SOLD 1992 500E, Smoke Silver/Cream-Beige, 67kmi, $63k (Las Vegas, NV)

[Ctibulschii]

NO AFFILIATION.

VIN#: WDBEA36E5NB690832

https://www.ebay.com/itm/265118464880 <-- $63k BIN / OBO. Listing expires May 9, 2021.

Seller: monkeypee on eBay

Vehicle Details​

A modern classic! Only 67K miles! One owner! Assembled by Porsche, the 500E with the 5.0L V-8 is one of a kind. Smoke Silver over Parchment leather, with Recaro seats. Flared fenders is a subtle reminder that this isn't a regular E-Class! Authentic Lorinser trunk spoiler that was purchased as a dealer added option. Dual airbags, power rear sunshade, heated seats, and an Alpine CD head unit has been installed, and the OEM becker cassette head unit with anti theft code will also be included. 16" OEM wheels with Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus. I have service records dating back to 2008, along with a service record at the original dealer (Keenan Mercedes in Doylestown, PA) from 1999, and a partially stamped Maintenance booklet to 15K miles. All keys are included along with all booklets, and the original bill of sale. ​

​

This 500E runs and drives great! Recent maintenance consisted of power steering pump rebuild, replced front bump stops and dust boots, oil change and wiper blades. This 500E has always been babied and garaged since new! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!​

​

A $500 non refundable deposit is required when the auction ends. Full payment is required within 7 days after the auction ends. Balance is to be paid via bank wire or a certified bank cashier's check. Check will need to clear before the vehicle is released and the title is sent. The winning bidder needs to contact me within 24 hours of auction end to make payment arrangements. Please, arrange all financing prior to bidding. If you are not sure about anything, please don't assume - just ask. I'm very easy going and will help in any way I can. Be absolutely sure that you are ready to buy when you bid. All non-paying bidders will be reported to eBay. Buyer is responsible for all shipping and costs.​

 

[Jlaa]

It actually looks, from a cursory glance, to be in reasonably nice shape (engine zoom tubes, water pump minty-ness, coolant tank non-yellow ness, etc) but man that price is

 

[Ctibulschii]

It actually looks, from a cursory glance, to be in reasonably nice shape (engine zoom tubes, water pump minty-ness, coolant tank non-yellow ness, etc) but man that price is

I mean looks like it's really what people are selling them for at this mileage/history. Can't blame them for it cause IMO you get a showroom example. It may need some small things like all of them do but certainly worth it. Smoke silver not my color definitely.

 

[gsxr]

Another 1-owner where the seller didn't buy it new in 1992?

 

[TerryA]

Another 1-owner where the seller didn't buy it new in 1992?

@gsxr,

Dave, Just to stir the pot a little.

It’s possible that the PA Owner just got sick of PA and MOVED to Las Vegas for more ACTION!!!!

It would still be a 1 Owner Car. Wouldn’t it ?

BTW, It looks like a clean example for except for the spoiler which IMOP is UUUGLY

 

[gsxr]

Terry, yes, I was assuming the PA owner moved to NV.

But the listing is almost written in the third person - never says "I bought this new in 1992 and have all records". I could be wrong, but anyone interested should ask. If it's not the original owner, and it's not a dealer, buyers should confirm it's not a "skipped title".

 

[TerryA]

Terry, yes, I was assuming the PA owner moved to NV.

But the listing is almost written in the third person - never says "I bought this new in 1992 and have all records". I could be wrong, but anyone interested should ask. If it's not the original owner, and it's not a dealer, buyers should confirm it's not a "skipped title".

I agree w/ you.

It’s always buyer beware with me.

lol

 

[canyoncarco]

Carfax report attached for reference and does show 1 previous owner. In 2004 "Registration updated when owner moved the vehicle to a new location" so it could genuinely be a 1-owner car but then again I would not service my E500E at a Lexus dealer for the past 9 years either. Curious what happened as there is a MB dealer in Henderson, NV

 

[gsxr]

Now on BaHaT with reserve.

Single-Family-Owned 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E

Bid for the chance to own a Single-Family-Owned 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #49,013.

bringatrailer.com

 

[sootmann]

Ownership mystery solved -- first owner is the seller's father.

 

[Bogeyman]

50+ pics of the interior but not one of the drivers seat....

 

[gsxr]

50+ pics of the interior but not one of the drivers seat....

Good point. Need that added to the listing... along with a photo of the entire headliner. Bummer about the radio, the owners likely don't realize what's involved with the 1432 systems.

 

[JAB12]

Update: Driver's seat and headliner photos added to the listing.

 

[gsxr]

Update: Driver's seat and headliner photos added to the listing.

Both look very good. Now if the seller had just fixed the random limp mode. And proactively replaced the harnesses & ETA. For a >$60k ask, the <$2k investment would likely pay for itself.

 

[gkoop]

any guesses as to reserve?

 

[gsxr]

any guesses as to reserve?

Nope, but based on the recent $63k asking price, you can come up with your own guess...

 

[gkoop]

my guess is: stout

 

[Jlaa]

Both look very good. Now if the seller had just fixed the random limp mode. And proactively replaced the harnesses & ETA. For a >$60k ask, the <$2k investment would likely pay for itself.

Please excuse my ignorance .....I thought I had read that the later round connectors ETASs were indeed subject to eco junk wiring, but that Victor @ Restore you Mercedes had dissected many later round and early pancake connector ETAs and found no evidence of eco junk in the pancake ones?

 

[gsxr]

Please excuse my ignorance .....I thought I had read that the later round connectors ETASs were indeed subject to eco junk wiring, but that Victor @ Restore you Mercedes had dissected many later round and early pancake connector ETAs and found no evidence of eco junk in the pancake ones?

Correct. My understanding is the early connectors (big/pancake) used on pre-facelift cars, do not suffer from wire failure on the pigtail itself. However, the wiring internal to the ETA may degrade, AND all the internal components (clutch, potentiometers, switches, etc) still fail over time or miles.

The ETA's with late connectors (small/in-line) used on facelift cars all had eco junk pigtail wiring from the factory, in addition to the internal component failures.

 

[gsxr]

BTW, I posted a comment 2 hours ago on BaHaT and it still hasn't come through. Stupid filters. Here's the verboten content that wasn't allowed:

"The upper (engine) harness, and lower (starter/alternator) harness, are both still available new from Mercedes and very reasonably priced from discount dealers. Neither will cause limp mode. Both are DIY replaceable. ​

​

There are several other components which can cause intermittent limp mode, including the ETA as @McQueenLifeGoals noted below. RFC Electronics in AL will rebuild the ETA if needed. Fault codes should help pinpoint the root cause. Regardless, this is definitely fixable and not a dealbreaker. Tons of threads on 500E board discussing limp mode and DIY troubleshooting / repairs.​

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For those unfamiliar with limp mode, 99% of the time it is cleared/reset by shutting off the engine and re-starting. If "stuck" in limp mode, the car is still drivable, but has abnormal travel at the gas pedal, and will not go to full throttle. But it won't leave you stranded."​

UPDATE: The moderated comment was finally posted.

 

[outrbnks]

BTW, I posted a comment 2 hours ago on BaHaT and it still hasn't come through. Stupid filters. Here's the verboten content that wasn't allowed:

 

[outrbnks]

Removed duplicate post, almost anyway, The Posting editor still wants a text comment for some reason.

 

[gsxr]

About 1 hour left and even the crickets aren't paying attention. Guess we'll see if there's last-2-minute action.

 

[outrbnks]

some movement now.. $33.1K with 10 min to go

well , your right, started again in the last 2 min.. in overtime now...

looks like 3 buyers are serious..$35.5 & still counting time...

OK now says sold at $35.5K .. a long way from $60K

Admin edit: Sale price $35,500 + fees = $37,725 total, plus transport.

 

[gsxr]

Someone got a great deal! Wonder if it will be flipped. The low reserve surprised me, given the previous ask. Don't often see reserves below half of ask.

The unfixed intermittent limp mode likely scared away some buyers.

 

[Type5314]

I bought this car, and have joined the 500E group as gsrx recommended. The Seller has been 100% legit, and very forthcoming post-sale. It was his Father's car and his pride and joy. I have a 1992 300 TE in the same color, and like it just fine. I can see why darker colors are highly desirable, but the sub 70,000 mile condition and single owner history carried the day. First order of business will be harness replacement and fixing the intermittent Limp mode issue. Thanks for letting me be part of this Group!

 

[outrbnks]

Welcome and well bought, I was surprised that it sold at that price. Sounds like your already familier with 124's, a good way to start out.

 

[JAB12]

@Type5314 welcome to the forum. A great deal indeed. Enjoy the journey.

 

[e500.org]

I bought this car, and have joined the 500E group as gsrx recommended. The Seller has been 100% legit, and very forthcoming post-sale. It was his Father's car and his pride and joy. I have a 1992 300 TE in the same color, and like it just fine. I can see why darker colors are highly desirable, but the sub 70,000 mile condition and single owner history carried the day. First order of business will be harness replacement and fixing the intermittent Limp mode issue. Thanks for letting me be part of this Group!

Welcome and congratulations, I believe you got an incredible deal at that price. Most E500E owners have suffered the ASR light and limp mode at some point, you'll be able to fix that no issues.

 

[gsxr]

I bought this car, and have joined the 500E group as gsrx recommended. The Seller has been 100% legit, and very forthcoming post-sale. It was his Father's car and his pride and joy. I have a 1992 300 TE in the same color, and like it just fine. I can see why darker colors are highly desirable, but the sub 70,000 mile condition and single owner history carried the day. First order of business will be harness replacement and fixing the intermittent Limp mode issue. Thanks for letting me be part of this Group!

Congratulations on the excellent buy, and welcome to the forum!

 

[sheward]

drew

 

[gerryvz]

Photos from BaT auction, for posterity.

 

[gerryvz]

Remainder of BaT photos, for posterity.

 

[Type5314]

Thank you, gerryvz, for posting the photos. I was never able to pull those off the Bat site.

I have yet to see my new car, but have spoken at length with the seller. He's given me access to the car's entire history, from the day his Father bought it. I plan to keep the Lorinser spoiler for now; it is a period correct item and an integral part of the car's provenance. I'm also happy with the color, which is compatible with the Southwest desert where I plan to keep it. Less than 3% of all 500 E's came in Smoke Silver. So I shouldn't see too many others in the parking lot.

If someone knowledgeable wants to create a punch list for my car, I won't be offended. I do want to bring the car into top shape.

I have an order in at the Classic Center for the 2 wiring harnesses, and will dispatch the ETA for a rework once the car is in my hands. That might have to wait. I had a bad bike crash 12 days ago and recovery is probably a few months out. For those cyclists among you, beware or 10+ year old carbon fiber bike forks. When they collapse beneath you without warning, take it from me, it will put you in Limp mode.

I am liking the EVO II wheel set, which I read here is also available from the Classic Center. Does anyone have the part number and recommendations on summer tyre brands and size? What about the correct wheel centers and lug nuts. NLA?

Again, thanks for the support. I frequent clubgewagen, a forum for G-class owners like myself, but this forum beyond compare!
Will

 

[gsxr]

... That might have to wait. I had a bad bike crash 12 days ago and recovery is probably a few months out. For those cyclists among you, beware or 10+ year old carbon fiber bike forks. When they collapse beneath you without warning, take it from me, it will put you in Limp mode.

Yikes! Glad you are OK (mostly), but that is a bit scary to have the forks fail without warning.

I am liking the EVO II wheel set, which I read here is also available from the Classic Center. Does anyone have the part number and recommendations on summer tyre brands and size? What about the correct wheel centers and lug nuts. NLA?

The Evo II wheels are indeed available from MB Classic Center, $500 each plus tax/shipping. Details at this link. MBCC can set you up with the matching center caps.

Lug bolts are a different story, MB no longer sells the original type with decorative cap shown below. These are available used on eBay, or possibly @captruff might have a set floating around. They are original from most early to mid 1990's MB's (excluding S/SL class). MB only has short-head versions without the decorative cap, if you were to buy new ones today.

 

[captruff]

Yikes! Glad you are OK (mostly), but that is a bit scary to have the forks fail without warning.




The Evo II wheels are indeed available from MB Classic Center, $500 each plus tax/shipping. Details at this link. MBCC can set you up with the matching center caps.

Lug bolts are a different story, MB no longer sells the original type with decorative cap shown below. These are available used on eBay, or possibly @captruff might have a set floating around. They are original from most early to mid 1990's MB's (excluding S/SL class). MB only has short-head versions without the decorative cap, if you were to buy new ones today.

View attachment 132344 View attachment 132345

I have them if needed just PM me.


Jeff

 

[outrbnks]

Type5314 asked - " recommendations on summer tire brands and size?"

For sizes, unlike the standard 124's that typically use tires with a 25" diameter, E500E wheels and tires match the sizes on a R129, which uses a tire diameter of 25.7"

So as follows for typical non-staggered wheel sets;

16" x 8 wheels use - 225/55R16 = 25.7" diameter
17" x 8.25 wheels use - 245/45R17 = 25.7" diameter (EVO II)
18" x 8 wheels use - 245/40R18 = 25.7" diameter
and other variations for staggered sets, just trying to keep tire diameters near 25.7 and close to each other at the same time

 

[Type5314]

Much obliged, outrbnks! Tom has the EVO's, and Jeff has the wheel bolts. So I'm in business!

Changing subjects, here's what the bike fork and helmet looked like.

Cheers

 

[Ctibulschii]

This is probably the best deal on a .036 in a while. Congrats!

 

[nocfn]

You were looking for punch list stuff. Get a Motive brake pressure bleeder, change out the brake fluid [follow factory procedure!]. Use Zerex G05 and 1 gallon of distilled water and mix your own at 50/50. Soft rubber parts should be inspected (read engine bay hoses) and if you cannot squeeze them, replace them all. All plastic vacuum lines and their rubber connectors should be replaced as they most likely will break upon touching them. Fuel pressure regulator on the fuel rail too if it hasn't been changed by PO recently. Check brake pads/cabin and air filters. Basic stuff for now.

Spend two or three evenings reading the HOW-TO index and you will get a sense of what is to be done first (after EVO wheels and tires) safety wise first then body stuff like trunk stops and door closures/straps.

Nice buy, congratulations.

 

[maw1124]

This is probably the best deal on a .036 in a while. Congrats!

Cannot overstate this point... extremely well bought!

maw

 

[gsxr]

PSA: There is a scammer website listing a car with this VIN... clearly not the same car, clearly a scam.

Account Suspended

 

[Type5314]

That’s my ViN, and it ain’t for sale. Where does God dig up these douche bags?

 

[TerryA]

What Dealer in his right mind would be selling 500E w/ 74K miles for $11.5K?
Only a Scumbag Scammer.