FOR SALE 1992 500E, Pearl Black/Gray, 64kmi, $0.1M (Boulder, CO)

[JAB12]

ADMIN UPDATE: For sale again Oct-2022, thread title updated with new price/miles/location. See post #51 and #68.


SOLD: 1992 500E, Pearl Black/Gray, 62kmi, BaT Auction (Horseheads, NY)

VIN = WDBEA36E2NB778799

Data Card: Mercedes VIN Decoder | Decode Your Mercedes-Benz VIN

Fresh off the press. I guess a lot of folks are putting their 036s on the market.

No Reserve: 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E

Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #42,736.

bringatrailer.com

 

[cascade]

500Eboard Punch List™

1. Front plastic headlight doors are significantly cracked and sandblasted; in immediate need of replacement
2. Front spoiler has various dings, scratches, scrapes and paint blemishes on it
3. Front of car is sandblasted (headlight wiper panels, etc.)
4. Lower cladding all over car shows significant sandblasting and paint degradation; in need of repainting
5. Headlight wiper arms are slightly mis-aligned upward; could use slight adjustment
6. Car has rally stickers on back windows and likely dealer Pennzoil sticker on door jamb; should be removed
7. Front spoiler-mounted fog lamp lenses show modest, but noticeable sand-blasting
8. Replacement MB wheels may or may not be to taste as compared to 16-inch “stock” wheels
9. Rear edge of window scraper trim on passenger-side door appears to have lifted slightly
10. Minor surface rust in jack hole points needs to be mitigated
11. Windshield wiper has been replaced with non-original metal frame
12. Windshield has been replaced; car does not have “A MERCEDES-BENZ PRODUCT” sticker on passenger side
13. Various paint blemishes (unretouched and retouched) pointed out by seller (all blemishes included in this item)
14. Significant paint abrasion on passenger-side front wheel well (as indicated by seller)
15. Brakes and rotors appear to have been replaced with larger units; MB star is on brakes; slotted rotors [GSXR edit: Brakes are stock size.]
16. Significant wear and cracking on BOTH front seats’ outside bolsters
17. Front seat leather and especially front center armrest are visibly dirty, and require leather cleaning
18. Modest staining and dirt on front carpets
19. Red alarm light LEDs? on dashboard fascia, immediately outboard of dash vents
20. Original Becker 1432 radio replaced with aftermarket Pioneer unit
21. Visible wear and scratching on gear shift lever leather knob
22. Interior of compartment between rear seats requires cleaning
23. Driver and passenger front door pocket MB Tex beginning to peel
24. Appears to be a discoloration or scuff on passenger rear door ashtray
25. Leading edge of passenger front door pocket has detached from door
26. Battery door hinged cover has been covered with carpet (non-stock)
27. Car is missing laminated instruction card that is wired to jack-holder in trunk
28. Highly yellowed coolant expansion tank could use replacement
29. Zoom tubes are showing age and should be replacement
30. Likely original upper radiator hose has lost shape (almost touching power steering reservoir) and requires replacement
31. Airbox has lost paint on “MERCEDES-BENZ” lettering on driver’s side
32. Throttle cable white adjusting screw is significantly yellowed, and likely weakened, and should be replaced
33. Upper and lower wiring harnesses are original and should be replaced
34. ETA also likely original and should be serviced/rebuilt
35. Original aluminum fuses are corroded and should be replaced with copper or brass ceramic-body fuses
36. Crossover pipe and center exhaust pipe outer coverings significantly corroded and in need of replacement
37. Modest underbody corrosion at various points, including at rear differential housing, bottom floor, and inboard mounting points for rear LCAs
38. Car is missing rubber drain nipple on bottom of spare tire well in trunk
39. Undercoating scraped off of rear tow hook mounted under spare tire well
40. Scraping along bottom of center exhaust section
41. Right-side steering tie-rode rubber boot is cracked
42. Tie rods, drag link and steering shock in need of replacement

 

[maw1124]

This would be the time to sell... tidy example.

maw

 

[Ntrepid]

Wow! 2 Price is Right games in parallel! Game 8 thread coming soon.


Robert

 

[ace10]

Ample, well lit interior and exterior pictures: Check
Underside pics, stem to stern: Check
Paint meter readings: Check
Lift point pics: Check
Driving video showing nothing out of the ordinary: Check

So she's well photo-documented.

The wheels... those are a big no for me.
Aftermarket radio is a real bummer.
Love having the original Monroney.

Curious what the thoughts are on the paint meter readings. 3.9mil on the trunk lid but over double that on some other panels.

Odo buyers will probably bid this one way up.

 

[gsxr]

The odometer will help the price on this one significantly. But that could be offset by the rust on the undercarriage... it was clearly driven on salted roads. Wheels are easy to swap, radio not so much. Looks nice up top, good presentation too.

 

[JAB12]

Wow! 2 Price is Right games in parallel! Game 8 thread coming soon.


Robert

Let me know when you post it. Just sent paypal $10 for payment games 7 and 8.

 

[Ntrepid]

Join in the fun, guess where this BaT auction may end, and win some money (and maybe temporary respect from your peers) on the Price is Right:

Game 8: Price is Right - WDBEA36E2NB778799 (1992 / 199 TobinCar, NY) | Off-Topic Discussions

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1992-mercedes-benz-500e-45/ Here are the rules: Only one entry per person (cost of entry is PayPal to kondilas@ieee.org using F&F option $5) and your submitting a price to this thread enters you into this game Entry must be submitted to this thread 48 hours...

www.500eboard.co

Robert

 

[gerryvz]

HaT photographs — Group 1 of 5

 

[gerryvz]

HaT photographs — Group 2 of 5

 

[gerryvz]

HaT photographs — Group 3 of 5

 

[gerryvz]

HaT photographs — Group 4 of 5

 

[gerryvz]

HaT photographs — Group 5 of 5

 

[maw1124]

Join in the fun, guess where this BaT auction may end, and win some money (and maybe temporary respect from your peers) on the Price is Right:

Robert

Let's have a little cheap fun on a COVID weekend, shall we? Pour a , place your bet...

maw

 

[JAB12]

That’s the good stuff....

 

[gerryvz]

Bid Number	Bid Amount	Bidder ID	HaT Join Date	Bid Date / Time	Comments Made	Thumbs-Up Received	All-Time HaT Bids Made	Notes
21​	$36,000	HYCO	September, 2020	5-Feb 7:06 AM	93	120	525	This guy is a newish member, but has WON 36 vehicle auctions on HaT. Obviously a heavy hitter and maja playa.
20​	$33,250	stasik77	July, 2020	5-Feb 12:38 AM	0	0	11	Two bids ever; this car and the Alabama 500E w/parts car.
19​	$33,000	HYCO	September, 2020	4-Feb 12:00 PM	93	120	525	This guy is a newish member, but has WON 36 vehicle auctions on HaT. Obviously a heavy hitter and maja playa.
18​	$31,750	smak	October, 2020	3-Feb 9:37 PM	0	0	78	Heavy bidder, newish HaT member.
17​	$31,500	FMSSOCAL	September, 2020	1-Feb 9:59 PM	49	100	9
16​	$31,250	CardinalHoosier	June, 2020	1-Feb 9:58 PM	12	4	1
15​	$31,000	pierrenyc	February, 2015	30-Jan 6:47 PM	0	0	23
14​	$30,000	Archer1	October, 2017	30-Jan 1:10 PM	159	196	249
13​	$29,000	pierrenyc	February, 2015	30-Jan 11:16 AM	0	0	23
12​	$27,000	Archer1	October, 2017	30-Jan 10:31 AM	159	196	249
11​	$25,000	pierrenyc	February, 2015	30-Jan 9:11 AM	0	0	23
10​	$20,000	stasik77	July, 2020	30-Jan 12:40 AM	0	0	11
9​	$17,348	Charlesrwebb	September, 2016	29-Jan 11:53 PM	0	0	5
8​	$15,000	pierrenyc	February, 2015	29-Jan 11:03 PM	0	0	23
7​	$7,777	rtromeo	April, 2019	29-Jan 3:58 PM	2	12	13
6​	$7,000	Yeezers	June, 2019	29-Jan 3:16 PM	25	1	26
5​	$6,555	ottoolar	October, 2019	29-Jan 2:40 PM	0	0	6
4​	$3,200	DominicF	December, 2019	29-Jan 2:18 PM	13	7	31
3​	$3,000	rtromeo	April, 2019	29-Jan 1:23 PM	2	12	13
2​	$2,500	CountDookoo	August, 2020	29-Jan 12:10 PM	49	42	14
1​	$1,000	cargillmacmillaniv	December, 2020	29-Jan 11:10 AM	0	0	1

 

[maw1124]

^^^ what are you seeing here @gerryvz?

maw

 

[gerryvz]

So far, a normal auction with no shilling.

 

[JAB12]

Seems to be .036 selling season...

 

[maw1124]

Seems to be .036 selling season...

nothing like E46M or Porsche selling season... it’s just selling season... prices are abnormally high... hence the conversation around “are we in a bubble?”

maw

 

[CardinalHoosier]

Curious how bad you guys grade the rust in the pics? Not even sure what the remedy would be for that. Any ideas?

 

[gerryvz]

Weird that the punch list has not been published yet. I wonder what the hold up is.

 

[gsxr]

Curious how bad you guys grade the rust in the pics? Not even sure what the remedy would be for that. Any ideas?

The rust depends where you live. In the northeast, that car would be considered rust-free. On the flip side, SoCal owners would curl into a fetal position seeing that much brown underneath. The rust on the catalyst pipe heat shield is fixable by sourcing a good used, rust-free cat pipe from a 400E/E420 (not easy to find). The chassis rust, it depends if it's just on the surface or not. Can't tell from the photos.

@cascade, make sure to note the tie rod assemblies need replacement (cracked boot), and if doing that, it should get new drag link (OE only now), steering shock, and have the rest of the suspension checked out before getting alignment at the dealer only.

 

[ace10]

A dry ice treatment on this car would have had a tremendous ROI, IMO. But this BaH, and the bidders will throw money at the car based solely on the Odo.

 

[maw1124]

Weird that the punch list has not been published yet. I wonder what the hold up is.

I think he was expecting you to do it,

maw

 

[sheward]

The rust at the area of the crossover pipe / floor looks to me like an anomaly and not much to worry about. Closer inspection would tell.

I have a crossover pipe available.

drew

 

[cascade]

The 500Eboard Punch List™ has been added to the earlier post.

 

[gerryvz]

The 500Eboard Punch List™ has been added to the earlier post.

That is quite a long punch list! Although it is comparable in length to any 500E/E500 that is in #3-4 condition, it looks like it is about double what the "typical" punch list would be for a car in this condition.

This is solely because this car has more than 500 photos in the listing, which is more than double the number of photos that a typical auction has. Thus, there is more fodder for creating the punch list.

The good thing is that I don't see anything egregiously wrong with this car. There is going to be around $7,500 of deferred maintenance for this car, which should be added onto the buying price. This is because both wiring harnesses and the ETA need to be replaced; the front steering components need to be replaced; and the suspension condition overall needs to be checked. Motor mounts need to be checked. The exhaust crossover and center sections need to be replaced; and the modest undercarriage and jack-point rust need to be taken care of by a professional. All of the rubber hoses (particularly the cooling-related hoses, and heater hoses, and PCV hoses) should be replaced.

The car also needs a thorough interior cleaning and detailing to remove dirt and grime from all over the inside.

I don't see a lot of carelessness with this car in terms of mechanical things being out of whack, which means that the car has largely been unmolested.

From what I can see in the photos, and reading the punch list, I would put this car as a #2 condition car. My Game #8 bid stands as is as a ballpark market price for this car.

 

[maw1124]

I was where you are @gerryvz and just added a couple quid to go DBLNCKL, because irrational exuberance.

maw

 

[CardinalHoosier]

That's good to know on the rust - thanks for the responses. Out of curiosity, can you give me the 500E grading system 101 cliff notes? Is there even a good "public" example of a #1 rated example out there?

 

[gsxr]

IMO... grading cosmetics should be separate from mechanicals. Most of my cars are very good to excellent mechanically, but only fair to good cosmetically (interior/exterior). Finding a car in #1 condition for both is pretty much a unicorn / R.O.U.S... although Rocketeer's car for sale in Salinas, CA may be darn close.

This particular car looks to be #2 cosmetics interior & exterior but could be close to #1 with some effort. Hard to say on mechanicals but based on the pics I'm guessing #2 ballpark. Mechanicals are difficult to judge without a PPIT and/or personal test drive. Gerry's estimate noted above is probably accurate.

 

[Ntrepid]

Is there even a good "public" example of a #1 rated example out there?

Bonhams Cars : 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E VIN. WDBEA36E4PB949815

4,973cc DOHC V-8 Engine Electronic port fuel injection 315bhp at 5,700rpm 4-Speed Automatic Transmission 4-Wheel Independent Suspension 4-Wheel Disc Brakes *From the Collection of Walter & Emily Mead *One owner from new *Fewer than 14,980 original miles *Incredibly preserved example *Unique...

www.bonhams.com

Robert

 

[maw1124]

I think most in this group would call Grade 1 cars time capsules and rotisserie restorations. The rest of the world might not be so discriminating. While I don’t think this is a grade 1 car, it ain’t far from it. Paint knicks and rust are keeping it from that. But that’s right now. At the 40year mark people start calling these imperfections “patina”... that’s why I don’t get too hung up on it all. My only question is, given all I know about the market, this car, and what you can have for the money, what’s it worth? At $50k to $60k, this is a compelling car for a certain kind of buyer. If you want the fastest rolling dash mounted iPad, this isn’t for you. But for others...

maw

EDIT… if I had that 15k mile Bonhams car showcased above, it would be my “daily” driver for sure. I’d rather it than anything I’ve seen roll off a factory floor in quite some time.

 

[ace10]

The vast majority of 036s that come up for sale are #3s.

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Condition Ratings​

#1 vehicles are the best in the world. The visual image is of the best vehicle, in the right colors, driving onto the lawn at the finest concours. Perfectly clean, the vehicle has been groomed down to the tire treads. Painted and chromed surfaces are mirror-like. Dust and dirt are banned, and materials used are correct and superbly fitted. The one word description for #1 vehicles is "concours."


#2 vehicles could win a local or regional show. They can be former #1 vehicles that have been driven or have aged. Seasoned observers will have to look closely for flaws, but will be able to find some not seen by the general public. The paint, chrome, glass and finishes will all appear as excellent. No excessive smoke will be seen on startup, no unusual noises will emanate from the engine. The vehicle will drive as a new vehicle of its era would. The one word description for #2 vehicles is "excellent."


#3 vehicles could possess some, but not all of the issues of a #4 vehicle, but they will be balanced by other factors such as a fresh paint job or a new, correct interior where applicable. #3 vehicles drive and run well, but might have some incorrect parts. These vehicles are not used for daily transportation but are ready for a long tour without excuses, and the casual passerby will not find any visual flaws. "Good" is the one word description of a #3 vehicle.


#4 vehicles are daily drivers, with flaws visible to the naked eye. The chrome might have pitting or scratches, the windshield might be chipped. Paintwork is imperfect, and perhaps the body has a minor dent. Split seams or a cracked dash, where applicable, might be present. No major parts are missing, but the wheels could differ from the originals, or other non- stock additions might be present. A #4 vehicle can also be a deteriorated restoration. "Fair" is the one word that describes a #4 vehicle.

 

[ace10]

This is a solid #2 car.

SOLD - SOLD: 1992 500E, Silver/Black, 62kmi, $50K (Philadelphia, PA) | Cars for Sale - 500E / E500 ONLY

VIN = WDBEA36E6NB765280 A collector-grade car up for sale in an excellent color combination in the Philadelphia area. Mileage is approximately 62,000. Supposedly collector and enthusiast-owned all its life.

www.500eboard.co

Given the low production numbers, and that these cars were used for daily transportation, I wouldn't expect there to be more than ten or fifteen regular 036 examples in #1 condition.

If value continue to rise, restorations could become more commonplace, which would increase the numbers.

$0.02


Have there been any other documented #1 Condition restorations?

OWNER - 600Eric | Owners and Their Cars

Well after getting side tracked with my W210 E300TD daily driver project which ended up entailing considerably more time and money than it should have as well as probably some more unnecessary work (and money again) on my R129. I have finally kicked it into high gear on my 500E. Matt Stockwell...

www.500eboard.co

 

[gsxr]

Bonhams Cars : 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E VIN. WDBEA36E4PB949815

4,973cc DOHC V-8 Engine Electronic port fuel injection 315bhp at 5,700rpm 4-Speed Automatic Transmission 4-Wheel Independent Suspension 4-Wheel Disc Brakes *From the Collection of Walter & Emily Mead *One owner from new *Fewer than 14,980 original miles *Incredibly preserved example *Unique...

www.bonhams.com

That Bonhams $0.1M car should be #1 condition for cosmetics, but I almost guarantee it isn't quite #1 mechanically. The "complete service" likely consisted of fluids & filters. I'd be shocked if the wire harnesses (or ETA) were replaced; ditto for the rubber fuel hoses and/or pumps, etc. I sure wouldn't take it on a cross-country trip as-is, but then again the buyer probably has it in a climate controlled warehouse/hanger behind velvet ropes.

It does give you an idea of what a #1 odometer will command for price, and the odometer even comes with a free car!

I think most in this group would call Grade 1 cars time capsules and rotisserie restorations. The rest of the world might not be so discriminating. While I don’t think this is a grade 1 car, it ain’t far from it. Paint knicks and rust are keeping it from that. But that’s right now. At the 40year mark people start calling these imperfections “patina”... that’s why I don’t get too hung up on it all. My only question is, given all I know about the market, this car, and what you can have for the money, what’s it worth? At $50k to $60k, this is a compelling car for a certain kind of buyer. If you want the fastest rolling dash mounted iPad, this isn’t for you. But for others...

lus1: on all of the above from maw. ^^^

 

[gerryvz]

That is true. I have only seen a handful of .036s over the years that I would truly consider to be #1 cars. Far more #2s out there, and as said the vast majority (including my own) are #3 / 3+ condition. If the car has been driven in the real world for any appreciable mileage, then it's going to be a 2 or a 3 car.

Also as said, even a #1 cosmetic rating, isn't necessarily indicative of a #1 mechanical condition. Particularly on a car that is now 25-30 years old. Rubber, plastic, foam and other soft parts wear down due to age.

As an example of this point, look at this car's (for this thread) upper radiator hose. It's a factory hose, but it's mal-formed likely because it's the original hose. Still works, probably will work for another X years .... but it's in strong need of replacement. Same with the obviously cracked tie-rod boot and likely other front suspension rubber that needs refreshing. Age......not mileage.

If you look at the Top-End job I did this past summer on my car, I found PLENTY of soft parts that had to be replaced. Not that these soft parts would have outright failed in the next few years, but they needed replacing to keep the car in an excellent mechanical condition.

This car (and the @RocketeerPerformance car) are about as good as it gets for 500Es that are actually DRIVEN and are not showroom-miles garage baubles.

This particular car for this auction, has realistically been driven too much to ever be a #1 car (unless some big bucks were put into it). Rather, it should be kept and preserved as a #2 car, and DRIVEN. There is a LOT of mileage left before it hits the "magic" 100K mile mark ... a lot of driving enjoyment. I got my car with 67K on it back in 2003, and now it has 142K on it. My car will always be a driver, but it will be a mechanically well-maintained driver that runs 100% as a proper .036 should, and it will have only above-average cosmetics, as a proper "driver" .036 should.

This car should be bought by someone who intends to own the car for a long time, and to enjoy it. I REALLY hope it doesn't end up in the hands of a flipper-dealer, and we see it re-appear in a couple of months with a 50% higher price tag.

 

[maw1124]

Exactly all of this. I’m too young to care about a Concours anything, except as a spectator. Maybe one day I get rich and bored enough to care about Concours level 1 cars. But even then, it’ll probably be in the “Unrestored” category. How the old article stood up to the test of time is a huge part of its appeal to me.

maw

 

[gerryvz]

Additional images posted by seller.

 

[gerryvz]

Less than 5 hours to go, and we're at $36K. I think this car is going to see a flurry of activity toward the end. There are quite a few odometer buyers out there who are keen for a ~60K car.

I've updated the auction table, and from what I can see, all of the bidders are on the up-and-up for this one.

 

[maw1124]

I think this car is going to see a flurry of activity toward the end.

... especially on a Friday...

maw

 

[AMGeneral]

Well, I think I'm gonna jump into this one and give it a go!

 

[JAB12]

Last 8 mins Gents!

 

[AMGeneral]

Gave it a go to try to steal it...sadly, other priorities kept me out of keeping it a 3 man race!

 

[JAB12]

No worries. $52500 after fees.

 

[AMGeneral]

This was a car I could really work with and invest in the right updates over time...Oh well, will stay in the hunt and also save a few dollars along the way.

 

[TerryA]

I watched the end and the fight to the finish. $50K+ fees

Therealordog wanted it bad. I just hope he drives it or doesn't make it a garage queen and isn't a flipper.

I guess we will see where it turns up next.

 

[AMGeneral]

100 percent!

 

[JAB12]

..Or it could end up in Miami being offered a month from now for $65K...

 

[gsxr]

New owner posted here. Updated thread title to "Sold".