OWNER - bdesign

[bdesign]

Greetings all,

I have experienced a revelation that is known as the 500E. Over the weekend, I took a journey to retrieve my Smoke Silver 1993 500E and drive it back to L.A. via PCH. It’s hard to imagine what the lucky few who were able to drive them new must have felt because even after 20 years and 98k miles, the naughty thoughts whispered into my boyhood ears from her magazine-poster visage remain true. I am not disappointed.

‘Modesty in ability’ characterizes the 500 to me. The lack of apparent effort to reach 60, 100 and beyond is unparalleled by anything else I have driven; this car understands your requests and carries them out in the most undramatic, effective way possible, like a German butler.

I'm also fortunate enough to own another limited production German projectile (a 2011 BMW 1-series M) but beyond the flared fenders, copious power and speed, they are two very different animals which I hope to enjoy for years to come. One represents “character,” the other “personality” – I’ll let you sort that out...

While our journey home was near-flawless (achieving a trip average 20+MPG even charging through the twisty stuff, with a couple 3-digit thumps!) and the years have been kind to my 500, there appears to be transmission fluid finding it's way to the catalytic convertor and self-immolating, making for an awkwardly smoky conversation starter while fueling up... Either that or I have experienced a stroke from the elation of acquiring an automotive legend. A trip to Mr. MB Motors for a diagnosis and full check-up is in order.

I look forward to meeting other local 500 owners!
-Branden

 

[KarlC]

Nice I take it that you bought this car ? ... Nice buy, Smoke Silver is the fastest color

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/221178813413

http://www.500eboard.com/forums/sho...r-Cream-Beige-98kmi-18-500-(San-Francisco-CA)

 

[bdesign]

Yes, that is the one. I'm typically not a fan of vehicles in that range of color but it suits the 500 perfectly.

 

[Hi-Power]

Congratulations Branden, it looks like you've got a nice specimen there. I'm sure you will enjoy it for many years to come!

 

[Jelmer]

Congrats on your purchase, and well done on the nice intro

Any idea when the checkup is going to happen? And, will that be solely for the burning oil or will it be a full checkup?

 

[195910]

And in its most beautiful form..All stock !

Brings back memories.

 

[sheward]

Way to go, Brandon! Nothing like a E500E to pilot along the Pacific coast hwy. I agree...Smoke silver fits these cars well. Congratulations!

drew

 

[Glen]

Congrats! Great looking car

 

[bdesign]

Thanks, everyone. I will be taking it in soon to have the the transmission leak checked out, as well as a slightly weepy rear strut (fluid leak somewhere). All systems seem to be performing as normal but I’d like to give it a thorough check-up so I can get a baseline of things to keep an eye on. It seems to have sat quite a bit for at least the past couple years so I’m anticipating some catch-up maintenance to make sure everything is in top shape as it approaches 100k miles.

A good stack of receipts from both previous owners came with the car, including ones showing replacement of the engine wiring harness, EA control unit, E-Gas actuator (performed 2008); both rear shocks replaced (2007); and regular maintenance. It’s whole life was spent between SF, Oregon and Palm Desert and cosmetically is not perfect, but very good for a 20 year old vehicle.

I’m genuinely excited to be involved with the 500 community and am already desiring more W124 variants – a cabriolet is the perfect L.A. cruiser and I’ve always loved estates and I almost looked at a clean E320D before finding the 500 – but my parking quota is completely filled at the moment.

-Branden

 

[Jelmer]

Those receipts are great - it tells you a lot of very expensive jobs have already been taken care of. Saves you plenty of coin and headaches.

Looking forward to the update. And more pictures

 

[szvook]

already desiring more W124 variants – a cabriolet is the perfect L.A. cruiser and I’ve always loved estates and I almost looked at a clean E320D before finding the 500

As many good w124 models exist, after driving the .036 for a while, no other w124 can match up. The .036 is quite the drug.

 

[bdesign]

Just a quick update: this morning, I took the car in to Enrique at Mr. MB Motors and he is proving to be an excellent person to deal with. Once on the lift, he immediately diagnosed where the leak was coming from and got on the phone to order the part (which happened to be in stock). I was anticipating the 500 staying at his shop over the weekend, so I was quite impressed when he said he could have it done by noon (which at that point was about 1-1/2hrs in the future)!

We chatted for a bit and he has quite an interesting (and extensive) history with Mercedes. Thanks to all who recommended making the trek to see him.

 

[szvook]

Just a quick update: this morning, I took the car in to Enrique at Mr. MB Motors and he is proving to be an excellent person to deal with. Once on the lift, he immediately diagnosed where the leak was coming from and got on the phone to order the part (which happened to be in stock). I was anticipating the 500 staying at his shop over the weekend, so I was quite impressed when he said he could have it done by noon (which at that point was about 1-1/2hrs in the future)!

We chatted for a bit and he has quite an interesting (and extensive) history with Mercedes. Thanks to all who recommended making the trek to see him.

Excellent. What was the part that needed to be replaced?

 

[bdesign]

Excellent. What was the part that needed to be replaced?

Once I arrived, Enrique put the car on the rack and immediately diagnosed the leak as coming from the transmission control cable. After replacing that and parking brake pads, he also suggested keeping an eye on the power steering pump and rear shocks but said they didn't need to be addressed yet, as I reported to him that everything felt to be operating as it should.


Driving back on such a beautiful day, I decided to visit friends in Santa Monica and managed to park behind an E500 that I’ve previously seen parked on San Vicente (near 4th) – anyone know whose it is? I may have to find a set of EVO II wheels for mine.

 

[szvook]

Enrique will treat you right and is always honest about for what you might and when you will need it.

I swear I've seen that car before in West L.A. while driving on Wilshire Blvd and if it's the same car, an elderly and quite posh-looking lady was driving it. Otherwise, I have yet to be in Santa Monica and see or let alone park anywhere near another .036.

 

[gerryvz]

Next time you stop, please get the VIN of that E500 !!! Would love to have it for the database !!

 

[DW SD]

I wonder how he fixed the transmission control cable seal without dropping the transmission? I messed up connecting my control cable and had to pull the transmission again to get it hooked properly.
Glad it's fixed for you!

Doug

 

[gsxr]

I wonder how he fixed the transmission control cable seal without dropping the transmission? I messed up connecting my control cable and had to pull the transmission again to get it hooked properly.

I did this job once, without dropping the transmission. It's possible, but it is NOT fun...! I'd be curious how fast he could do it. Took me hours!

 

[bdesign]

Enrique said the transmission control cable job is rated at 2.0hrs but he only charged me 1.5hrs – I’m not sure how long it actually took, however. I’m still learning the finer points of .036 workings and what the job entails – I’m grateful that it was relatively painless (for me) and all seems well again. No leaks, no smoke!

Re: the E500 in Santa Monica, I almost always see it parked along San Vicente and partial credit goes to that car for finally pushing me over the edge and jumping into 500 ownership! I’ll try to get a peek at the VIN next time I’m in the area.

 

[tanger]

It's not my car, but I work off Ocean and Arizona in Santa Monica so if you are ever in the area hit me up for lunch/coffee/whatever (eg go for a spin in that 1M .

I don't drive mine much but would love to do a quick GTG on the Westside one of these days...