FOR SALE 1992 500E, 040 Black/Black, TMU, CC auction (Uppsala, Sweden)

[doolar]

No affiliation! ex. Germany ex. Saudi car.

I have never seen nor heard about this example in Sweden, even though it's been in Sweden since 1997.


73000 kilometers on the odometer, I doubt it is correct.

Seems like a bad respray's been done, or the photos are sh*t.

VIN: WDB1240361B586552

Datacard: https://www.lastvin.com/vin/RVqae2qqMDQ2MN6Op

https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/1992-mercedes-benz-w124-500e-6

KEY FACTS

• This Mercedes-Benz 500E is a desirable W124-generation ‘super saloon’, built in close cooperation with Porsche, which reportedly has just two owners from new.
• Power comes from a 5.0-litre ‘M119’ V8 engine, producing 326hp and 354lb-ft of torque, driving the rear wheels though a four-speed automatic transmission.
• The 500E is capable of reaching 100km/h in 6.1 seconds, and a top speed of 250km/h.
• This example has been with its current owner for five years, and is noted to have originally been delivered to Saudi Arabia as the personal car of a Sheikh’s wife. It was imported to Sweden in 1997 as moving goods from a Swedish expat who kept the car 1997-2019.
• The odometer indicates 70,300 km, though this is not warranted.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• With its engineering department occupied with the development of the new S-Class in 1989, Mercedes-Benz commissioned Porsche to redesign the W124 chassis to fit the potent 5.0-litre ‘M119’ V8, and alter the suspension and drivetrain to accommodate. Reportedly due to its width, the new model had to be assembled by Porsche at the ‘Reutter-Bau’ plant in Zuffenhausen.
• The 500E featured uprated SL braking components, including 500 SL front discs with four-piston callipers, as well as a 38mm wider track, 23mm lower ride height, wider tyres, flared wings, side skirts and a front air dam.
• This example is finished in Black, over a black leather-trimmed interior with sculpted and heated seats, leather door cards, and elegant burr wood trims. It is believed that the interior was changed from the original fabric/leather to its current setup while in Saudi Arabia.
• It now rides on 19-inch five-spoke split-rim Advantige alloys.
• The specification includes red carpet mats, a folding front armrest, electrically adjustable steering column, electric tilt and slide sunroof, front and rear storage boxes, headlamp washer and wipers, cruise control, air conditioning, and electric windows and mirrors.
• The car’s wheels and interior are the only noted modification to the car from its original specification.
• A service booklet, spare wheel, and warning triangle accompany the sale.

CONDITION

• Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition.
• Specific notes from the seller include: there is a small crack in the paint on the car’s boot lid. Inside, the seats are slightly sun bleached.
• The seller notes the electric front seats function intermittently.
• The most recent inspection of roadworthiness was in March 2024 during which the seller reports that no warnings or advisory items were noted.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The latest service was in 2023. The work comprised of an engine oil and filter change, along with the replacement of the fuel filter, HT leads, distributor cap and spark plugs.

SUMMARY

This Mercedes-Benz (W124) 500E is a potent yet refined high-performance saloon, which was designed and built in collaboration with Porsche. Benefitting from a relatively recent major service and inspection in 2023, it is ready to be enjoyed out on the open road, and it would also make a fun addition to any collection of rare modern classics.

 

[gsxr]

Wow. To borrow a phrase from @Jlaa... this car is a whole bowl of wrong. The fabric interior replaced with aftermarket pleather sure doesn't help. 70kkm? Looks like 370k. The 19-inch Chinese "Sunny" brand tires tell you a lot. Pedestrian headlights of course.

Is it just me, or does Collecting Cars seem to be the European version of Beverly Hills Car Club?

 

[doolar]

Thanks Dave for adding the images. Yea it looks pretty bad tbh, not that my own car is perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but I don't know what happened here.

Yea Collecting Cars doesn't quite seem to be a good auction site at all tbh.

Some more info from the official Swedish channels:

It's got a passed MOT February -24 valid until February -26
It's not been registered in traffic since February 2012! Not registered means not allowed on public roads.
Current registered owner had it since October 2019.
Total numbers of owners since it arrived in Sweden in 1997 is two.

 

[Bogeyman]

I always wonder when the instruments are in way better condition than the rest of the car.

They even wore out the replacement shift knob...

 

[szvook]

I’m sorry, but I just cannot view this as an 036 in its current state…

 

[195910]

"This example has been with its current owner for five years, and is noted to have originally been delivered to Saudi Arabia as the personal car of a Sheikh’s wife. It was imported to Sweden in 1997 as moving goods from a Swedish expat who kept the car 1997-2019."

Is there anything to validate this statement? Because KSA does not have "Sheikhs" and Women there don't Drive !!!

VIN states its ordered in LUEG, BOCHUM and service book shows the BO German registration.

 

[doolar]

"This example has been with its current owner for five years, and is noted to have originally been delivered to Saudi Arabia as the personal car of a Sheikh’s wife. It was imported to Sweden in 1997 as moving goods from a Swedish expat who kept the car 1997-2019."

Is there anything to validate this statement? Because KSA does not have "Sheikhs" and Women there don't Drive !!!

VIN states its ordered in LUEG, BOCHUM and service book shows the BO German registration.

Yep the last two documents in Dave's above post are legit, they are the papers that the expat moving back to Sweden had to process with the Swedish equivalent of the DMV, Customs and tax authorities to get the car into Sweden. They are both from 1997 and contain full name and social security number of the woman who brought the car home. She even explains the reason for bringing the car back, basically saying "we lived in Saudi for this time, now we're moving back and I want to bring this car with me". So the story of Swedish expats using it in Saudi Arabia is most likely correct.

There are special rules still for bringing a car you bought abroad as an expat into Sweden, and these rules makes it really easy (or at least much easier) to bring your car home with you, and there are loads of exceptions (smog, side indicators etc) that you don't have to comply with if the car was legal where you used it. I.e. all Swedish cars need side indicators, so if you just import a car, you have to retrofit them, except if you lived abroad and used it there, and going for a longer vacation does not count, hence the paperwork, you have to prove you lived abroad. Same goes for the running indicators in red from the muscle car era, not legal in Sweden, but if you brought it home as an expat it was ok. Highly sought after. Sweden is a huge US car country...

I digress. But you guys usually enjoy the info.

 

[195910]

Yep the last two documents in Dave's above post are legit, they are the papers that the expat moving back to Sweden had to process with the Swedish equivalent of the DMV, Customs and tax authorities to get the car into Sweden. They are both from 1997 and contain full name and social security number of the woman who brought the car home. She even explains the reason for bringing the car back, basically saying "we lived in Saudi for this time, now we're moving back and I want to bring this car with me". So the story of Swedish expats using it in Saudi Arabia is most likely correct.

There are special rules still for bringing a car you bought abroad as an expat into Sweden, and these rules makes it really easy (or at least much easier) to bring your car home with you, and there are loads of exceptions (smog, side indicators etc) that you don't have to comply with if the car was legal where you used it. I.e. all Swedish cars need side indicators, so if you just import a car, you have to retrofit them, except if you lived abroad and used it there, and going for a longer vacation does not count, hence the paperwork, you have to prove you lived abroad. Same goes for the running indicators in red from the muscle car era, not legal in Sweden, but if you brought it home as an expat it was ok. Highly sought after. Sweden is a huge US car country...

I digress. But you guys usually enjoy the info.

Kindly read the seller's statement again: "This example has been with its current owner for five years, and is noted to have originally been delivered to Saudi Arabia as the personal car of a Sheikh’s wife. It was imported to Sweden in 1997 as moving goods from a Swedish expat who kept the car 1997-2019."
Do you have Sheikhs in Sweden? and do they live in KSA where women were not allowed to drive till 3 years ago ?

A Swedish Expat registered or made the import papers of a used car in his wife's name for the import exemption in Sweden. Why do they make claims of "owned by Royalty" ?!

 

[gsxr]

Yeah, it was originally delivered to GERMANY, per the datacard. Seems the BHCC Collecting Cars auction description has, once again, taken certain "liberties" with reality.

The odometer rollback is hilarious. I mean, at least try to make the number appear plausible.

 

[doolar]

Kindly read the seller's statement again: "This example has been with its current owner for five years, and is noted to have originally been delivered to Saudi Arabia as the personal car of a Sheikh’s wife. It was imported to Sweden in 1997 as moving goods from a Swedish expat who kept the car 1997-2019."
Do you have Sheikhs in Sweden? and do they live in KSA where women were not allowed to drive till 3 years ago ?

A Swedish Expat registered or made the import papers of a used car in his wife's name for the import exemption in Sweden. Why do they make claims of "owned by Royalty" ?!

I did not write anything about who owned it before the Swedish expat - of that I have as much info as you, and refrain from even mentioning it.

But that a Swedish expat living in SA imported it to Sweden in 1997 is exactly what the enclosed papers that look perfectly legit, and unless those documents are falsified I believe are perfectly true and reasonable.

I have not even mentioned the Royalty claim. I have mentioned in the title AND first post that the car was delivered first in Germany, that has since been edited out, but I mention it in the first post too.

So please do not imply that I'm writing anything but what I did. I only write about the Swedish connection and the import to Sweden. I have also checked the Swedish public records and they corroborate what the listing and enclosed documents claim exactly.

 

[r44raven]

Yeah, it was originally delivered to GERMANY, per the datacard. Seems the BHCC Collecting Cars auction description has, once again, taken certain "liberties" with reality.

The odometer rollback is hilarious. I mean, at least try to make the number appear plausible.

Isn't the following, copied from CC's website, their get out of jail card re any description they list of a car?:

"The description of this consignment is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. Potential buyers should view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.​

​

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible vehicles to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, either to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be undetectable even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork during its life. Furthermore, photographs may not reflect the true colour or full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to satisfy themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy. This includes by raising enquiries with the seller in the comments section".​

 

[r44raven]

Holy sh...t - that car fetched Euros 42.5k?!!!

 

[gsxr]

Holy sh...t - that car fetched Euros 42.5k?!!!

PLUS FEES! Money laundering?

 

[a777fan]

Yikes. I cant unsee that interior.

 

[doolar]

Opinions incoming!

That's WAY over market price in Sweden. A really good (not perfect) honest 500E would realistically trade hands here at around $40k/€36. There's been a couple of nice looking cars recently for sale in the normal channels, priced around $40k and they've not jumped off the shelf so to speak.

Also, private auction sales are not as common in Sweden, it's dealer/used car sales or very commonly person to person when an older used car changes hands on the private market. The market is not big enough to support all these specialist dealers for exotic youngtimers that seem to be everywhere in the US and Germany, there are a few, but not many. This keeps the prices down usually, I think we have almost 100 registered 036's in Sweden, and I would guess there are fewer 036 aficionados than that in the country.

 

[gsxr]

I can't comprehend what buyer would pay that much for a car in such poor overall condition, and with an obvious odometer rollback. It makes no sense in any normal universe. All I can come up with is someone believed the odometer as accurate and had very thick rose-colored glasses on while bidding.

Also note the complete lack of undercarriage photos. I suspect there will be some surprises down below.

 

[doolar]

Isn't the following, copied from CC's website, their get out of jail card re any description they list of a car?:

"The description of this consignment is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. Potential buyers should view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.​

​

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible vehicles to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, either to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be undetectable even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork during its life. Furthermore, photographs may not reflect the true colour or full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to satisfy themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy. This includes by raising enquiries with the seller in the comments section".​

Consignment - it's always a risk, for everybody in my opinion. Anybody here following the US watch grey dealer drama with Anthony Farrer know what I mean. BUT! I wonder if this really is a true consignment, because at least to my knowledge a consignment means that the seller hands over the item to the company that takes on the consignment. In this case I don't get the feeling that CC have the car in their possession, if so they could have done the due diligence themselves, right?

 

[doolar]

I can't comprehend what buyer would pay that much for a car in such poor overall condition, and with an obvious odometer rollback. It makes no sense in any normal universe. All I can come up with is someone believed the odometer as accurate and had very thick rose-colored glasses on while bidding.

Also note the complete lack of undercarriage photos. I suspect there will be some surprises down below.

The sucker and his money.... There are of course that possibility, the cars are still cheap enough that anybody with a normal job can get a blanco loan for it.

 

[r44raven]

As far as I understand it, whilst CC will if asked, take the car - it is more normal for it to remain with the seller until sold. At that time CC take their fee, then put the successful bidder in touch with the seller for consummation of the deal. I'm wondering if that will actually take place in this instance? We may well see the car re-appear on CC ?

 

[doolar]

As far as I understand it, whilst CC will if asked, take the car - it is more normal for it to remain with the seller until sold. At that time CC take their fee, then put the successful bidder in touch with the seller for consummation of the deal. I'm wondering if that will actually take place in this instance? We may well see the car re-appear on CC ?

That’s not a consignment in my view, consign means “to send”. That’s a normal auction site. But I’ll stop being a dick now, I get it.

 

[r44raven]

That’s not a consignment in my view, consign means “to send”. That’s a normal auction site. But I’ll stop being a dick now, I get it.

You are of course, correct. Here's google's meaning for "consignment":-

"Consignment is an arrangement in which goods are left with a third party to sell."

Where CC don't actually have the car, I guess they are using the term very loosely!? But to be fair to CC (in this instance), given they are a worldwide Internet auction site, to actually have each "consignment" in their possession would be rather difficult?

I still can't get over how much was bid for the car. I've looked back over the pictures, and to say the car is a crock of sh...t would be an understatement?

 

[doolar]

You are of course, correct. Here's google's meaning for "consignment":-

"Consignment is an arrangement in which goods are left with a third party to sell."

Where CC don't actually have the car, I guess they are using the term very loosely!? But to be fair to CC (in this instance), given they are a worldwide Internet auction site, to actually have each "consignment" in their possession would be rather difficult?

I still can't get over how much was bid for the car. I've looked back over the pictures, and to say the car is a crock of sh...t would be an understatement?

No I agree on the crock of sh*t, it's one of those cars that doesn't look to bad at first glance or from 10 feet away, especially for the non-trained 90's Mercedes era eyes. Deceptive, so no understatement at all IMO.

I can't find a panel without orange peel, and while I have no problem with a respray (I had it done to my E420) you have to disclose it, especially if it is a shitty job like this. There's no way in hell CC didn't see that straight off the bat when they got the images, if you work with selling cars it's obvious.

 

[r44raven]

If I were a betting man, I'd say this marriage won't be consummated!

 

[DerFuror]

I still can't get over how much was bid for the car. I've looked back over the pictures, and to say the car is a crock of sh...t would be an understatement?

Perhaps the buyer is the same that purchased the barbecued spruce green 94 E500?

 

[AdamCabrio]

"Consignment is an arrangement in which goods are left with a third party to sell."

Where CC don't actually have the car, I guess they are using the term very loosely!? But to be fair to CC (in this instance), given they are a worldwide Internet auction site, to actually have each "consignment" in their possession would be rather difficult?

From CC's website, it looks as if they only send a photographer to your home or work......and ask you to fill-in a form..... I doubt if any info given by the seller is being checked by CC...................caveat emptor

 

[doolar]

From CC's website, it looks as if they only send a photographer to your home or work......and ask you to fill-in a form..... I doubt if any info given by the seller is being checked by CC...................caveat emptor

Probably not checked, because that takes time and time costs moneys. Better to just fake it til you make it with a fancy webpage and loads of hot air.

 

[DWB]

If I were a betting man, I'd say this marriage won't be consummated!

It looks like you should have placed a bet! Coming soon (again) to CC.....

https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/1992-mercedes-benz-w124-500e-6

 

[doolar]

*ding ding* Round 2!

 

[r44raven]

Here we go!

https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/1992-mercedes-benz-w124-500e-6

Current bid Euros 1,100. 6 Days to go.

 

[r44raven]

What is the attraction of this car!? Already up to Euros 29,750 - and still 3 days to go?

 

[gsxr]

What is the attraction of this car!? Already up to Euros 29,750 - and still 3 days to go?

All I can think of is some people are bidding based entirely on the hilariously inaccurate 70kkm odometer reading, and they are not looking at a single photo.

 

[r44raven]

All I can think of is some people are bidding based entirely on the hilariously inaccurate 70kkm odometer reading, and they are not looking at a single photo.

I see the seller has just replied to a question on CC, in which he states the 70k odometer reading is guaranteed - despite the car's description stating it is "inaccurate".

 

[r44raven]

Sold for Euros 35,250 ! I wonder if this one will be consummated?