FOR SALE 1993 400E, Black/Black, 88kmi, BaT auction (Miami, FL)

[gsxr]

No affiliation. Stripper 400E with zero options. Possibly the worst photos I've seen in a long time. Opening bids smell shilly for a No Reserve listing, but both are long-time members, not n00b's. Car's condition doesn't align with the odometer reading. Broken front bumper is not mentioned in the listing but damaged ZoomTubes® are mentioned?

Note the crappy aftermarket cats. I swear, CA emissions test shops like to strongarm people into replacing the cats as the 1st remedy when a car fails smog. Probably just needed to get the stock cats heated up. Also appears that the new cats didn't help (surprise!) and it still failed, along with a gross polluter designation (TWICE!). Also looks like it was driven unregistered for a couple of years? No records after the 2022 smog fail, until the accident reported in 2025.


VIN = WDBEA34E5PB983250

Datacard: https://www.lastvin.com/vin/vJ8m3d3QNRL2X7e0W

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1993-mercedes-benz-400e-19/

1993 Mercedes-Benz 400E​

This 1993 Mercedes-Benz 400E has remained registered in California for over two decades. Powered by a 4.2-liter M119 V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, it is finished in black over black leather upholstery. Equipment includes 15″ Alamak alloy wheels, a sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, a cassette stereo, air conditioning, and cruise control. Acquired by the selling dealer in 2025, this W124 400E is offered in Florida at no reserve with manufacturer’s literature, a Carfax report, and a clean California title.

The car is finished in black with black bumper trim and gray lower cladding. Features include a sunroof, headlight wipers and washers, a power antenna, and a mono-blade windshield wiper. A March 2025 entry on the Carfax report lists “minor damage” to the right rear of the car.

Chrome 15″ Alamak alloy wheels are mounted with Michelin tires. Braking is handled by ventilated front and rear disc brakes with ABS. The brake fluid and power steering fluid were changed in 2025.

The cabin features seating upholstered in black leather along with wood trim and a color-coordinated lower dashboard, center console, door panels, and carpets. Interior appointments include power-adjustable front seats, a cassette stereo, a remote CD changer, air conditioning, and cruise control.

The four-spoke steering wheel frames VDO instrumentation, including a 160-mph speedometer and a tachometer, as well as an analog clock and gauges for coolant temperature, oil pressure, and fuel level. The six-digit odometer shows 88k miles.

The 4.2-liter M119 V8 was factory rated at 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The battery was replaced and the oil change was performed in preparation for the sale. The air intake hoses are damaged. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. The transmission fluid and differential fluid were changed in 2025.

The Carfax report lists the aforementioned March 2025 damage. Entries beginning in November 2018 state that the car was designated a gross polluter in California.

The car most recently completed a California emissions test in 2019 and failed its two most recent attempts.

 

[gsxr]

More pics.

 

[gsxr]

Final pics.

 

[Bogeyman]

Seller apparently picked it up from Copart after the accident.

1993 MERCEDES-BENZ 400 E, BLACK, WDBEA34E5PB983250 - price history, history of past auctions.

CarsBidsHistory.com: 1993 MERCEDES-BENZ 400 E, BLACK, VIN: WDBEA34E5PB983250 - prices and images from past auctions on Copart and IAAI. Analyze prices and bids of past Auctions.

carsbidshistory.com

 

[gsxr]

Hmmm. Damage = Mechanical? Estimated $16k value is hilarious.

This one shows it as "total loss".

Real-time online bidding with Bid Export's car auctions

bidexport.com

 

[gsxr]

High-res pics on Bookface here, looks like a remote flipper wanted $11.5k.

Autod Ameerika Oksjonilt 🇺🇸 | **1993 MERCEDES-BENZ 400 E** | Facebook

**1993 MERCEDES-BENZ 400 E** **Hind 11500 usd** VIN: **WDBEA34E5PB983250** Title code:**CA - DIS/DLR/EXP ONLY CLEAN TITLE** Odometer:**87,901 mi (ACTUAL)** Primary damage:**MECHANICAL**...

www.facebook.com

 

[TML89]

I'm confused as to how it's offered with a clean title yet it was apparently a total loss? Does Bring a Trailer allow people to post links - i.e. to that previous auction in the comments - it would be very helpful for prospective buyers as it's being passed off as something more than what it is...!

 

[TML89]

Also, that video gives me a headache. All it implied was don't look at anything too closely or for too long ....

 

[gsxr]

I'm confused as to how it's offered with a clean title yet it was apparently a total loss?

It may not have had the title branded - hard to say for certain what happened there. But, it's quite strange.

Does Bring a Trailer allow people to post links - i.e. to that previous auction in the comments - it would be very helpful for prospective buyers as it's being passed off as something more than what it is...!

You can post links, but if anyone (specifically, the seller) doesn't like what is posted, they can "flag" comments for removal. It's worth a try but don't be surprised if the comment is either moderated and never shows up, or if it gets flagged & deleted. Because transparency is not welcome on BaHaT, and they censor anything deemed potentially harmful to the listing. PeeCar Market does the same thing, as does Douggie's Carz & Bidz... all three platforms are REALLY bad with censorship (read: hiding information that some buyers may find useful). MB Market seems to be much better in this regard, or at least, I've not yet seen any significant censorship of comments there (yet).

Also, that video gives me a headache. All it implied was don't look at anything too closely or for too long ....

I didn't watch the video because I didn't care... but now I'll have to go take a look.

 

[TML89]

You can post links, but if anyone (specifically, the seller) doesn't like what is posted, they can "flag" comments for removal. It's worth a try but don't be surprised if the comment is either moderated and never shows up, or if it gets flagged & deleted. Because transparency is not welcome on BaHaT, and they censor anything deemed potentially harmful to the listing. PeeCar Market does the same thing, as does Douggie's Carz & Bidz... all three platforms are REALLY bad with censorship (read: hiding information that some buyers may find useful).

Copy that @gsxr, thanks for the info. I'll post the link / make a comment.... Lets see what happens!

 

[TML89]

Posted my comment on BaT (TML89)....

 

[TML89]

Our facts are from third party unreliable websites apparently . At least they didn't delete the comments or web link

 

[gsxr]

Seller added this "invoice"... which seems odd, what shop doesn't itemize parts used?

Click here to see the "repair shop" (which, btw, does not have a working website - link on the invoice is DOA / 404).

 

[TML89]

I'm going to call the company to see if they did the work. They deal in serious high end exotic cars (see their Instagram). I just find it surprising that they would work on a clapped out 420 when the cupholders on the cars they work on are worth more.

 

[TML89]

Just off the phone with Azael Motorsport. So, they are actually the guys actually selling the car and one of the team has this as a side business. He was talkative and helpful on the phone so that solves the mystery. Back in the early days the company specialised in Mercedes so the senior guy knows the cars well apparently. @gsxr that probably explains why the parts weren't itemised on the invoice as they were the ones who did the work themselves ... Hope that helps

 

[TML89]

@gsxr , I agree - it's odd how high the bids are running at this stage in the listing

 

[DLL]

Copy that @gsxr, thanks for the info. I'll post the link / make a comment.... Lets see what happens!

I just couldn't resist endorsing your comment LOL

 

[TML89]

I just couldn't resist endorsing your comment LOL

Much obliged @DLL . Somebody just dropped a verbal tirade in the comments, check it out. Cannot wait to see the response. Popcorn at the ready.

 

[gsxr]

Random comment on the repair invoice. Since the seller and shop are one and the same, I'm not questioning that the work was done - I'm sure they did everything claimed (oil, coolant, brake fluid, plugs). However it seems unlikely the shop paid itself $1844 for this service. Seems this invoice is more of, "$1844 worth of work was performed".

:

 

[TML89]

I couldn't help but chime in again...

Random comment on the repair invoice. Since the seller and shop are one and the same, I'm not questioning that the work was done - I'm sure they did everything claimed (oil, coolant, brake fluid, plugs). However it seems unlikely the shop paid itself $1844 for this service. Seems this invoice is more of, "$1844 worth of work was performed".

@gsxr I've just asked that very question in the comment section on the listing. I also asked the question to Marcy1902 (the person not happy about it being a scrapyard car - also the person with the current highest bid) if they did their research before making a bid!

 

[gsxr]

Sellers should Google the VIN of their flip before listing, so they are aware of what skeletons might pop out of unknown closets! It gets messy when the peanut gallery finds out...

 

[TML89]

Yep, after all that I can't imagine this was part of their plan!

 

[TML89]

Looks like they aren't allowing me to comment on bring a trailer anymore!

 

[TML89]

Looks like they aren't allowing me to comment on bring a trailer anymore!

You called it!

 

[puchak]

They couldn't handle your smoke @TML89.

BaT is so god damned lame, I feel like I see this kind of bullshit on a consistent basis. Sneaky little dealers trying to pawn off their garbage with their "clean" titles.

 

[duuder]

Seller added this "invoice"... which seems odd, what shop doesn't itemize parts used?

Click here to see the "repair shop" (which, btw, does not have a working website - link on the invoice is DOA / 404).



View attachment 216910

So is this some sort of inception invoice? Who paid who?

 

[puchak]

It's very easy to make up some invoice, if that's what you're getting at.

I left a comment on BaT, there is a lot of broken little things in this car. It's when a car like this gets dirty after use, you see all the ugly things come out and it looks like junk... lol.

 

[duuder]

i understand that, it was just funny that they billed themselves and it was "paid in full"

 

[gsxr]

Hmmm... that's cool-ish, not "cold". Vent temps should be 42-44F on max with recirc engaged. If I was getting 58°F vent temps, I'd be trying to fix the AC system!

 

[TML89]

I'll reply to this when I finish work, but I think the damage is done on this sale. Even with the random person that's never commented on anything on BaT before sending his compliments to the seller

 

[gsxr]

I have to give the seller props for not losing their cool (no pun intended, after the AC post, lol). But, they should have expected the possibility of the peanut gallery finding the auction history, with the ensuing poo-flinging...

 

[FranGuy]

I’ll preface that I’m new to the forum and have far less experience than most of the people here with these cars. That said…

Ive looked at several examples in person in the last month and though I haven’t looked at this one, for the price and the condition, this seems like one of the better deals. Here’s my reasoning:

There are a couple things that make a 124 and immediate pass at any price (for me): bad rust/failing paint, blown motor/trans or a bent frame. None of those seem to be present here based on the video and pictures.

Next the things that are expensive but fixable: bad interior, bad electronics, minor body issues, minor engine problems or issues with auxiliary stuff (ac, alternator, vacuum system, wiring harness). In this category it seems there are 2 (maybe). The a/c could need fixed, and might be a bad bumper, paint nicks, etc. But the test drive and walk around show that everything seems to be working in terms of power train and the electrics.

Finally, there are the things that are nice to have: Optional equipment, oe first aid kit, oe tools, owners manual… all that. In this category looks like the major con is that it’s got no options at all. But the rest seems ok.

Ok so all that said, if you’re looking for a car that you want to own to drive (not as a collector piece or investment) is this really that bad a deal if you’re handy with a wrench? I’ve looked at 3 examples in person in the last month and only 1 of them did not have any “instant pass problems” and it was significantly more expensive than this.

That’s my assessment… but hey I’m just a noob. As always really appreciate this forum as a resource and hopefully I can get my hands on one of these eventually!

 

[gsxr]

@FranGuy - welcome to the forum! You are right, this car isn't really that bad. But it's also not really that great either, and the condition is rough compared to the odometer. It absolutely could be restored at a reasonable cost if the buyer is handy with a wrench.

It's generally accepted that 400E like this (or 500E) is likely to have $5k-$10k in deferred maintenance which is typically discovered post-purchase. Those numbers are based on paying your local indy shop, cut both numbers in half for DIY repairs using OEM parts sourced from FCP/RME/AHAZ and RevParts discount dealers for OE/Genuine. For a recent example, click here... someone bought a 500E for ~$35k all-in, then proceeded to drop an additional $20k in repairs at their indy shop. Now, that's a somewhat extreme example, and it appears that particular indy shop may have been gouging the customer... but, you get the idea.

That said, Marcy (the current high bidder, who apparently jumped the gun with their bid) appears to be somewhat upset about the car's history - or, lack thereof. While it's no guarantee of anything, it's always preferable to buy a car with extensive documentation so you at least know what has or has not been done over the years.

:

 

[puchak]

Welcome to our forum @FranGuy! To be fair, I think for how picky many of us, we still see opportunity with this car.

Some of us have been burnt and some of us want to avoid getting burnt so we're quick to assess and shut down. What bothers others and myself the most is people trying to make a quick buck off of these cars. These cars require a lot of love and patience and this one specifically needs a lot of both.

Honestly, if my wagon project was 100% complete and I had some coin and space, I'd probably clean this car up. I love the spec.

 

[FranGuy]

I’ve been drifting between trying to look for a nice turn-key example at 14k+ range or a cheaper one with good bones and then sinking 5k in parts + sweat equity into it. This seems like it could be the later…. But i dont know if I can get to Miami to see it before the auction is up. Buying site unseen scares me

 

[FranGuy]

Welcome to our forum @FranGuy! To be fair, I think for how picky many of us, we still see opportunity with this car.

Some of us have been burnt and some of us want to avoid getting burnt so we're quick to assess and shut down. What bothers others and myself the most is people trying to make a quick buck off of these cars. These cars require a lot of love and patience and this one specifically needs a lot of both.

Honestly, if my wagon project was 100% complete and I had some coin and space, I'd probably clean this car up. I love the spec.

There are so many flippers for these cars specifically. There is green e420 bought in nj for 13k a year ago that I saw posted for 16k on fb now…. *sigh*

 

[TML89]

The seller certainly wasn't transparent:

- Headliner sagging wasn't disclosed
- The funny invoice that I had to quiz the seller on to open up about. His explanation was substandard and it's very possible that it was placed in to make people think that somebody had paid it
- The seller dismissed my question about the history as "Let's keep the comments focused on facts - not speculation from unreliable third-party sites." It wasn't until other people chimed in did they open up to the car history
- BaT is reviewing all of my comments before posting, it's nearly as if they don't want people asking questions

Otherwise, the car may be fantastic - who knows. Its the noise in-between that seems to have annoyed people

 

[TML89]

Listing has been withdrawn!

 

[dreaming.haze]

Such a strange auction and result with things getting withdrawn. The flipping dealer had every excuse towards why the car wasn't up to snuff. It could be a fantastic car, but will certainly need some work and they'd know that if it was driven more than 10-20 miles.

 

[DLL]

Such a strange auction and result with things getting withdrawn. The flipping dealer had every excuse towards why the car wasn't up to snuff. It could be a fantastic car, but will certainly need some work and they'd know that if it was driven more than 10-20 miles.

It was odd. BAT said it was because the seller identified a new mechanical issue, in addition to the A/C

 

[DLL]

It was odd. BAT said it was because the seller identified a new mechanical issue, in addition to the A/C

 

[gsxr]

I'm curious if the seller will fix it up and re-list... or just try to sell locally... or send it back to the dealer auction.

EDIT: Seller just posted, looks like they're going to sort it out and try again. Hopefully without the dumpster fire this time. Maybe they'll get better pictures too.

Author: Motorsport1821​

Comment:​

​

In agreement with Bring a Trailer, we’ll be temporarily withdrawing this listing to take care of a few items that came up during the auction — including the A/C system, worn shifter bushings, and a few minor cosmetic and electrical details, such as the radio now, not powering on. In fairness to the bidders and to maintain the standard we set for our listings, we’d rather take the time to sort everything out properly.​

​

We’ve had great success on BaT thanks to the incredible platform they’ve built and the supportive community here, and we’ve been proud to share a range of classic supercars and luxury cars over the years. We just want this 400E to reflect that same level of care before it comes back.​

​

Thanks to everyone who’s followed along and to the BaT team for being supportive throughout. We look forward to relisting the car soon, with a few things tidied up and ready to go.​

​

​

 

[duuder]

The seller certainly wasn't transparent:

- Headliner sagging wasn't disclosed
- The funny invoice that I had to quiz the seller on to open up about. His explanation was substandard and it's very possible that it was placed in to make people think that somebody had paid it
- The seller dismissed my question about the history as "Let's keep the comments focused on facts - not speculation from unreliable third-party sites." It wasn't until other people chimed in did they open up to the car history
- BaT is reviewing all of my comments before posting, it's nearly as if they don't want people asking questions

Otherwise, the car may be fantastic - who knows. Its the noise in-between that seems to have annoyed people

Bat doesn't like our kind there