and how to request this. You will have to show proof of ownership of the vehicle in order to gain it. Best of luck. Japan or not, these cars are rare.

 

[inboundmotorsports]

Wow I didn’t know that was something you could request, I will search for it, but if you could include it here i’m sure others would appreciate knowing about it as well!

 

[JAB12]

Wow I didn’t know that was something you could request, I will search for it, but if you could include it here i’m sure others would appreciate knowing about it as well!

Yes I have a thread here dedicated to that. Follow this link: Daimler AMG E60 Factory Production Letter - Need Assistance to Obtain | W124 AMG & Tuner Cars

 

[gsxr]

I was able to receive confirmation directly from AMG in Germany that this is a true, Affalterbach built car, and not by AMG Japan.

That is helpful info, but it still is missing code 957 in the datacard... technically making it a "conversion", i.e. possibly done some months/years after delivery to the dealer/owner. Picking nits here, not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, particularly if AMG Germany confirms they did the build.

inboundmotorsports, did you buy this car? Planning to list it for sale at some point?

 

[inboundmotorsports]

That is helpful info, but it still is missing code 957 in the datacard... technically making it a "conversion", i.e. possibly done some months/years after delivery to the dealer/owner. Picking nits here, not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, particularly if AMG Germany confirms they did the build.

inboundmotorsports, did you buy this car? Planning to list it for sale at some point?

The car was originally built in 2/1994, and first registered in Japan in April 1995. The car has been in Japan Since. That would likely mean the car was sent directly to Affalterbach from new for the work.

The car has just been listed for sale with RM Sothebys for their Monterey sale this coming week. Link below:

1994 Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG | SHIFT/Monterey | RM Sotheby's

1994 Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG for sale at RM Sotheby's SHIFT/Monterey

rmsothebys.com

 

[JAB12]

Per the post #17 the article notes the car is set to hit the block on Monterey online auction. So if @inboundmotorsports owns it currently, then yes it is set for resale. I am interested more to see what value the car obtains in the right setting and properly represented since mine thankfully flamed out at RS back in January allowing me to make a run for it. I also am curious to learn if all those extra 'AMG' stamps on leather inserts and steering wheel were added by AMG Germany or by AMG Japan as is usually with these cars when Japan 'tunes' them. They like logos everywhere there it seems. Also the bodykit would like to know if from Affalterbach or Tokyo.

 

[JAB12]

The car was originally built in 2/1994, and first registered in Japan in April 1995. The car has been in Japan Since. That would likely mean the car was sent directly to Affalterbach from new for the work.

The car has just been listed for sale with RM Sothebys for their Monterey sale this coming week. Link below:

1994 Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG | SHIFT/Monterey | RM Sotheby's

1994 Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG for sale at RM Sotheby's SHIFT/Monterey

rmsothebys.com

The car could have been either dealer inventory or Company usage as a E500 Limited without any AMG goodies during the gap time between build and Japan registration. To @gsxr point. If you can show ownership then order the documents I mention in post #20. IMHO it will add more credibility and in consequence more value to your resale efforts. Just my $0.02 as having recently acquired one of these with the data card VIN coded 957 plus the Daimler-AMG letter. I have the same exhaust tips plus the entire exhaust sytem, not just the tips, and these were Germany AMG installed, but they recognize its an AMG Japan part and this is shown on the AMG production letter, so leaves no doubt. If I were to bid $100K+ on your converted E60 offering here I would want to know all of these things. Factory ordered demo car or not, would be a secondary thing. Not on data card just interpreted from an AMG conversion order number. One has to be educated on that to know these things. Again, just my unsolicited $0.02. GLWA.

 

[gsxr]

The AMG Gen2 body kit is absolutely Japan. AMG Germany never put a body kit on the 036.

While I personally like the appearance of this kit on the 036, many purists do not.

The R129 console wood is another Japan modification.

 

[gsxr]

While I'm picking nits:

• The car has left-hand-traffic headlights (Japan/UK). We all know what's involved with trying to source the proper replacements, if the car is planned to be driven in USA after dark.
  
  
• The AMG Gen2 bumper has auxiliary high beam lights fitted. This means the car has 6 high beams and zero fog lights. The proper bumper fog lights would be sourced from a C36 AMG and can be retrofitted.

 

[JAB12]

@inboundmotorsports: How long has the car been in the US and what service has been performed to it Stateside? "Asking for a friend". I have an extra front bumber OEM NOS 'AMG' emblem if you want to replace this one. Not cheap but I don't need it as have a few of them between my C43 and the W124. A close up on your RM photos show this to be victimized by road chips. Nit picking too but these are the things I look at in this caliber of car prior to purchasing.

 

[JAB12]

While I'm picking nits:

• The car has left-hand-traffic headlights (Japan/UK). We all know what's involved with trying to source the proper replacements, if the car is planned to be driven in USA after dark.
  
  
• The AMG Gen2 bumper has auxiliary high beam lights fitted. This means the car has 6 high beams and zero fog lights. The proper bumper fog lights would be sourced from a C36 AMG and can be retrofitted.

If you have time you should create a Punch List for this car. My knowledge is too limited to even try to start the list. And while we are at it I also have a brand new NOS set of the aforementioned C36 AMG fogs as well as a used set in condition 8 out of 10. Will not go cheap either if/when sold. I bought all this stuff with big plans for a car that at the time I did not possess and had no idea how to get. Almost a year later after the dream was fulfilled I decided to not touch it and leave exactly as it came on the exterior other than the coolant reservoir swap, the wheel upgrade and the subtle mods I made on shifter and pedals and now the fire extinguisher.

 

[JAB12]

Lastly and I'll rest after this. Car has wrong front grille. This Avantguard grille I have it too and I like it better, but the car came with the classic correct grille which I have in storage and can swap at will. RM auctions attract some connoisseurs of MB Heritage and AMG history. They will want to see or know all of these things before placing any meaningful bids on a car like this. If I was still looking I would flood your inbox with a listing of questions that would expect to be answered. Go ask Mr. Wagengut that did not fully respond to all my key questions, most of them learned inside this forum and IMHO it cost him the sale (at least to me) of that 'Limited E60' he has as well. Turns out the car is only an AMG 6.0L Engine 'drop in' and nothing more, the rest of the accessories were mounted in Japan. Thankful to him too for not properly responding to all my inquiries which at the time, due to my lack of knowledge, could've easily made me purchase that car as I was growing a bit impatient by then. Glad I followed good advise on this. Again GLWA. Last post on the matter.

 

[JAB12]

The car was originally built in 2/1994, and first registered in Japan in April 1995. The car has been in Japan Since. That would likely mean the car was sent directly to Affalterbach from new for the work.

The car has just been listed for sale with RM Sothebys for their Monterey sale this coming week. Link below:

1994 Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG | SHIFT/Monterey | RM Sotheby's

1994 Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG for sale at RM Sotheby's SHIFT/Monterey

rmsothebys.com

...Ordering special Popcorn for this one next week...

 

[vdubpower]

ordered popcorn just for your posts

 

[TimL]

The R129 console wood is another Japan modification.

Dave, there are German cars that AMG delivered with that center console. Here is a picture of an Auto Motor & Sport magazine from Sept 1992. It contains a test of a 500E with the 6.0 conversion by AMG. This is the first test of the 6.0 engine and the article states that AMG is getting ready to officially launch the car in 1993.

Just bought a whole stack of vintage German car magazines, all of which have 500E, E500 or e60 tests and comparos (M5 comparisons, Lotus Omega and Alpina B10 comparison tests). Need to find some time to scan and upload them to the forum.

 

[gsxr]

Thanks for the info, TimL! IIRC this may be the first confirmed Germany AMG built car with the custom R129 console wood. That modification was very popular in Japan.

Interesting scan from that magazine, the acceleration data from the 6.0L was nearly the same as a strong-running stock 500E.

 

[Bowball]

It looks quite nice. I prefer it to the one that didn’t sell at auction earlier. Though I think the price estimate is quite optimistic.

 

[JAB12]

Bidding on this car is live online. RM has posted this at NO RESERVE, currently bidding at $25K


1994 Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG
$125,000 - $155,000
Offered Without ReserveRM | Online Only - SHIFT/MONTEREY 14 - 15 AUGUST 2020 - Auction Closes on 15 August 2020
Chassis No. WDB1240361C106711
Engine No. AMG 119 9760 0379
Gearbox No. 722 370 0 3966 145 (HWA 140 270 0100)

• Special-order Saphirschwarz over grey/anthracite leather
• Originally ordered by Mercedes-Benz’s corporate account
• Fully converted to E60 specifications by AMG at Affalterbach
• Hand-built 375-hp 6.0-liter M119 V-8 engine
• German-market delivery; resided in Japan from 1995-2020

Please note that this lot will need to be collected from New Canann, CT - Connecticut

Please note the title for this particular lot is in transit and, in light of current world events and limited government office hours and closings, may be considerably delayed in reaching the successful buyer. It is expected that the delay could be up to six to eight weeks. Please speak with an RM representative for further details.

Originally ordered under Mercedes-Benz’s general-use company vehicle account, this home-market W124 chassis began life as a 500 E Limited and was delivered on 24 February 1994. Complete with special-ordered Saphirschwarz paintwork and AMG three-piece wheels, this unique “post-facelift” chassis was converted to E60 specifications by AMG after its delivery to corporate headquarters, but before export to Japan in April 1995.
Its creation occurred at an interesting point in AMG’s history. The Affalterbach-based performance engineering company had concluded a cooperation with Mercedes-Benz in 1990, permitting its enhanced offerings to be sold through the automaker’s dealership channels, yet AMG would remain independent until Daimler (then DaimlerChrysler) purchased a controlling stake in 1999. It now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of the German luxury car manufacturer. With the introduction of the dealer-available C36 AMG sedan for the 1995 model year, the German tuner’s days of de facto autonomy ended.
This very late “pre-merger” chassis presently exhibits all the proper equipment, stampings, and cosmetic details executed to a high standard of work, that establish it as a bona fide AMG creation, and a potent one at that. Using the series-standard 5.0-liter M119 V-8 engine, engineers in Affalterbach pushed out displacement to 6.0-liters by adding a combined 14 mm to the bore and stroke geometries. A set of four “hot” reprofiled camshafts, lightweight alloy pistons, and more aggressive engine mappings pushed the unit’s maximum delivery to over 375 horsepower (381 PS), recently verified by dynamometer testing. A revised exhaust system, paired with a redesigned, AMG-branded intake assembly, allowed the E60’s greedier powerplant to breath more freely at speed.
The stock, yet stout, four-speed transmission was deemed adequate for AMG’s beefed-up purposes, though a retuned TCU map and specially geared ratios were required to extend longevity and maximize performance. Converted E60s received a chrome muffler unit with dual square tips, and this chassis presently wears a period-correct, cross-compatible unit labeled shared with the R129 SL roadster. A revised set of springs and upgraded brakes housed inside a set of menacing, staggered three-piece “AERO III” 17-inch OZ Racing wheels round out the E60’s mechanical modifications.
Cosmetically, the standard E60 typically did not vary greatly from the 500 Limited, though this example has been notably upgraded inside and out by AMG. The unique Saphirschwarz aesthetic is enriched by the proper aero kit. An extended suite of black leather furnishes the door panel inserts and upper dash with contrast-stitched detail; black-toned bird’s eye maple trim adorns the center console, which is emblazoned with a monochrome marque logo. Of equal distinction is the steering wheel: A pair of embossed AMG emblems located at five and seven o’clock supplement a more prominent logo featured on the upholstered airbag unit; the grain-matched trim substantiates that this wheel has been crafted to exacting standards. Finally, the 300 km/h AMG-specific speedometer completes the gauge cluster, hinging at this sedan’s exorbitant performance and top speed.
Imported from Japan by the consignor in April 2020, this E60 has recently benefitted from a well-documented overhaul of its rear differential and transmission. Additional service invoices from Japan show over $30,000 USD of addressed line items in the past decade alone. Now offered with a tool roll and a folder of Japanese documentation dating back to 1995, this exceedingly rare super-sedan presents an ideal opportunity to own a piece of lean, mean, German steel from AMG’s early years as an official partner of Mercedes-Benz.
LOOKING FOR DOCUMENTATION AND INVENTORY?
For further information such as history files, production certificates, restoration documentation, service invoices, owners' manuals, and accompanying parts, please click the button below to view any additional documentation and parts included with this lot.

I couldn't properly snip the files on my screen but here are some screenshot photos, may be blurry but they can provide additional information in case there is anyone looking to bid on this car. Sounds like the consignor may be on this forum and can provide additional information about it. I'm watching this to gauge value of a post delivery AMG conversion, in what can be assumed to be the 'right' venue setting, since mine flamed out in AZ earlier this year (Thankfully). Will be watching...

 

[JAB12]

Some inspection files below

 

[gsxr]

The last document is interesting, as it mentions some items that I believe are fictional:

AMG Complete Exhaust System: There is no such thing. (Note this is different than the muffler with square tips.)
AMG Reinforced Brake System: See above.
AMG Big Air Intake: Ditto.

UPDATE: "AMG 2.65 Rear Axle" on the document conflicts with the 2.82 diff actually installed on the car now. Was it changed? Or is the document wrong on this line item, same as with the 3 items above?

Perhaps this document is just a translation of a Japanese dealer sales blurb? Also, paint code 904 is Midnight Blue. Limiteds should be 009, Sapphire Black. Typo?

 

[JAB12]

Without the Official AMG production letter none of this is easily verifiable. Problem is, that to get such letter one has to provide proof of ownership via US title and registration, if the documents are seeked through MBUSA Classic Division. Not sure if these are the same requirements for requesting the information through international dealers or from other countries. Having recently gone through this, that process is all I know. @gsxr, my official production letter says Silencer System but it disclaims it as a Japan part. When I get those documents back from official translation I will post them on that thread. Text on the exhaust here: Schalldämpferanlage W124 500E (Japan) HWA 124 490 17 21

 

[msq]

One obviously strange thing with this car - the seats look like seats from a Limited (958) but the interior door cards are not from a Limited. A Limited would have flat door cars with same pattern as the Limited seats. This car does not have that.
No Limited (958) ever had those (standard type) door cards as far as I know (there was an E60 in Europe for sale that was Red that was supposedly a Limited i.e. had the Limited seats, but the dead give away that it was not was the door cards were not from a Limited).

 

[gsxr]

Good catch, msq. I hadn't looked through all the photos yet, but you are 100% correct, the door panels are not original Limited. The dash and both airbags are also not stock, there is leather cover over everything (which may or may not affect functionality during a front-end impact). ASR-off switch also isn't factory; ditto the black Alcantra-looking headliner (stock is gray fabric). I updated post #39 with yet another discrepancy vs the documentation. Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE to have this car in my garage, but from the standpoint of a collector's item, it would take quite some effort and $$$ to return it to stock.

Gerry, we needs your mad interweb skillz to capture all the high-res pics from both of the links below:

1994 Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG | SHIFT/Monterey | RM Sotheby's

1994 Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG for sale at RM Sotheby's SHIFT/Monterey

rmsothebys.com

The MB Market Exclusive First Look: 1994 E60 AMG Limited

1994 Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG Chassis no. WDB124 036 1C106711 Engine no. 119 9760 0379 Gearbox no. 722 370 96 6145 (HWA 140 270 0100) Originally ordered under Mercedes-Benz’s general-use company vehicle account, this German-market W124 chassis began life as a 500 E Limited, and was delivered on...

www.thembmarket.com

 

[gsxr]

More stuff:

• The EZL has a heat sink added on top. Never seen that before, probably was added in Japan.
• Front struts are stock 500E, not E60 AMG. If the car had AMG struts, they are gone now.
• Rear SLS hydrolegs, can't tell if they are stock or AMG without pulling a rear tire for better photos.
• Rear springs appear to not be either MB or AMG, but I can't tell for sure if they are aftermarket or not.

They dyno graph is interesting, the shop didn't know how to prevent kickdown, so it only shows power from 4k. The two graphs may be rear wheel power (~320?) and estimated crank power (~420?), both in PS, not HP.

 

[gerryvz]

Attached.

 

[JAB12]

My assumption is the importing owner now consigner did not know any of this. The RM inspection sheet is superficial. More like the one you get when you take in a car for service at a dealer. Whoever is thinking of bidding high dollars on this thing better be doing their deep due diligence first. Do we know what was the sale price of this at the Japan auction in January?

 

[inboundmotorsports]

Plenty to catch up on here, but i'll try and get through it all. I am not the seller of this car, but have quite a bit of info relating to it as I know the owner, so happy to help add some clarity:

The car could have been either dealer inventory or Company usage as a E500 Limited without any AMG goodies during the gap time between build and Japan registration. To @gsxr point. If you can show ownership then order the documents I mention in post #20. IMHO it will add more credibility and in consequence more value to your resale efforts. Just my $0.02 as having recently acquired one of these with the data card VIN coded 957 plus the Daimler-AMG letter. I have the same exhaust tips plus the entire exhaust sytem, not just the tips, and these were Germany AMG installed, but they recognize its an AMG Japan part and this is shown on the AMG production letter, so leaves no doubt. If I were to bid $100K+ on your converted E60 offering here I would want to know all of these things. Factory ordered demo car or not, would be a secondary thing. Not on data card just interpreted from an AMG conversion order number. One has to be educated on that to know these things. Again, just my unsolicited $0.02. GLWA.

Had I known about requesting documents sooner, I would have tried to get them in order prior to auction. Thank you for sharing the info on the process, hopefully the new owner can request these. However we have communication DIRECTLY FROM AMG IN GERMANY confirming this to be an AMG Affalterbach built car. Again, not the aforementioned "Official Document", but direct communication from AMG confirming production should be equally sufficient here I think.

While I'm picking nits:

• The car has left-hand-traffic headlights (Japan/UK). We all know what's involved with trying to source the proper replacements, if the car is planned to be driven in USA after dark.
  
  
• The AMG Gen2 bumper has auxiliary high beam lights fitted. This means the car has 6 high beams and zero fog lights. The proper bumper fog lights would be sourced from a C36 AMG and can be retrofitted.

Fair points, this would have to be corrected/changed by the future owner based on where the car ends up.

Lastly and I'll rest after this. Car has wrong front grille. This Avantguard grille I have it too and I like it better, but the car came with the classic correct grille which I have in storage and can swap at will. RM auctions attract some connoisseurs of MB Heritage and AMG history. They will want to see or know all of these things before placing any meaningful bids on a car like this. If I was still looking I would flood your inbox with a listing of questions that would expect to be answered. Go ask Mr. Wagengut that did not fully respond to all my key questions, most of them learned inside this forum and IMHO it cost him the sale (at least to me) of that 'Limited E60' he has as well. Turns out the car is only an AMG 6.0L Engine 'drop in' and nothing more, the rest of the accessories were mounted in Japan. Thankful to him too for not properly responding to all my inquiries which at the time, due to my lack of knowledge, could've easily made me purchase that car as I was growing a bit impatient by then. Glad I followed good advise on this. Again GLWA. Last post on the matter.

Thank you for offering up all the parts in the 3 comments, had this been prior to auction perhaps it could have been swapped out on the car prior to listing. Again, the new owner can choose to re-vert some of the items mentioned back to stock, or keep the car as is to their taste. The care has been driven, but clearly cared for over the past 144,000km. The condition of how the car was kept truly speaks for itself, but as one would expect there were some changes made over the past 25+ years that the car has been on the road.

Dave, there are German cars that AMG delivered with that center console. Here is a picture of an Auto Motor & Sport magazine from Sept 1992. It contains a test of a 500E with the 6.0 conversion by AMG. This is the first test of the 6.0 engine and the article states that AMG is getting ready to officially launch the car in 1993.

Just bought a whole stack of vintage German car magazines, all of which have 500E, E500 or e60 tests and comparos (M5 comparisons, Lotus Omega and Alpina B10 comparison tests). Need to find some time to scan and upload them to the forum.

Very cool info here, thank you for sharing.

It looks quite nice. I prefer it to the one that didn’t sell at auction earlier. Though I think the price estimate is quite optimistic.

Thank you, the car looks terrific in person as I have seen it up close. It's a shame the Monterey sale is online-only, I think you all would have enjoyed seeing the car in person crossing the block at RM - and even more so, hearing it!

Some inspection files below

The last document is interesting, as it mentions some items that I believe are fictional:

AMG Complete Exhaust System: There is no such thing. (Note this is different than the muffler with square tips.)
AMG Reinforced Brake System: See above.
AMG Big Air Intake: Ditto.

UPDATE: "AMG 2.65 Rear Axle" on the document conflicts with the 2.82 diff actually installed on the car now. Was it changed? Or is the document wrong on this line item, same as with the 3 items above?

Perhaps this document is just a translation of a Japanese dealer sales blurb? Also, paint code 904 is Midnight Blue. Limiteds should be 009, Sapphire Black. Typo?



View attachment 110591

That last document attached here should have been removed as it contained some incorrect info regarding items fitted to the car. I believe it was mentioned here, but it was indeed a translation of a Japanese Dealer that has posted incorrect info. The rear diff currently fitted is in fact a 2.82 and not a 2.65. I believe RM has since removed this document from the listing.

Without the Official AMG production letter none of this is easily verifiable. Problem is, that to get such letter one has to provide proof of ownership via US title and registration, if the documents are seeked through MBUSA Classic Division. Not sure if these are the same requirements for requesting the information through international dealers or from other countries. Having recently gone through this, that process is all I know. @gsxr, my official production letter says Silencer System but it disclaims it as a Japan part. When I get those documents back from official translation I will post them on that thread. Text on the exhaust here: Schalldämpferanlage W124 500E (Japan) HWA 124 490 17 21

Again, had this been something I was aware of prior to sale I would have encouraged the seller to request it. Would you mind sharing how long the process took to get the documentation?

One obviously strange thing with this car - the seats look like seats from a Limited (958) but the interior door cards are not from a Limited. A Limited would have flat door cars with same pattern as the Limited seats. This car does not have that.
No Limited (958) ever had those (standard type) door cards as far as I know (there was an E60 in Europe for sale that was Red that was supposedly a Limited i.e. had the Limited seats, but the dead give away that it was not was the door cards were not from a Limited).

View attachment 110596

I had always assumed the extended leather on the doors was part of a package that included the leather stitched dashboard, subsequently overriding the "Limited" door panels. Anyone have any insight here? The car is certainly a 958 Code "Limited" car as seen on the Datacard.

 

[195910]

The current owner/cosigner probably did not know about all the issues that forum members mentioned; and can't be blamed. Its difficult for anyone who didn't deal with these cars in their days to determine how they look, drive and feel. Hence the importance of owner documentation.

On the plus side, these heavily altered cars get people excited in auctions and the comments from our knowledgeable esteemed members will not matter at all. Best of luck at the auction and have fun.

 

[JAB12]

@inboundmotorsports In order to get the Factory AMG production letter and Factory options document with definitions, they come together, you need to send proof of ownership by way of title and registration and your ID, or if a dealer, Company documents and director ID into MB Classic in California and when the request is accepted they charge a nominal fee of $150.00. Documents are emailed . I started a thread on the process. The turnaround timeline is about 10 business days from first email to receiving the documents. Very brave of the owner to list this car without reserve. Tell him we wish him well with the sale and happy to welcome the new owner into all this information to make the car better and enhance its history.
GLWA.

 

[msq]

I had always assumed the extended leather on the doors was part of a package that included the leather stitched dashboard, subsequently overriding the "Limited" door panels. Anyone have any insight here? The car is certainly a 958 Code "Limited" car as seen on the Datacard.

If you look at other Limited's (958) E60 or E500E's on the web and look at their door cards - all Limiteds (958) had doorcards that matched the seat insert pattern in style (color, pattern) and they were also "flat" i.e. no texture or real cushion.
Assuming this car was a Limited (958) code when it came from the factory - that means someone swapped out Limited (958) doorcards for "regular" doorcards - which would be a very unusual thing to do.
Below is am example of the dooryard this car should have.

 

[TimL]

I had always assumed the extended leather on the doors was part of a package that included the leather stitched dashboard, subsequently overriding the "Limited" door panels. Anyone have any insight here? The car is certainly a 958 Code "Limited" car as seen on the Datacard.

There is no such thing as an extended OEM leather package. This car has the Limited leather seats, “Raffleder” (German name for dimpled/crumpled leather) door cards which were standard for all E-Class cars with leather, including the 500E and then an aftermarket leather/alcantara application for all the other bits like consoles and headliner.

Seems someone just customized the car to their specific liking.