SOLD 1992 500E, Pearl Black/Black, 107kmi, BaT auction (Neptune, NJ)

[gsxr]

UPDATE 1: For sale again Oct-2016. Price increased from $26k to $28k, see post #3 below. Thread title updated with new location/price.

UPDATE 2: For sale again Sept-2021 by new owner/flipper in Howard Beach, NY. Price increased from $28k to $40k, see post #7 for details.

UPDATE 3: For sale again Dec-2021 on BaHaT, listed by Dean in Neptune, NJ. See post #15 for details.


No affiliation. Headliner is sagging. AutoCheck attached below photos.

VIN = WDBEA36E3NB671972

http://www.ebay.com/itm/131661658853 <-- Listing ends Dec-17, 2015

1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E Built By Porsche 2 Owner All Records Must See!!! - $26,000​

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For sale is a beautiful 1992 Mercedes-Benz W124 500E. The 500E was hand built for Mercedes-Benz by Porsche. Originally, dubbed by automotive journalist as a "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing", the 500E is one of the first in what has now become Mercedes-Benz legendary Super Sports Sedans! This 500E is a two owner, low mileage car with only 99,000 miles! It has never been in an accident or modified. There are not many 500Es like this left! This 500E was purchased by its original owner off the showroom floor of Park Place Motorcars in Dallas, Texas on March 28, 1992. With the only options available on the 500E being a dealer installed phone and CD changer, the out-the-door price was just over $95,000. Accompanying the 500E are extensive service records that document the car’s history from that time forward. The 500E is in excellent condition and will surely please! ​

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This 500E is finished in its original Black Pearl Metallic paint and is rust free. The car has always been garage kept and the black metallic paint is extremely vibrant and looks stunning. All of the rubber seals are still in great shape, the glass is all original, and the car retains all of its original VIN stickers. The 500E wears a like new set of 225/55/16 Michelin tires. The paint is all original with the exception of the left rear quarter panel that was repainted after a parking lot incident with a shopping cart. The repair was completed by the factory authorized Mercedes-Benz body shop in Dallas, Texas. A terrific job was done and is not noticeable, even when told the quarter panel has been repainted. This is documented in the service records. The 500E does have some minor rock chips on the front end and a few minor scratches, none large in size and nothing out of the ordinary for an 99,000 mile car. The hood does has some minor checking, which is common on original paint 500E's. The windshield shows a little pitting and has one small star. The very bottom of the front bumper shows a little wear. I have done my best to photograph all of the blemishes on the car. Overall, the exterior of this 500E is in excellent condition and is truly a rare find!​

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The interior of this car is in superb condition! The 500E retains its original black leather interior that shows very well. The dual power seats are very supportive and show minimal wear on the bolsters, the carpet is in excellent condition, and the dash shows little to no wear at all. The door panels are in very good condition with the only wear being the door pockets are pulling up a little bit. The headliner in in very good condition and it not showing any signs of discoloration, it does say a small amount in the rear. The A/C system is original and still blows cold. The power moon roof and windows operate as they should. The factory radio works as it should with the exception of the dealer installed, when new, CD changer. This car still retains the dealer installed, when new, cell phone mounted in the center console. Overall, the interior is in superb condition. ​

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Mechanically the car is exceptionally sound. The M119 5.0L V8 engine fires right up and is a blast to drive! This engine was derived from the 500SL and was rated at 322hp and 354ft-lbs of torque. The engine is mated to a 4 speed automatic transmission that shifts great through all the gears. The cooling system is in great operating condition and keeps the car cool in Arizona’s heat. The steering is very tight and the car handles extremely well. The factory brakes came from the 500SL and feel great while stopping this sports sedan with ease. Overall, this car is mechanically sound and ready to be driven and enjoyed.​

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This 500E is an excellent weekend toy or daily driver. This is a great chance to own an exceptional, two owner, accident free 500E with service history and is completely unmodified. The 500E is outstanding, both inside and out, and is located in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona!​

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I can help arrange shipping anywhere in the world and international buyers are welcome to enjoy this gorgeous Mercedes-Benz!​

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Please do not hesitate to call me or email me with any questions.​

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Marshall Spotleson​

10601 N Hayden Rd #I-100​

SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260​

(480) 544-4500 ​

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[RicardoD]

Re: FS: 1992 500E, Black/Black, 100kmi, $26k (Scottsdale, AZ)

Putting VIN in text here so it works with the google search engine: WDBEA36E3NB671972

 

[Bogeyman]

Re: FS: 1992 500E, Black/Black, 100kmi, $26k (Scottsdale, AZ)

It's back on Ebay with a $28K BIN... currently located in Howard Beach, New York:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/162262011728

1992 Mercedes-Benz 500-Series 500E - W124 Hand Built by Porsche

This is it! Totally sorted 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E with less than 100k miles. Hard to find in this shape and this mileage. That's less than 4200 miles a year.
This car is kept in a climate controlled garage and covered. I need to make some room for my next project so this one has to go. This is a No Expense Spared Project. The car comes fully serviced, All fluids changed Motor oil, Hydraulic fluid, Brake fluid, Coolant, Rear Differential, And Transmission Fluid. New belt, New Tensioner.Full Tune-Up plugs, wires distributor caps, and coils,all OEM, New upper wiring harness, New front rotors ,brake pads,sensors,brake hoses, New power steering hose, No LEAKS from this car. New front shock's, New front shock mounts, All new ball joints, New Michelin tires, Alignment At the dealer, also fully documented. New rear control arms, links and bushings. Transmission Rebuilt at the dealer less than 200 miles ago, also fully documented. Radio , and CD player serviced at Becker Autosound along with the electric antenna, All works as it should. Front fascia also freshened up, New headlight doors, New headlight lenses, seals, and bulbs, New fog light lenses and bulbs along with headlight wipers. This car comes with all the books, all the receipts , and two sets of original keys, A COLLECTORS DREAM. Also professional window tint. Zero Rust . Original paint, with a couple of light scratches, A solid, reliable car. I wouldn't hesitate to sell this to a friend, or a family member, or drive it across country.

Feel free to call or text me Mario 646 739 2223.

I am a collector . Not a Dealer. And A Mercedes NUT. And A MBCA member. ​

 

[gsxr]

Only driven 300 miles in the past year?

 

[Sasha]

Re: FS: 1992 500E, Black/Black, 100kmi, $26k (Scottsdale, AZ)

It's back on Ebay with a $28K BIN... currently located in Howard Beach, New York:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/162262011728

A very clean "specimen". I drive exactly the same car but with 227K on odometer. Would buy this item right away if had $30K laying around.

 

[outrbnks]

Sold outside of eBay today? Wonder where it will resurface?

 

[Bogeyman]

Turns up on Ebay again with 107K mi. Same Howard Beach, NY location.
New price tho - $40K...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/165091829062 <-- Reserve auction ended Sept-30, 2021. BIN = $40k. High bid $27.4k, reserve not met, bidder #3 topped out at $24.4k.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/165101105482 <-- Reserve auction ends October-10, 2021. BIN = $40k.

https://www.ebay.com/usr/mercedes6.9 <-- Seller = mercedes6.9

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"1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E Sedan Black RWD Automatic E​

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Mercedes 500E. Fully serviced. New tires and brakes. All services done. Transmission rebuild at dealer all dealer parts. New upper wiring harness. Runs and drives great. A piece of history. The wolf in sheep’s clothing!!!!"​

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[Jlaa]

Turns up on Ebay again with 107K mi. Same Howard Beach, NY location.
New price tho - $40K...

1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E E | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E E at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

The engine bay still looks pretty minty and nice!!

There does seem to be a (minor) leak that has developed between 2016 and 2021? Perhaps a cam magnet or power steering reservoir? 2016 pic to the left, 2021 pic to the right.

 

[maw1124]

Not a bad price, it seems to me, these days. But it will take a BaT type presentation with more pictures, etc., to fetch that price unless it sells privately to someone who goes and sees it in person.

maw

 

[gsxr]

Price seems heavily odometer-weighted. Listing details and photos are not aligned with asking price either.

Two title transfers since the sale in early Nov-2016, not sure if it's for sale by the 2016 buyer, or a flipper:

 

[Bogeyman]

Bid to 27.3K. RNM.

 

[ace10]

Bid to 27.3K. RNM.

I think prospective buyers are figuring out how to use the deep well of information on this forum.

 

[Bogeyman]

Ebay re-relist says reserve met @ $30K...

1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E E | eBay

This 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E is an original. The owner has had it for 3 years. The vehicle runs great and is mainly used for weekend drives.

www.ebay.com

 

[Bogeyman]

Ebay claims sold for $30K on a 4 day old bid, so who knows?

Only way to tell is see if it resurfaces.

 

[gsxr]

It resurfaced, listed by Dean. CarFax attached. Sagging headliner has NOT been fixed, see photo #117 of 233 (click here).

No Reserve: 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E

Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #62,669.

bringatrailer.com

No Reserve: 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E​

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This 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E is powered by a 5.0-liter M119 V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and is finished in Black Pearl Metallic over black leather. Additional features include a powered sunroof, automatic climate control, a factory cassette stereo, cruise control, headlight wipers, 16″ alloy wheels, and power-adjustable and heated front seats. First sold by Park Place Motorcars of Dallas, Texas, the car spent time in Arizona and New York prior to its recent acquisition by the selling dealer. Maintenance conducted in 2016 is said to include servicing of the brakes, suspension, and ignition systems, as well as replacement of the tires, while work completed in preparation for the sale included paintwork, paint correction and application of a ceramic coating, an oil change, an alignment, and replacement of a wheel bearing and the front tie rods. This 500E now shows 107k miles and is offered at no reserve in New Jersey with manufacturer’s literature, a stamped service booklet, a clean Carfax report, and a clean New York title.​

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The 500E was produced in conjunction with Porsche, and this example is finished in Black Pearl Metallic (199). Features include a factory front air dam, side skirts, and flared fenders. The right-rear quarter panel was refinished during prior ownership, and paintwork was carried out by the seller that included on the hood, front bumper cover, and trunk lid to address cosmetic imperfections. The Carfax report shows no accidents or other damage, and photos of paint meter readings from multiple panels are also provided. A three-step paint correction was performed and a ceramic coating was applied to the exterior in preparation for the sale.​

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Factory 16″ 8-hole wheels are mounted with Continental ExtremeContact [DWS-06 all-season] tires, and a spare wheel fitted with an older Pirelli unit is retained in the trunk. The selling dealer states that service in 2016 included replacement of a power steering hose, front shocks and mounts,, ball joints, rear control arms, suspension links and bushings, and the brake rotors, pads, hoses, and wear sensors. Service performed in preparation for the sale at Contemporary Motorcars in Little Silver, New Jersey included replacement of a rear wheel bearing and the front tie rods, along with a four-wheel alignment.​

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The cabin features front and rear sport seats trimmed in black leather, and the front seats are heated and power-adjustable up front. Additional factory equipment consists of a sunroof, automatic climate control, a rear roller blind, and a Becker Grand Prix stereo.​

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The leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a 160-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer with an inset clock, and gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, and oil pressure. The six-digit odometer indicates 107k miles, 100 of which were added by the selling dealer.​

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The 5.0-liter M119 V8 was factory rated at 322 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Work completed in 2016 is said to include replacement of the serpentine belt and belt tensioners while work conducted in preparation for the sale included an oil change. Additional underside photos are provided in the gallery below. Additional underside photos are provided in the gallery below. The Carfax report shows no accidents or other damage and lists history in Texas, Arizona, and New York.​

 

[maw1124]

I wonder what’s going on with the passenger side of the front grille. It’s higher than the driver side for some reason I can’t tell. Hood gaps look fine and sure the filler panels aren’t perfect but I don’t think that’s it. The distance from bumper to grille on the passenger side looks at least an inch higher. Still a nice car though. The new owner can figure out what they want to do with the headliner — OEM material, black or gray alcantara, whatever.

I need Dean’s detailer…

maw

 

[gsxr]

Good eye, maw. Looks like it could be a slight warp in the front bumper, something I've seen before.

The front plate panel needs to be installed correctly as well - the upper metal retaining strip may not be seated properly?

Hard to argue with a no-reserve auction though. Wonder how much Dean picked this up for.

 

[maw1124]

Yeah... obviously I've played around with mine enough to know this happens and the grille is "adjustable"... I'm just curious that and the filler plate escaped Dean... he's usually better than that. My guess is it went straight from the detailer to the photo shoot and these are detailer errors.

I'm probably wrong there though as it was askew on prior photos of the car. He'll sell this for more than he paid though, I'm sure. The car was undervalued IMO at $30k.

maw

 

[Jlaa]

Love it. Being picky, I wish the undercarriage photos were brighter / more light …. Also I wish there were pics wo the plastic front tray.

 

[gsxr]

Normally I'd expect Odometer + Dean = $40k+ but the time of year is a wildcard, along with ending on a Holliday weekend.

The full detail really makes the car look sharp overall. Need @cascade to post the PunchList™.

 

[TerryA]

I wonder what’s going on with the passenger side of the front grille. It’s higher than the driver side for some reason I can’t tell. Hood gaps look fine and sure the filler panels aren’t perfect but I don’t think that’s it. The distance from bumper to grille on the passenger side looks at least an inch higher. Still a nice car though. The new owner can figure out what they want to do with the headliner — OEM material, black or gray alcantara, whatever.

I need Dean’s detailer…

maw


View attachment 141514 View attachment 141515

Dean said the front bumper and fascia was removed and refinished. Probably it needs a little more tweaking to get it straight. I also know that when I removed my front that there is a foam filler under the plastic fascia that could be somewhat deformed that could be the problem. I think this should be relatively easy to straighten out.

It looks like a nice original car and Dean basically just got it cleaned up and super detailed. The underside looks pretty good but I’m not sure if it was dry ice cleaned.

Can’t wait to see what it hammers for.

 

[gerryvz]

Data card (and attached PDF): Mercedes VIN Decoder | Decode Your Mercedes-Benz VIN

Videos as posted:

Photos -- Group 1 of 3

 

[gerryvz]

Photos -- Group 2 of 3

 

[gerryvz]

Photos -- Group 3 of 3

 

[dionphaneuf]

Looks like a solid example, one of the lower ones to come across the block in a while - I’d be surprised if it doesn’t get to $50k but hard to know at this time of year.

 

[gerryvz]

Need @cascade to post the PunchList™.

Where is it, dude?

 

[cascade]

500Eboard Punch List™

Official Grade: 7.5 / 10

1. Odd serrations on right edge of airbag panel in dashboard
2. Light/modest fading of horizontal center console wood
3. Light/modest fading of roll-top box wood between front seats
4. Light fading of vertical dashboard wood
5. Moderate (6.5/10) case of instrument cluster dreaded-dot disease (DDD)
6. Headliner sagging in rear; requires replacement
7. Driver’s side door map-pocket beginning to peel; requires re-adhesion
8. Appears to be a ding or blemish in the tint in the middle of rear windscreen
9. 500E trunk logo angled slightly up and to the right — requires re-adhesion
10. Modest scratch (as indicated by seller) on driver’s side rear corner under taillight lens
11. Door cladding gray color is mis-matched as compared to forward cladding behind front wheels, rear bumper and front spoiler
12. Front license plate mounting frame is oddly mis-aligned with bumper rub strip; requires proper fitment
13. Front suspension dust boots mis-installed
14. Typical rock/dirt dents in paint in lower cladding ahead of rear wheels
15. Typical rock/dirt dings in paint in under-headlight panels
16. Typical rock/dirt dings in paint on leading edges of front fenders
17. Significant dent in under-headlight panel on driver’s side
18. Appears to be a modest scratch in paint under trunk license plate panel, to right of trunk release button
19. Gap between grill and top of front bumper appears to be slightly off; requires re-alignment
20. Dirt/detritus in bottom of fuel filler compartment; requires cleaning and blowing out
21. Scratch on passenger side door mirror
22. Rubber door mirror boots dirty/smudged; require significant cleaning
23. SLS tank old and yellowed; sticker is browned; both require replacement/refreshing
24. Car’s air intake tubes have been replaced with later-model (“facelift”) air intake tubes
25. Car’s airbox lettering and MB circular star are all black, indicating that airbox has been replaced with one from a later year model
26. Car’s hood-pad has been replaced with a “pedestrian” W124 hood-pad with foil square; not correct for this motorcar
27. Car is missing foam piece mounted on center inside of hood
28. Car’s trunk-lip stickers are peeling and should be replaced
29. Rusty curb-scrapes on edge of spare tire compartment in rear of car
30. Plastic rear lower-control-arm covers are weirdly discolored; require replacement
31. Appears that various parts and components on underside of car have been repainted / touched up with black for cosmetic purposes
32. Rear sway bar appears to be oddly discolored
33. Car’s inside wheel wells appear to be painted (glossy appearance)

 

[Jlaa]

Those are some new looking tie-rods and maybe front struts.
I think the new owner would do well to hoard a pair of new OE front control arms if he/she can still find them......

 

[gsxr]

Another minor nit... the accordion dust boot for the struts is not attached to the mount. Appears to be present on the driver side, but sitting down on the tube. No good pics of the passenger side.

 

[gerryvz]

A 30-plus item punch list — I’d say about average for a car with this mileage.

A few sloppy items that really should be remedied — perhaps not for a ~$40K-ish car, but absolutely should be remedied for a ~$60K-ish car.

I expect this car will hit and likely top $50K given the venue, mileage and seller.

Personally, I would put this car at ~$45K real market value (no BaT inflation, fees, seller premium -- straight person-to-person market transaction). I think it was on eBay for a $40K BIN, which in today's market is slightly low for a car of this condition and mileage..

The new buyer will need to budget another $10-15K (per the 500Eboard cardinal rule) to make this car cosmetically correct and perfect, as well as take care of age and wear related “soft” items (chassis rubber, hoses, fuel lines, foam items, and so on). It is likely there are leaks that were cleaned during the detailing process (power steering, crank seal, oil level sender, cam solenoids, trans external seals, and so forth).

If you do not believe this, remember all that I found last year with my 142K well maintained car in my Engine Bay Refresh — the equivalent of around $20-25K worth of restoration & parts replacement work.

 

[TimL]

It seems like a really nice example. Couldn’t leave the anodized trim like this though if it were mine….I just can’t stand that gold shimmer

 

[Sam SL]

My pet peeve is with the photoset that lacks a really good picture of the driver seat bolster. There are more photos of the rear seats than the front seats. So many sellers do this.

 

[gerryvz]

It appears from the couple of photos that show it, that the bolster is in good condition and not scuffed/scraped/split. Big bonus for this car, for sure.

 

[TerryA]

As of this post, the bid is up to $36K w/ 7 days to go. I think that says something for Dean Laumbach reputation on BAT.

 

[maw1124]

Exactly @TerryA … he’s one of the few sellers worth following over there, which is why I was surprised he didn’t button up this front fascia. That’s really not to his standard, historically.

maw

PS… my guess is he bought it for $30k and will push it down the road for at least $45k, pocket a quick $15k and move on… Dean has been busy lately so he’s moving volume more than weight right now.

 

[gerryvz]

There is some sloppiness on this car, as the Punch List results show. It may or may not be of concern to a potential buyer. I believe that anything more than $45-50K (with fees) will be too much paid for this car. That said, I fully expect the price to go above the $50K mark for the reasons mentioned above.

The buyer is still going to have $10-15K to invest to make things right.

 

[Type5314]

I’m surprised the Harnesses haven’t been brought up in the BaT chatter yet…

 

[Jlaa]

I’m surprised the Harnesses haven’t been brought up in the BaT chatter yet…

I feel like that is such a bogus critique (the wiring harnesses). If even *I* can replace the harness, ANYONE can!

 

[Type5314]

Jlaa: Yeah, I would never torpedo the auction by bringing it up. It is a known problem, with a known solution. But I remain amazed that my car ran well (or at all!) given what I found under the harness sheath.

 

[Sam SL]

When I look at picture #110 it sure looks like the seat cushion cover has had it outer panel (door opening side) replaced. The seam of the panel to the center inset does not look straight and the hue is a bit off. Even the plastic trim piece's top edge looks a bit wonky. Look at the passenger seat (pic #123) as a comparison and you will see what I mean.

 

[gerryvz]

Seems like things have stalled out quite a bit on this auction over the past few days. Guess there will be a push probably on the last day / last few minutes of the auction.

I am still holding firm in the ~$45-50K area for this car.

 

[maw1124]

When I look at picture #110 it sure looks like the seat cushion cover has had it outer panel (door opening side) replaced. The seam of the panel to the center inset does not look straight and the hue is a bit off. Even the plastic trim piece's top edge looks a bit wonky. Look at the passenger seat (pic #123) as a comparison and you will see what I mean.

I think that's just a different camera angle (more upright) showing wrinkles in the leather. Compare to #109.

Agreed, @gerryvz.

maw

 

[Bogeyman]

Now at $40.5K with 2 days left.
It wouldn't surprise me if this goes well over $50K because of sellers rep
plus the lack of any for sale lately. Other than the 4 or 5 with crazy asks
that have been sitting, the market has been quiet.

 

[gerryvz]

I think ~$50K + fees will be what it ends up at. Indeed, there has been a dearth of 500Es for sale in recent months on BaT.

 

[maw1124]

Now at $40.5K with 2 days left.
It wouldn't surprise me if this goes well over $50K because of sellers rep
plus the lack of any for sale lately. Other than the 4 or 5 with crazy asks
that have been sitting, the market has been quiet.

I like Dean but that's a LOT of reputation if you ask me. I mean, $50k for a standard (color, condition, options) 500E with over 100k miles on the clock? That would be a noteworthy result in my mind.

maw

 

[Jlaa]

I like Dean but that's a LOT of reputation if you ask me. I mean, $50k for a standard 500E with over 100k miles on the clock? That would be a noteworthy result in my mind.

maw

It will go above 50K imho. A rising tide floats all boats.

The market for a sports car which was a contemporary of the E500E（sports beetle) has gone nuts. Just this week, another bog standard unremarkable sports beetle (not a special version) with 70K miles went over USD100K including fees. This is THREE TIMES what the going rate was just in 2013 and represents a closing price of 35K above MSRP when the car was new. And they made something like 65,000 of these machines.

My guess is that this 500E hits USD 60K including fees, especially as it is not molested.

 

[maw1124]

The market for a sports car which was a contemporary of the E500E（sports beetle) has gone nuts... My guess is that this 500E hits USD 60K including fees, especially as it is not molested.

Agreed. E46M too. Same point made different ways. By "noteworthy result" I meant "nuts".

maw

 

[gerryvz]

Don’t think we will see $60K on this one, barring a last second bidding war. Straight market price (private sale) for this car is $40-45K, but the BaT/Dean premium (however rational) will give it a $10K lift.

Psychologically, Dean’s reputation gives BaT buyers an imprimatur of a car being vetted, sorted and “all there”. It’s like “comfort food” for some buyers — familiar, trusted, and seemingly not disappointing.

With this car, however, there doesn’t seem to be complete paperwork/documentation on maintenance. Not to mention scrutiny of the Punch List shows some things (such as the airbox change) that would be interesting to know the “why” about. And some sloppiness in terms of prep and lack of taking care of details (headliner, trunk emblem, rear LCA covers, as examples) that will require remediation for a $50K (and definitely $60K) car.

So if a buyer clinches this car for $55K or $60k with fees, they are really looking at $70-75K to make it what it should be.

For $75K in the market I’ve seen far better cosmetic cars with far lower odos. That’s why I say this one is -$50K + fees, tops.

 

[gerryvz]

I think ~$50K + fees will be what it ends up at. Indeed, there has been a dearth of 500Es for sale in recent months on BaT.

I see the car is at $42K with 3 days to go. Will it hit that magical $50K number? A methamphetamine-fueled $60K+?

If it hits that mark, the eBay $40K BIN would have been a bargain. Nothing like a 50% premium !

 

[dionphaneuf]

$60k is kinda Limited Territory, which, despite it not being a wildly better car IMO is still more valuable by a decent chunk by the market, especially nice examples. Agree on the Dean factor being real, the same thing happens with the seller 911r on BaT. And TBH, I think it's fair they get more as they've worked hard to 'cultivate' a brand by finding great examples of cool cars and honestly presenting them for a period of years. A 5-10% markup could easily be eaten up in deferred maintenance from a less reputable seller. I happily point some of my CA friends to Paul at AutoKennel (no affiliation) as he's a genuine enthusiast who loves all kinds of cars and only gets solid examples.
Thinking about it more though, the sale is coming at a poor time. Later this month or some time in Feb after the New Year dust settles would I'm sure result in a stronger sale.