FOR SALE 1992 500E, Black/Black, 57kmi, MBM auction (El Paso, TX)

[gerryvz]

Moderator update 1: Reserve not met at $43k on BaT (see post #44), sold for $49k on MBM (post #52).

Moderator update 2: For sale again June 2025 (see post #53). Thread title updated.



1992 500E, Black/Black, 56kmi, BaT auction (Columbus, OH)

VIN = WDBEA36EXNB779926

Data card: Mercedes-Benz VIN Decoder

56k-Mile 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E

Bid for the chance to own a 56k-Mile 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #21,806.

bringatrailer.com

Seller's description on BaT:

This 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E was purchased new at James Motor Company in Lexington, Kentucky and remained with the original owner for 27 years. Finished in Black Pearl Metallic over black leather, the car shows 56k miles and is powered by a 5.0L DOHC V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Modifications include a post-facelift front fascia, split OZ AMG wheels, and an Alcantara headliner. This W124 is now offered by the selling dealer in Columbus, Ohio with a clean Carfax report, a copy of the original bill of sale, owner’s manuals, a tool kit, and a clean Kentucky title.

The body is finished in Black Pearl Metallic (199), and model-specific bodywork features include flared fenders, a front air dam, and side skirts. The hood, grille, and headlight lenses were replaced shortly after a new front-end design was introduced to the W124 for the 1994 model year, giving this example facelifted styling. No accidents or other damage are listed on the Carfax report.

17” multi-piece OZ AMG wheels measure 8.5” in width up front and 10” out back and wear Nexen N’Fera tires that are said to be approximately eight years old. Fading of the clearcoat is noted on areas of the wheel lips. The 500E model featured a 1.5” wider track and 0.9” lower stance than the rest of the W124 range.

The four-seat cabin is trimmed in black leather, and the Recaro sport seats are powered and heated up front, with memory for the driver. A gray Alcantara headliner has been added. Additional amenities include a power sunroof, automatic climate control, cruise control, and an electric rear roller blind. Cracks in the finish on the wood near the gearshift are noted and can be seen in the photo gallery below.

VDO instrumentation includes a 160-mph speedometer, and the six-digit odometer shows under 56k miles, 150 of which were added by the selling dealer. The Becker Grand Prix cassette stereo and amplifier were sent to Becker Autosound for refurbishing after the selling dealer acquired the car.

The 5.0-liter M119 V8 was rated at 322 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque when new. Shifting is through a four-speed automatic transmission. An oil change and brake fluid flush were performed by the selling dealer in preparation for the sale.

Additional underside photos are provided in the photo gallery below.

The bill of sale from James Motor Company of Lexington, Kentucky is shown above and lists a price of $83,323 before the original owner’s trade-in of a 500SEC.

The Carfax report lists no accidents or other issues, one owner, and service entries from James Motor Company through 2018. Videos below includes a walk-around, a view of the engine bay, and a tour of the interior, as well as a ride-along with footage of the car being driven past.



YouTube videos:

 

[gerryvz]

More photos attached.

 

[gsxr]

Looks nice overall. Appears to be 1-owner in KY, before the current dealer obtained it, per the AutoCheck. Odd that it only received a front facelift and not rear. At least it has the correct (NLA) headlights!

 

[gerryvz]

This car should do nicely. Too bad that the intake air zoom tubes are showing their age.

'Facelift' may have been because of a front clip kiss back in the day (usually the case when this was done).....unreported.

No prior listing of this car in my private database, reinforcing its likely one-owner history.

 

[Bogeyman]

Apparently the mileage is correct, but I don't believe the condition supports it.

 

[janos_z]

When it comes to auctions, I'm not a fan of creative photography, like the low-lighting shots of the interior. You can sort-of see the cracks in the wood lacquer on both the front and rear consoles, for example, but there is no effort to point them out or make them easy to notice. That's ok if you're just posting pics of your car to impress your friends, but it's less cool when you're selling said car to an audience who has nothing more than these photographs to base their bids on.

I'd much prefer non-filtered, high-resolution photos taken in ample, neutral, diffuse light, with close-up detail shots of any cosmetic issues.

 

[gsxr]

I'd much prefer non-filtered, high-resolution photos taken in ample, neutral, diffuse light, with close-up detail shots of any cosmetic issues.

Dealers typically don't do this... they are trying to hide flaws, not highlight them. They want a quick sale, quick profit, and move on to the next flip.

Some private sellers do the same thing with "creative" photography and may be rewarded with a high-dollar sale, particularly on an auction. Sellers who highlight flaws openly & honestly are often punished with either no sale, or a low sale price. There was a 500E in the latter category on BaT in late 2018 in this category... might have been this one.

 

[ace10]

How about 35 pictures of the exterior, and not one meaningful close up?

 

[gsxr]

How about 35 pictures of the exterior, and not one meaningful close up?

I tried to find a close-up of a wheel... ANY wheel... to look at the finish of the centers and the lips, and see if the logo in the center showed signs of refinishing. Couldn't find one good picture.

 

[ace10]

I tried to find a close-up of a wheel... ANY wheel...

You just gotta squint.

 

[gerryvz]

In the name of accuracy, I meant to say in my earlier post that this car is actually a TWO-owner car, seeing as the original owner has sold it to a flipper/dealer who is selling it on BaT.

My bad.

 

[TerryA]

Wheels appear to be in good condition pics are not good enough to see any cracks. IMOP the Nexen tires are crap.

 

[gerryvz]

Appears the flipper-dealer seller added additional photos of the wheels and interior wood. Bravo to him.

WRT the underhood expansion tank, the seller says, "there is nothing wrong with the coolant reservoir. It hasn’t discolored or anything like that."

I've made an appointment at the eye doctor today to get my eyes checked, as I must have become color-blind. I'll report back as to what the ophthalmologist finds.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[Ntrepid]

WRT the underhood expansion tank, the seller says, "there is nothing wrong with the coolant reservoir. It hasn’t discolored or anything like that."

I've made an appointment at the eye doctor today to get my eyes checked, as I must have become color-blind. I'll report back as to what the ophthalmologist finds.

Save your money, Gerry. You missed that MB offered a coolant expansion tank in a yellowed finish in the very first months of W124 production and are now heavily sought after. The part number for these end in Y.


Robert

 

[Melville]

I can't really blame the seller on the color of the coolant tank. If he doesn't know these cars really well, all he will see is that the tank is a consistent yellow color. So he'll naturally assume that's the proper color. When he hears discolored, he probably understands that as blotchy parts or something.

Also, this auction brings up one of my pet peeves in the car enthusiast world -- the uber-originalists. People who will like something only if it is absolutely factory. These same people probably drool over the 500E (if it has stock wheels etc.), but if MB didn't actually ever make the 500E but a tuner made one in its exact form, they would pull their hair and gnash their teeth about how vulgar it is. Since they don't actually have their own aesthetic eye, they use stock condition as a proxy for aesthetics.

Note this is not a criticism of people who like things stock. But if you automatically think everything non-stock looks horrible, then you aren't expressing any taste.

 

[cascade]

The seller added more photos.

Too bad she's not a 126 coupe!

 

[gerryvz]

Save your money, Gerry. You missed that MB offered a coolant expansion tank in a yellowed finish in the very first months of W124 production and are now heavily sought after. The part number for these end in Y.


Robert

Interesting! Sort of like the "HWA" AMG parts, I take it. I wonder if any of the BaT marque experts like Hansjorg or Bruce M could confirm the existence of this.

 

[2phast]

I can't really blame the seller on the color of the coolant tank. If he doesn't know these cars really well, all he will see is that the tank is a consistent yellow color. So he'll naturally assume that's the proper color. When he hears discolored, he probably understands that as blotchy parts or something.

Also, this auction brings up one of my pet peeves in the car enthusiast world -- the uber-originalists. People who will like something only if it is absolutely factory. These same people probably drool over the 500E (if it has stock wheels etc.), but if MB didn't actually ever make the 500E but a tuner made one in its exact form, they would pull their hair and gnash their teeth about how vulgar it is. Since they don't actually have their own aesthetic eye, they use stock condition as a proxy for aesthetics.

Note this is not a criticism of people who like things stock. But if you automatically think everything non-stock looks horrible, then you aren't expressing any taste.

Not looking forward to fielding the comments from the uber's when my car hits BaT.

 

[gerryvz]

Stalled out at $20K recently. In light of the 55K Elroy car that was recently on BaT, will be interesting to see what this one does in the last days/hours.

E500E market, at least on BaT, seems to be fairly muted as of late.

 

[gsxr]

036 market popped up high this spring... Mark's 702/271 Canadian car with <100kmi went for $50k+fees, and Greg's Polar White car was over $40k IIRC. Since then it seems to have tapered off a bit. Maybe an unusual color will bring more bidders? All of the listings have had a ton of views & watchers.

 

[gerryvz]

Activity stalled on this car. I expect some last minute bidders. Max out at mid- to high-30s. No more. I would be surprised if this hits $40K to low 40s, but could happen if there’s a bidding war.

The market has really cooled in the past year-plus. But it will pick up again after this pause.

For now, best to sell gold, as it is at record highs. That’s what I’m doing.

 

[Jlaa]

Gerryzator - jeez it took long enough for gold to get to this point! I’ll keep on holdin’. ;-)

Seemingly trivial observation (btw I cannot beat @captruff ‘s observation on clocking the wheels’ AMG logos w the valve stem on BaT though —-

Do all 92s (like shown on this car) come with this stereo alarm sticker? It has a volume knob on the sticker. Really? My 93’s sticker looks much more like the glorious Becker 1432 that all ya’all love to hate because you are actually secretly smitten by it.

 

[gerryvz]

My 1994 has the first sticker you showed.

not saying I’m selling ALL my gold. It’s good to stay well-diversified.

 

[Bogeyman]

RNM @ $29K

 

[ace10]

Miami-based flipper flopper was the high bidder. Perhaps trying to corner prop up the 036 market?

 

[gerryvz]

Not a surprise. I think market appropriate would have been mid-30s, though in the period of E500E "irrational exuberance" of 18 months ago, this car's odometer alone would have netted it well over $40K if not $50K.

This auction shows that the market has definitely cooled down a bit. The odometer buyers have bought their baubles. But then again, so has the stock market. I think a good buying opportunity at the moment.

 

[gsxr]

I think market appropriate would have been mid-30s, though in the period of E500E "irrational exuberance" of 18 months ago, this car's odometer alone would have netted it well over $40K if not $50K.

This auction shows that the market has definitely cooled down a bit.

18 months? How do you explain the $40-$50k sales of higher-mile cars SIX months ago?

 

[gerryvz]

@janos_z gave the seller some good advice. Hopefully he'll take it.

 

[gerryvz]

18 months? How do you explain the $40-$50k sales of higher-mile cars SIX months ago?

That was a mini-bubble as compared to the "Mr. Bubble" period that started in January of 2017 and continued into the spring of 2018.

Six months ago was just a few folks who wanted a new car for summer (greg's and robert's cars excepted). Meh.

 

[ace10]

@8899 and @Ntrepid are individuals that were selling their personal cars. They can and did speak to specific details of their cars.

The last 2 BaT cars were being offered by dealers. The CA car was given the silent treatment by the consignment seller and commentary from the seller of this car (along with the poor pictures) were far from confidence-inspiring.

$0.02

 

[gerryvz]

Miami-based flipper flopper was the high bidder. Perhaps trying to corner prop up the 036 market?

I think more likely just trying to do the typical flipper thing: ball on a budget, wash/polish up the paint, invent/embellish a back-story, and double the price.

It's totally within the realm of logic for a flipper to try to get this car for $30K, and then a month later put it up for sale starting at $60K. There is a large odometer-buying contingent out there....

 

[ace10]

....

It's totally within the realm of logic for a flipper to try to get this car for $30K, and then a month later put it up for sale starting at $60K. There is a large odometer-buying contingent out there....

He's sitting on three units already. Unless you're trying to become the EAG of the 036 world, that seems like a lot of the same car to have on hand.

 

[gerryvz]

Did you see that he just reached out to the seller to try to work a flip off-grid?

 

[Bogeyman]

It's been ReBATTed...

1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E

Bid for the chance to own a 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #145,853.

bringatrailer.com

This 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E was purchased new from the James Motor Company in Lexington, Kentucky, and it remained with the original owner for 27 years. Acquired by the selling dealer in 2019, the car was previously listed on BaT in August 2019.

Work in February 2023 [performed by RENNtech in Florida] included replacing suspension components along with the water pump, thermostat, oil pan gasket, starter harness, fuel filter, valve cover gaskets, camshaft seals, and air conditioning compressor and dryer. It is powered by a 5.0-liter M119 V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and is finished in Black Pearl Metallic over black leather. Equipment includes 16″ eight-hole alloy wheels, a power sunroof, fog lights, Automatic Slip Control, automatic climate control, a Becker cassette stereo, heated power-adjustable front seats, and cruise control. This W124 500E is now offered in Columbus, Ohio with ... a clean Kentucky title.

The 500E was assembled by Porsche and featured wheel arch flares, revised bodywork, and a lower ride height when compared to other W124 models. This example is finished in Black Pearl Metallic and features gray lower cladding. Additional exterior features include headlights with washers and wipers, integrated fog lights, a retractable antenna, and a power sunroof. The selling dealer reports the hood, grille, and headlight lenses have been replaced with equipment from a 1994 model year E500 under previous ownership.

The 16″ eight-hole alloy wheels are mounted with 225/55 Continental ExtremeContact tires. The car is equipped with Automatic Slip Control (ASR). Braking is handled by four-wheel ventilated discs, and a brake flush was reportedly performed in 2019. Work in February 2023 included replacing the rear end links as well as the front spindle bushings, control arms, tie rods, and wheel-speed sensors.

The cabin features heated power-adjustable front seats upholstered in black leather along with a matching dashboard, door panels, and carpeting. Amenities include automatic climate control, a Becker cassette stereo, a power-adjustable steering column, dual front airbags, and cruise control. The selling dealer reports the stereo was refurbished in 2019, and the shifter bushings and the air conditioning compressor and dryer were replaced in February 2023. [Why does this need to be mentioned twice? -Ed.] Cracks can be seen in the center console wood trim near the power window buttons.

The four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a tachometer with a 6k-rpm redline, an analog clock, and gauges for oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel level. The speedometer gearing was replaced in February 2023. The six-digit odometer shows 56k miles, approximately 150 of which were added by the selling dealer.

The 5.0-liter M119 DOHC V8 was factory rated at 322 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Service in 2019 reportedly included the replacement of the air conditioning control module [There is no AC control module. What is this? -Ed.] and an oil change. Service in February 2023 included changing the coolant and replacing a belt tensioner as well as the water pump, thermostat, oil pan gasket, oil level sender, air filter, starter harness, fuel filter, valve cover gaskets, camshaft seals, air-intake tubes, cabin filter, spark plugs, and exhaust hangers. [Again, rehashing items mentioned in earlier paragraphs. Well, except for the air intake tubes which are clearly original. Oh, and there is no cabin filter on 1992 models. -Ed.]

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. The transmission fluid was changed in February 2023. Additional photos of the underside can be viewed in the gallery.

The Carfax report shows no accidents or other damage and lists one-owner history in Kentucky prior to the acquisition by the selling dealer.

 

[gsxr]

Seems the dealer sat on this for the past FOUR YEARS... only 250 miles added, but $13k spent at RENNtech for maintenance, with some popcorn-worthy line items (e.g., $400 for spark plugs). The car was transported from OH to FL for this service? WHY?

 

[maw1124]

The car was transported from OH to FL for this service? WHY?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Oh... I forgot... to raise the price because RENNtech invoice.

maw

 

[w124fanMI]

I know there have been volumes written about the cosmetic and esthetic aspects of the facelift. But why do the “mullet”? Business in front and ???? in back?

 

[gsxr]

Eh... in 2023 RT charged $125 for new air intake tubes (NLA) but clearly the air tubes seen in the 2024 pictures are the same as shown back in 2019.

And, they charged $140 to replace a dirty cabin filter, which does not exist on pre-facelift USA cars. Hrrmmm.

The replaced odometer gears might explain why the odo barely moved in 4.5 years.

 

[Alphasud40]

You might be correct on this Dave. I recently purchased a cluster from a E420 and the small odometer gear that drives the numbers was shattered. In addition the white intermediate gear turned to putty. Not a mileage thing but a time and heat thing baking in the dash. So I would say cars that had to endure hot summers are probably more susceptible to this damage.

 

[gsxr]

Here's the scoop on the pilgrimage to RENNtech for a $13k tune-up:

"The car was purchased new in Lexington, KY where it remained with its original owner until our acquisition. We also purchased a fully modified RennTech car from the owner at the same time. We were under the impression that this 500E was in fact modified by RennTech as well thus we trucked the car to Stuart, FL to have the modifications certified. Once there RennTech realized what had happened. The car was penciled in for a lengthy list of modifications, however years ago when the car was being trucked to RennTech for said modifications, the owner passed away and the build was cancelled. Since the car was already there, we instructed them to go through the car top to bottom and give it anything it needs, may need, preventative maintenance etc. The car was then trucked back. This car is well sorted and ready to enjoy!"​

​

One wonders where the "fully modified RENNtech" car currently resides.

 

[gsxr]

Few hours left. Current bid $32k.

 

[Bogeyman]

RNM @ $42.2K...

 

[duuder]

interesting with the minivan hp reference - before i had a newer, faster car - this was my fast vintage car and its nimble for a 90s saloon. it is now my laidback, cruiser comfort car now

and the amateurs with the wiring harness... like no, we're all just waiting for it to crunch up for some sparkley fun down the line

 

[gsxr]

Now on MBM.

Odometer is 55,764:

1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E w/56k Miles For Sale | The MB Market

Bid for your chance to own this 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E on the MB Market! Finished in Black Pearl Metallic (199) over Anthracite Leather (271), this 500E is powered by a 5.0L M119 V8 and shows only 56k miles from new with a one-owner clean Carfax.

thembmarket.com

 

[Jim Rosenthal]

Well, it's an interesting read. I thought this car looked good, and the mileage seems verified to me. A friend of mine recently visited RennTech to bring them a car he's planning to sell on BaT. He had a favorable impression of their shop and the folks in it.

 

[gsxr]

Seller posted this comment. I guess someone needs to hit the books, since the photo below shows the rear subframe bushings collapsed (worn out from age, as the coil springs keep them under constant tension).

"When we dropped the car off at RennTech in Stuart, FL, it had no issues whatsoever, running perfectly, no lights, everything working etc. We requested that they go through all systems and give it anything it needs or may need in future. The RennTech guys are very well studied on these 'youngtimer' classic cars. The speedometer gears that were replaced were done so preventatively along with an extensive list of other items at a cost of $13k+. The speedometer/odometer etc has always worked; we have posted videos in 2019 and may of this year that confirm this and can provide if desired. @sirmathrocks Please see comment above. Everything operates as intended including radio, interior lights, rear shade, buttons, a/c, sunroof, etc etc. Absolutely nothing does not work. We spent $13k at RennTech to insure everything it needs or may need in future has been well covered. This is a fine car ready to enjoy whether on the road or in the garage. "​

Clearly not a big concern on an otherwise nice car, just makes you wonder what else may be lurking that isn't visible in the photos. Gerry's Law still applies after the $13k RT invoice.




Car for sale:



For reference, this is what a new/good bushing looks like:

 

[usarover]

If the late Gary Ensor, one of the best independent MB mechanics, were still around he could tell us the story of the Lexington KY ownership. I feel like I remember him saying this was 'returned' to James Motors for a refurb to sell. We lost Gary as this car's new story was unfolding.

 

[gerryvz]

If the late Gary Ensor, one of the best independent MB mechanics, were still around he could tell us the story of the Lexington KY ownership. I feel like I remember him saying this was 'returned' to James Motors for a refurb to sell. We lost Gary as this car's new story was unfolding.

Yes, that sucks about Gary. He was really a great guy, and super knowledgeable. I knew him from my M100 days, owning the 6.3 and 6.9. He did a few years back sell me some NOS C126 Euro exhaust components - I was grateful for that.

 

[puchak]

I'm a youngling around here... What is Gerry's Law?

 

[gsxr]

I'm a youngling around here... What is Gerry's Law?

Here you go!

UPDATED DEFERRED MAINTENANCE COSTS | Off-Topic Discussions

I'm trying to track down a recent thread that I think went "off topic" when a board member asked if Gerryvz's deferred maintenance figures could be updated - and what these figures might be based on the car's mileage? Were these figures ever given, and if so where can I now find them? Thanks...

www.500eboard.co