FOR SALE FS: 1993 500E. Silver/Black, 63kmi, on eBay (Washington, DC)

[Allgonquin]

No connection to this eBay listing. Car looks nice, apparently all records, etc. Don't know why it would have needed a head gasket, however.

VIN is: WDBEA36E8PB909186

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/290678445256 - Bidding ended Mar-9, 2012 at $18,201 (Reserve not met)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/290681582278 - Bidding ended Mar-16, 2012 - Sold for $20,350 but sale fell through?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/290685826052 - Bidding ended Mar-26, 2012 at $17,600 (Reserve not met)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/290690431950 - Buy It Now @ $20,199.99 with "Make Offer" button, listing ends Apr-3

1993 Mercedes 500E: A joint production between Mercedes and Porsche.

Here is the chance to own one of the cleanest, most cared for 500E’s I personally have ever laid my eyes on and most likely you will, I promise. Most examples are high mileage and unfortunately show it. I spent many years of searching for one like this. I hate to let this car go, but I was offered a good job opportunity in D.C. that I am going to accept. I will have no storage space or garage, so I am forced to sell the one I rarely drive and would not leave a car like this on the streets.


A little history, the prior owner was a very well-to-do lady who received it as part of a divorce settlement many years ago who spared absolutely no expense caring for it, none! The car was stored in a garage on 5th Avenue nearly all its life, it was always serviced at MB of Manhattan or EuroMotorcars in Bethesda on occasion. I have paperwork on the car that includes all the maintenance performed since its original purchase in addition to the owner’s manual svc stamps since 93’. You would not believe how well the couple cared for this car from day 1, it was their baby. I have all the major services documented since original purchase, including the latest 60k maintenance performed at the dealership to the tune of $1,100+ when the car had 57k; transmission flush was performed at 52k. Documented Head gasket, Water pump, and all other mandatory parts for the full job performed at dealership. I do not believe you could find another example with history on it like this. All major equipment/parts on the car are 100% original i.e., engine, transmission, and body… Engine runs super smooth and transmission shifts like butter. Everything functions inside/out, cassette deck has the occasional hiccup but radio and cd player work perfectly. A/C blows ice cold and heat works great. It has never been driven in rain or snow, no rust/corrosion anywhere and the car lived a sheltered life as stated. No accidents/bodywork and paintwork is all original. Interior shows no signs of wear w/ a few minor blemishes on wood that is merely unavoidable on these cars. I have all three original keys, owners manual, documents, and MB dust cover. When I took possession the dealership recommended as general maintenance to update some parts, so I did right away not having any intention on selling. Below I will list what has been updated:

Parts & Service:

• New updated O.E.M. MBenz Engine Harness- Originals were known to deteriorate over time ($1,300+)
• Front Rotors and Brake Pads
• Caps and Rotors
• Windshield Washer reservoir pump
• Interstates best battery that came recommended for this car
• Mobile One Synthetic
• Car just passed a stringent VA Safety and Emissions inspection last month.

I know this is an extraordinary example of a very rare car, only serious buyers please inquire, I will do my best to answer your questions. Pictures do this car no justice so once again serious buyers please feel free to set up an appointment with me. I welcome a pre-purchase inspection prior to purchase. I will update the auction if anything else comes to mind. I will do my best to assist with shipping if required in any way that I can. $1,500 deposit will be required at time of purchase. I have sold a car on eBay before, please check my feedback, good luck and don’t miss out on the opportunity to own this super rare piece of Mercedes history. They don’t build them like this anymore!

I have set a very fair reserve on the car considering what I paid and money I personally invested thereafter for this beauty. Anyone who knows about these cars is more than aware of its worth in this shape, collectors car it is. ​

Rgds,
Chris

 

[Jelmer]

Re: FS 1993 500E Silver / Black , 63K DC area

Link would be this

I notice the idle RPM seems very high?

 

[Ronza85]

Re: FS 1993 500E Silver / Black , 63K DC area

What would this car be worth? I live kind of close to the seller and might make a trip to see it.

RPM is high because the car was just started.

 

[gsxr]

Current bid is $14,650, reserve not met. Probably worth $15-$18k given the condition & mileage, assuming it passes a PPI.

 

[Ronza85]

I was expecting it to be more, owner states reserve is below $20k and thought this was def in line considering the miles, history and maint.

Exactly the car I have been looking for!

 

[gsxr]

If it drives perfect and has zero issues, I'd say it's definitely worth ~$20k. But I'd still get a PPI done to make sure!

 

[Ronza85]

Thanks, might have some more ?'s to come but I really like the looks of this one!

Saw one similar and the guy was asking around 27-28k, so that's why I ask.

Thx again Gsxr, nice set of cars you have there!

 

[doktorno]

500e badge is too low on the trunk.

 

[mistermiata]

Why not change that damn yellow coolant recovery tank for $40! It irks me to see a "perfect" car with that old discolored eyesore still present. Sorry, just a pet peeve.

 

[oaklandw124]

Thanks, might have some more ?'s to come but I really like the looks of this one!

Saw one similar and the guy was asking around 27-28k, so that's why I ask.

Thx again Gsxr, nice set of cars you have there!

Hi Ronza,

Hatch and sons(hatchandsons.com) has a 1993 with I think 58k miles, silver with grey interior. He is asking 24,900 but just put a lot of work into it (harness, shocks/accumulators, brakes). If you haven't seen it, might be worth checking out for you.

 

[Hollybrook]

I have spoken with the MB tech (Norbert) who did the PPI for the existing owner a number of times and he is one of the old school MB guys. His evaluation would carry significant weight with me.

 

[Allgonquin]

Norbert is billed as "The Car Whisperer" in ads from his dealership which appear in the local publication "Metro Tri Star" which is the seasonal newsletter from the Greater Washington Section of the MBCA. I have met him at one of the club picnics. His 500E (assuming he still has it) is exactly the same color scheme as mine, Pearl Black and gray.

Rgds,
Chris

 

[gsxr]

Apparently the sale at $20k fell through. The car is now back on eBay, with new photos:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/290685826052

 

[olddaddy63]

Another ebay listing...anyone know this car?

Low mileage (62K miles), nice color combo, solid sounding maintenance...wonder what it will bring?

16K reserve not met...

Anyone know this car or owner in VA?

Jeff in Alabama

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1993...US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item43ae39b404#vi-content

 

[gerryvz]

Re: Another ebay listing...anyone know this car?

This car is discussed at the following link:

http://www.500eboard.com/forums/sho...0E-Silver-Black-63kmi-on-eBay-(Washington-DC)

 

[olddaddy63]

Sorry for the repost...appears I have a knack for finding and posting cars that have already been found and posted.

 

[gsxr]

Sorry for the repost...appears I have a knack for finding and posting cars that have already been found and posted.

No worries!

Tip: Get the VIN of any car you find for sale, and search for the VIN on the forum (use the Search box near the top/right). We try to post the VIN of any car that is listed for sale, when available (i.e. all eBay and AutoTrader ads). That will usually tell you if a particular car has already been posted on the forum or not.

 

[slownrusty]

Wow bidding on this beauty is reaching some solid numbers (and reserve not met either).

 

[gsxr]

First auction ended Mar-9, 2012 at $18,201 (Reserve not met)
Second auction ended Mar-16, sold for $20,350 but sale fell through?
Current auction at $16,700 (Reserve not met), ends in 3 days.

Apparently the reserve is around $19-$20k.

 

[olddaddy63]

I wonder how the current owner knows that the PO never drove the "car in rain or snow".

 

[slownrusty]

I wonder how the current owner knows that the PO never drove the "car in rain or snow".

Possibly has the rare weather sensor installed?

 

[olddaddy63]

did anyone ever get the scoop on this car from Norbert "The Car Whisperer"?

I shot the ebay seller some questions a couple of days ago, but have not received a response yet.

I don't know how folks can feel confident enough to put down 5 digits or more on a car based on an ebay listing...personally, I have to lay hands on the car myself, or have someone I trust do the same, to pull the trigger for something like this.

oh well...

 

[gsxr]

I don't know how folks can feel confident enough to put down 5 digits or more on a car based on an ebay listing...personally, I have to lay hands on the car myself, or have someone I trust do the same, to pull the trigger for something like this.

I agree, unless you are getting the car for such a low price that you're ok with possible problems upon delivery. That is not the case here, the price is on the high side and I'd want full verification that it's worth it. Which it may be, but I wouldn't bid without getting that verification first. Maybe some people just bid and figure they'll back out of the deal if they don't like the car in person, etc?

:?:

 

[Ron500E]

I don't know how folks can feel confident enough to put down 5 digits or more on a car based on an ebay listing...personally, I have to lay hands on the car myself, or have someone I trust do the same, to pull the trigger for something like this. oh well...

Well.... I bought a 8500 mile 500E for the high 20's on eBay a few years ago with no PPI and without seeing it in person. After using the "buy it now" feature I made arangements to fly down and have it inspected. Every thing turned out fine, no problems and the sale was concluded.
If the PPI wasn't perfect I would have walked away and possibly suffered the insurmountable consequences of a negative comment, which would have been better than being out 28,5 or losing a car with the mileage and color I wanted.

Just my 500 cents.

Kind Regards,

Ron

 

[gsxr]

Fortunately for buyers, eBay no longer allows sellers to leave negative feedback for buyers, under any circumstances. This is very very bad if you are a seller, but practically gives diplomatic immunity to flaky buyers. This change in policy was universally hated by sellers but eBay has refused to change it thus far.




PS: Ron really did get the score of the century with that 8.5k 500E in FL.

 

[gsxr]

It's back again, with a BIN price of $20.2k / OBO:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/290690431950

 

[Jimbo]

Wondering why the rear badge is so poorly located (usually they are wrongly located due to an accident(?)

 

[gsxr]

Accident or repaint are about the only reasons to replace the badge unless it was stolen, or a previous owner had de-badged it on purpose...

 

[bing]

POs or factory debadged, new owner or body shop(if repainted) place badge but don't bother with precise location as in the FSM : http://w124-zone.com/downloads/MB CD/W124/w124CD2/Program/Chassis/88-505.pdf

 

[Christian_K]

To be honest, given the condition of wood, front-seat leather and engine-bay ,i rather would say this car has already 200.000miles.
Or it wasn't good cared for in all the time.
On the other Hand, wow, the first car for sale in the US that was not super-polished/waxed and has no fancy carpet-texture from vacuum-cleaning.

 

[Ronza85]

It sold, I saw the car in person and it was immaculate and drove great but seller would not budge too much. Were you looking at different pictures from the rest of us or maybe a different car, don't get me wrong the car had a few blemishes on the wood but the leather and engine bay were clean!!! Much better shape than most of the others I viewed, trust me.

 

[Hi-Power]

The seller never responded my messages requesting information about his 500E. I was ready to "pull the trigger", but perhaps he was already closing the deal with a previous offer from another interested buyer.

I'll keep on going with my hunt 'till I find my "garage queen".

 

[gsxr]

It sold, I saw the car in person and it was immaculate and drove great but seller would not budge too much.

Any idea how much it sold for?

 

[Christian_K]

It sold, I saw the car in person and it was immaculate and drove great but seller would not budge too much. Were you looking at different pictures from the rest of us or maybe a different car, don't get me wrong the car had a few blemishes on the wood but the leather and engine bay were clean!!! Much better shape than most of the others I viewed, trust me.

Hi, i'm not saying its a "bad" car, but i'm speaking of those pictures:

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd44/rbeaumont01/500/Picture027.jpg -> My leather drivers-seat looks in similar shape overall (besides a full crack ontop), but the car had 300.000Km on the dash as i bought it ;-)
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd44/rbeaumont01/500/Picture046.jpg -> My leather headrest of my Ex-E420 looked identical after 265.000km, and saw this on other W124s too. Around the dark spot of hair/heasdskin "fat", the leather gets corse and dry. This happens if the leather was never really cared for, with stuff like "Lexol" or leather-fat, or whatever you guys in America use to prep your leather.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd44/rbeaumont01/500/Picture044.jpg and http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd44/rbeaumont01/500/Picture042.jpg -> Wood has 2 large cracks and is already blurry, which indicates it was never polished/waxed/sealed. In Germany the wood looks like that on the W124s way after 200.000km.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd44/rbeaumont01/500/Picture018.jpg -> For a car of that price range i would DEMAND as a buyer that those 30€/piece intake tubes are replaced.

While it might have run great without any technical issues, those above posted points would be signs for me that the previous owner(s) don't really cared for the details of the car. I'm not saying i wouldn't buy it, but for that price range and that low miles, shouldn't those above points be already fixed - or to go further they shouldn't be there in the first place if really cared for the car.

 

[kannan1024]

Hi, I'm relatively new to this forum but I bought this car in April. It now resides in Scottsdale, AZ and I use it on evenings and weekends when I am in town and is garaged the rest of the time. So far I've spent about $4K on new tires, new power steering pump, maintenance and consumable items. Really love it and when I am not in town my business partner takes it for a short drive every week. I use German Car Service in Scottsdale, a family owned Mercedes Shop that specializes in older Mercedes cars. They have had several customers with 500E's in the past. My main concern at this point is the cosmetics due to the effect of the heat on the paint and interior trim even when in the shade.

 

[500AMM]

Fortunately for buyers, eBay no longer allows sellers to leave negative feedback for buyers, under any circumstances. This is very very bad if you are a seller, but practically gives diplomatic immunity to flaky buyers. This change in policy was universally hated by sellers but eBay has refused to change it thus far.

This is off-topic, but I couldn't resist to comment.

It can be discussed whether the Ebay sellers shall have the opportunity to give negative comments on buyers. Of course it's a warning to avoid trouble for other sellers, but the sellers can anyway report anyone to the Ebay administration if necessary. But this restriction has in two occasions helped me from being black listed and excluded from Ebay.

One time I bought a wood trim (over the clima controls) and the American seller had to revert with shipping cost prior to payment completion. And the panel was in "mint condition without cracks". Despite several messages and E-mails he didn't respond, so Ebay start sending me warnings for missing payment. But finally, after 3-4 weeks the seller came with the cost. When the panel arrived it had 2 big cracks across the entire panel! Strange enough it appeared positive feedback on my user account for the transaction, but the seller added the comment "Bad buyer, very difficult to cooperate with"..?!?

Another time I tried to buy a small item from Germany to approx. 20 Euro. The seller specified money transfer, no problem for me, but he didn't put up any bank information. I sent several requests where to send the money, but he only answered "to my bank account". Again - in some weeks Ebay start sending me warnings for missing payment and listed the consequences for an exclusion. I sent a request to them asking for help, and in a week or so the entire deal was cancelled and the seller did never respond again. But to the best for me.

I guess this is good examples on how bad it could turn out when you are totally innocent and buying from crappy Ebay sellers. Keep in mind that the sellers always get their money, and the buyer sit back with the problem. ;-\

-a-

 

[500AMM]

Hi, I'm relatively new to this forum but I bought this car in April. It now resides in Scottsdale, AZ and I use it on evenings and weekends when I am in town and is garaged the rest of the time. So far I've spent about $4K on new tires, new power steering pump, maintenance and consumable items. Really love it and when I am not in town my business partner takes it for a short drive every week. I use German Car Service in Scottsdale, a family owned Mercedes Shop that specializes in older Mercedes cars. They have had several customers with 500E's in the past. My main concern at this point is the cosmetics due to the effect of the heat on the paint and interior trim even when in the shade.

Hello kannan1024.

I thought you were living in Singapore based on your posting here: http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?2010-Singapore-GTG-beers
But you are living in Scottsdale, Arizona. However - have fine with your new ride, the car looks great!

Cheers

 

[kannan1024]

I split my time between the U.S and Singapore as my parents live in Singapore and I do miss my 500E when I am away from the U.S.