SOLD 1992 500E, Pearl Black/Gray, 78kmi, BaT Auction (Scottsdale, AZ)

[gerryvz]

UPDATE: For sale by new Flipper-Dealer®, Nov-2023 on BaT. See post #39 below for details. Thread title updated with new location. Sold for $77k all-in with fees, see post #43.


1992 500E, Pearl Black/Gray, 78kmi, MBM Auction (Branford, CT)

13-Years-Owned 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E For Sale | The MB Market

Bid for your chance to own this 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E on the MB Market! The car is finished in Black Pearl Metallic (199) over a Gray Leather (278) interior and powered by a 5.0L M119 V8 paired with a 4-speed transmission. This car is offered with 13 years of records and a clean Connecticut title.

thembmarket.com

VIN = WDBEA36E0NB773276
Data card = Mercedes VIN Decoder | Decode Your Mercedes-Benz VIN

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23-Years-Owned 13-Years-Owned1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E​

Two-Owner Example Showing Service Records, Original Window Sticker & Clean History​

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This 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E shows two documented owners since new with registrations noted in Florida and Connecticut. The current owner purchased the car in August of 2010 and the odometer currently shows 78k miles. Finished in Black Pearl Metallic (199) over Gray Leather (278), this 500E is powered by a 5.0L M119 V8 and paired with a four-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Equipment includes a power-operated sunroof, fog lights, 16″ alloy wheels, Automatic Slip Control, power-adjustable and heated front seats, automatic climate control, cruise control, and a Becker Grand Prix stereo. The owner has maintained regular service records since 2010 including dealer-recommended service intervals and any part replacements. Modifications include a resonator delete and facelifted headlamps. This 500E is being offered for sale in Branford, Connecticut with two factory keys, manufacturer’s literature, the original window sticker, a clean Carfax, and a clean Connecticut title.​

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The car is finished in Black Pearl Metallic (199) with gray lower body cladding. Equipment includes facelifted headlamps, fog lights, headlight wipers, a powered sunroof, factory front air dam, and side skirts. The 500E comes fitted with flared front and rear fenders along with widened bumpers and cladding as compared to a standard W124. The seller reports the paint to be original with minor blemishes noted in the gallery. ​

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Factory 16″ 8-hole wheels are mounted with Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S tires measuring 225/55 on all four corners. The 500E featured Porsche-tuned suspension with a lower ride height than contemporary standard W124 models and also required a wider track for better handling.​

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The cabin features front and rear sport seats upholstered in Gray Leather (278) which is also continued on to each door card. Burl wood trim accents the dashboard, center stack in the front and rear, and door panels. Equipment includes power-adjustable and heated front seats, Mercedes-Benz floormats, an electric rear roller blind, automatic climate control, and a Becker Grand Prix stereo. An original first aid kit and warning triangle are shown in the gallery. ​

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The four-spoke upgraded steering wheel frames VDO instrumentation that includes a 160mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, an analog clock, and gauges for coolant temperature, fuel level, and oil pressure. The six-digit odometer shows 78k miles.​

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The 5.0-liter M119 V8 was factory rated at 322 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque when new. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The owner has maintained regular service records since 2010 including dealer-recommended service intervals and any part replacements. Detailed underside photos are included in the gallery. ​

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The Carfax report shows no accidents or other damage and lists linear mileage updates since new. This 500E is being offered for sale in Branford, Connecticut with two factory keys, manufacturer’s literature, the original window sticker, a clean Carfax, and a clean Connecticut title.​

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The MB Market Insights​

Unmistakable on the road, the 500E has become a legend of its own thanks to its muscular appearance and Porsche-tied heritage. With engineering help from Porsche, the front track of the 500E was widened to maintain optimal handling characteristics with the added weight and power of the 5.0 V8. Once the modifications to the chassis and suspension were completed, the body also required widening to accommodate the changes - and man oh man are we glad they did. The flared fenders with the widened bumpers transformed the look of the W124 in the best way possible. The additional width forced Mercedes to hire help from Porsche to assemble the cars because the redesigned W124 body wouldn't even fit onto the original assembly line fixtures at the Mercedes-Benz assembly plant in Sindelfingen. And just like that a legend was born, or as some like to call it, the wolf in sheep’s clothing. This 500E touts two owners since new and thorough records under the seller's care. Not many original cars exist anymore so those hunting should pay close attention. ​

 

[gerryvz]

Photos - Group 1 of 2

 

[gerryvz]

Photos - Group 2 of 2

 

[gsxr]

This one looks pretty nice all around, although someone didn't math properly... 2010 to 2023 is 13 years, not 23. Ooops?

Headliner intact, no door pocket peeling, battery tray intact, battery vented, no rust on the catalyst heat shields, good ZoomTubes™, and... proper €5k Euro 500E headlights with matching Euro headlight wipers! Only needs the correct headlight trim panel, someone drilled an extra hole in the USA panel rather than source the correct Euro panel. Also there's a photo with an old hood pad, and a new hood pad slightly misaligned, but that's picking nits.

 

[TerryA]

Looks like a pretty nice well taken care of example to me.

 

[dbb7697]

Thank you. I have taken care of the car knowing what it is. Yes, the old hood pad panel pic should have been removed. That is an old pic and the panel failed on me about a month ago. I tried my best to fit it as straight as possible. Thought I had it an then step back and palm to face.
Whenever there was anything with the car it was fixed.

 

[TimL]

Wow, looks like a REALLY well kept car! Best of luck with the sale/auction!

 

[gsxr]

Thank you. I have taken care of the car knowing what it is. Yes, the old hood pad panel pic should have been removed. That is an old pic and the panel failed on me about a month ago. I tried my best to fit it as straight as possible. Thought I had it an then step back and palm to face.
Whenever there was anything with the car it was fixed.

I didn't realize this was your car, @dbb7697 ... it looks REALLY sharp. Much better than most 036's which come up for sale, IMO. Nice job with the photos too, they show almost all of the stuff you want to highlight.

 

[Stevester 500E]

Great looking car. Someone will be very happy with their purchase.

 

[dbb7697]

I didn't realize this was your car, @dbb7697 ... it looks REALLY sharp. Much better than most 036's which come up for sale, IMO. Nice job with the photos too, they show almost all of the stuff you want to highlight.

Thank you Sir. What do you think is missing?

 

[dbb7697]

Great looking car. Someone will be very happy with their purchase.

Thank you.

 

[dbb7697]

Wow, looks like a REALLY well kept car! Best of luck with the sale/auction!

Thank you very much! I had my German friend take the pictures for me. He made a career of it. Bruno Ratensperger Photography

 

[gsxr]

Thank you Sir. What do you think is missing?

Pics of the spare tire well with the tire removed would be nice, ditto with the battery removed, although you can see from below the battery box is solid. And, a few pics of the underside of the engine with the splash panel removed would be helpful.

HOWEVER: I wouldn't bother with this unless a buyer/bidder asks for those specific photos. The condition of everything else does not make one wonder if there are hidden issues lurking. It looks fantastic. Even the notoriously nitpicky cascade would have trouble coming up with much of a PunchList™ on this one...

 

[cascade]

Even the notoriously nitpicky cascade would have trouble coming up with much of a PunchList™ on this one...

PunchList is already underway. It is not short, nor will it be as long as is typical with a lot of BaT+MBM cars.

Patience......

 

[dbb7697]

If someone requests pics I will gladly supply.

 

[cascade]

No photos of powertrain detail, particularly front and bottom of engine.
Car generally appears to be tight and right.
It has been well and professionally cared-for on its journey.


500Eboard PunchList™

1. Fuzzy stitching on outside driver’s seat side bolster, indicative of entry/egress wear
2. Slight sun- and age-fading of interior wood on dashboard, center console and rear-seat center console
3. Moderate case of dreaded-dot-disease (DDD), particularly noticeable on some instrument face-plates
4. SLS reservoir moderately browned; blue circular decal at top is badly browned and in need of replacement
5. Front license plate filler panel appears to have slightly different paint texture/color than bumper rub strip
6. Under-headlight panels surrounding wipers have significant sandblasting / rock dings in paint
7. Leading edge of hood have significant sandblasting / rock dings in paint
8. Car has had OE headlamps replaced with appropriate/proper “Euro” headlights
9. 500E trunk badge is placed ¼” to ½” too low from factory position (too close to black horizontal strip)
10. Long tube (battery vent tube?) protruding conspicuously downward from battery compartment
11. Vertical scratch/blemish in rear bumper rub strip to left of center
12. Rear muffler tips appear to be slightly canted upward and to right (slight realignment needed)
13. Modest scratches/blemishes in front bumper rub strip
14. Significant scratch/scrape in top edge of rear passenger side bumper panel behind rear wheel
15. Rear windscreen top metal frame sliding cap slid ¼-1/2” to left, exposing darker, non-sun-faded anodization
16. Driver’s & passenger’s side front door mirror boots starting to show cracks at top edge where they join mirror
17. Modest paint scratches/rock dings in driver’s and passenger’s side door mirror paint
18. Windshield appears to be replaced with MB factory glass (non-OE windshield)
19. Radio antenna extensible sections could use cleaning/lubrication due to embedded dirt
20. Very modest paint blemishes/dents? as noted by seller’s photos pointing out (typical wear and tear; nothing non-ordinary)
21. Paint is showing a buff-through spot on roof panel?
22. Dealer-applied “final inspection” sticker on driver’s side lower B-pillar behind door (not a factory sticker)
23. Dealer-applied oilchange sticker applied to inside trailing edge of driver’s door (rather than owner’s manual sticker)
24. Appears to have light scratches across front (slightly faded) burlwood panel between rear seats
25. Center console wood area appears to be dirty/dusty and with a few faint surface scratches
26. Right corner of black decal at bottom of shift-gate is peeling upward
27. Interior of ashtray showing dirt and possible rust spot?
28. Center resonator has been removed and replaced with aftermarket “Y”-pipe
29. Very slight examples of surface corrosion on a few bolt-heads and areas under the car – not serious
30. Crossover pipe outer covering appears to be dented horizontally
31. Some wetness appears in fuel pump package area on rear passenger side under vehicle – should be investigated
32. Appears to have significant corrosion at forward hinge of battery compartment cover
33. Aftermarket battery switch has been installed near negative terminal of battery
34. Edges of battery compartment door appear to be cracked and/or broken off
35. Car has original G05-spec coolant replaced with current MB spec G48 blue coolant (this is MB recommended)
36. Hinged cover of windshield wiper center section in need of cleaning/blackening
37. Double-check to determine/confirm if upper radiator hose is an MB factory hose
38. Windshield washer reservoir cap retainer/pivot hinge appears to be separating from hole in center of cap
39. Windshield washer reservoir cap should have round rubber anti-leak insert
40. Windshield washer reservoir cap round base browned from bleeding of old rubber grommets
41. Windshield washer reservoir cap base rubber grommets appear to be installed upside down
42. Braided hose to coolant overflow tank at expansion tank cap, is not fully pushed onto hose barb
43. Non-factory red wire routed along power steering cooling line behind grill (ahead of cooling fans)?

 

[gsxr]

Forgot to mention... the resonator replaced with aftermarket “Y”-pipe is, IMO, a great upgrade. Saves about 10 lbs of weight and adds a hint of rumble. There's zero downside to this mod. I wish those Y-pipes were still available via aftermarket sources, I could use one or two of 'em...

 

[dbb7697]

I also wanted to note this has the sl600 front upgrade.

 

[maw1124]

I also wanted to note this has the sl600 front upgrade.

Did you like / could you actually feel this upgrade? Are the original Brembo calipers still around? I may take them off your hands if so. Gorgeous car by the way. I love to see em like this.

maw

EDIT... I've heard different opinions on this from past owners over the years. A couple of past owners I've met (one in Miami in a BMW Z8, for context) swear the car is under-braked. My car ran the One Lap of America and I haven't heard a peep about the brakes from the former owner (a racing team owner who severely criticizes modern AMG driving courses for failing to turn off all the nannytrols) or his buddy who cared for the car (his best friend and pit crew boss). So I'm conflicted about a brake upgrade TBH.

 

[dbb7697]

Hello Maw
I do not. It was how I purchased the car. So I have no idea the difference.

 

[gsxr]

Did you like / could you actually feel this upgrade? Are the original Brembo calipers still around? I may take them off your hands if so. Gorgeous car by the way. I love to see em like this.

maw

EDIT... I've heard different opinions on this from past owners over the years. A couple of past owners I've met (one in Miami in a BMW Z8, for context) swear the car is under-braked. My car ran the One Lap of America and I haven't heard a peep about the brakes from the former owner (a racing team owner who severely criticizes modern AMG driving courses for failing to turn off all the nannytrols) or his buddy who cared for the car (his best friend and pit crew boss). So I'm conflicted about a brake upgrade TBH.

The original 300mm front brakes were marginal, at best, at high speeds or with repeated hard stops (think road course racetrack). Using a race compound pad and the best fluid you can find will help, a lot. Which might be what the One Lap setup was... serious pads + fluid.

The 320mm front brakes provide a noticeable improvement at higher speeds (say, 80-100mph or beyond). Below that, you won't feel much difference vs the 300mm, assuming the same pad compound is used. Both 300 and 320 fronts use the identical pad, so the swept area is identical... but there's more brake torque from the larger diameter on the 320.

Moving up to the 334mm "Silver Arrows" is a larger improvement because the pad swept area is larger too, besides the added diameter, but those won't fit under stock 16" wheels.

 

[maw1124]

Yeah the car always had the blue fluid. And I don't do much repeated hard braking from those speeds anymore. Thanks @gsxr

maw

 

[steve h]

I always get a laugh at Cascade's "punch list" when he rips other people's cars apart. In my opinion 50% of this "punch list" is BS for a car that is 30 years old. From my background in the oil business, a punch list was a show stopper for corrective action before a piece of equipment could be accepted for use. Most of these points on Cascade's "punch list" are minor cosmetic items that anybody could live with. Just my 2c.....

 

[TimL]

What I don't get with the punch lists are all the items that are just "observations" instead of items of concern (e.g. "car has euro headlights", "coolant replacement"). Those items are a plus and to my mind shouldn't be called out. Would be nice if the punch list was just the negative items (not including postives or "xyz is dirty"). It's his list though, so whatever floats his boat.

 

[cascade]

I always get a laugh at Cascade's "punch list" when he rips other people's cars apart. In my opinion 50% of this "punch list" is BS for a car that is 30 years old. From my background in the oil business, a punch list was a show stopper for corrective action before a piece of equipment could be accepted for use. Most of these points on Cascade's "punch list" are minor cosmetic items that anybody could live with. Just my 2c.....

What I don't get with the punch lists are all the items that are just "observations" instead of items of concern (e.g. "car has euro headlights", "coolant replacement"). Those items are a plus and to my mind shouldn't be called out. Would be nice if the punch list was just the negative items (not including postives or "xyz is dirty"). It's his list though, so whatever floats his boat.

@steve h is correct in that a "classic" Punch List is a list of items that are required to be remedied before acceptance of a job, building, or other project.

However, in the format here, the philosophy of the Punch List is more intended as an educational tool for prospective buyers, to make a more educated assessment of a vehicle's overall condition. There are many elements, some subtle and some obvious, that we experts of these cars know. However, some individuals, particularly those new to the 500E market, likely do not know these elements and often do appreciate having them called out as part of the educational process.

In short, it's an aid to assist with identifying the extent of the deferred maintenance existing with various cars.

Let's take an example. How about, "slightly faded wood on center and rear seat center console" or the "DDD" condition. If you were paying $40K for a car with 150K miles on it, this might be an acceptable nit that an owner would be happy to live with. But if you were paying $90K for a car with 25K miles, with faded wood or moderate DDD - and you like many prospective owners - may not know the true factory color of the wood, or the fact that the instrument cluster had dots all over the inside of it, wouldn't you want to know that these conditions existed? Wouldn't you want to know that the antenna mast of your $90K car you were looking at, is in need of cleaning and/or replacement?

Hence, the philosophy behind the PunchList here is to:

1. Identify items that are modified and/or non-standard above and beyond how the car was shipped from the factory
2. Identify egregious items such as accident repairs (botched or proper) and other major physical flaws
3. Identify "typical" flaws or negatives on a car based on wear and tear, neglect, use, and so forth
4. Identify items that are broken and/or indicative of deferred and required maintenance
5. Identify elements about a car that are positive and noteworthy (e.g., "Sonderwünsch" type options on non-US models)
6. Identify embellishments and falsehoods about a car as described in the auction text, as applicable and if not otherwise identified here
7. Give an overall idea as to the extent of immediate and/or delayable maintenance needed with a car

In the future, I will plan to bold and/or color-code specific items that demand true attention: high-negative flaws/repairs/accident history; major safety related items needing attending; and other major problems. All other PunchList items shall remain non-bolded and be taken mostly as observations and elements for further discovery at leisure.

Thank you,
Cascade

 

[TimL]

Thank you for elaborating on the logic, which makes sense when looked at from a novice/naïve user perspective. To my mind the differentiation between observations and actual issues via bolding/color coding would be a really great upgrade.

Thank you for producing these as a service to the community

 

[sheward]

I think having the seven "bullit" descriptions listed at the top of the punch list would be beneficial and create a better tool for the uneducated, as stated.

My .02 cents

 

[dbb7697]

If anyone has any questions or concerns about the car feel free to dm me and I will send you my number and we can talk on the phone.

 

[Jimbo]

I know the car, the seller, and the photographer...buy it, this is a great find.

 

[dbb7697]

Thank Jim. Very nice of you.

 

[dbb7697]

Last day, last couple of hours of the auction if anyone is interested.

13-Years-Owned 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E For Sale | The MB Market

Bid for your chance to own this 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E on the MB Market! The car is finished in Black Pearl Metallic (199) over a Gray Leather (278) interior and powered by a 5.0L M119 V8 paired with a 4-speed transmission. This car is offered with 13 years of records and a clean Connecticut title.

thembmarket.com

 

[gsxr]

Sold for $51,500 plus fees, or about $54k all-in (plus transport, etc).

 

[dbb7697]

Thank you everyone. It has been fun owning this car. Appreciate all of you and the support and knowledge. I am happy with the final price.

 

[TimL]

@dbb7697 I had hoped your car would sell for more money as it seems to be in such great condition.....I think the market might have gotten a bit tougher for the 036 in the last few months.

 

[RicardoD]

I thought it would be mid-40s based upon my research, so this is a nice hammer price.

 

[dbb7697]

Thank you guys. Yes, I thought $60k would be good based on Hagerty eval tool. But I am happy. I do not know if Bat would have brought a bigger number but I wanted to use a MB specific site. Like I said I am happy. I am finished with this car and I can concentrate on my pickup build and my 32 Ford.

 

[TerryA]

@dbb7697,
Congrats on the sale. I’m glad you’re happy with the results.

You’ve been a member here almost as long as me. I/we have enjoyed your participation with us. Good luck with your future endeavors. Drop in once in a while.

Take Care

 

[dbb7697]

Thank you Terry. I appreciate that. Good luck to you as well.

 

[maw1124]

Back for sale ...

maw

No Reserve: 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E

1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E​

This 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E was acquired by the seller in August 2023 following registration history in Florida and Connecticut, and it now shows 79k miles. The car is powered by a 5.0-liter M119 V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and is finished in Black Pearl Metallic over gray leather upholstery. 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 offered on dealer consignment at no reserve with a stamped service booklet, service records, a window sticker, manufacturer’s literature, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Arizona 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 details include Euro-style headlights with wipers, integrated fog lights, a retractable antenna, and a power sunroof. The selling dealer notes paint blemishes on the roof, and close-up photographs of the exterior finish and trim are shown in the gallery below.

The 16″ eight-hole alloy wheels are mounted with 225/55 Continental ExtremeContact tires that show 2023 date codes. The car is equipped with Automatic Slip Control (ASR). Braking is handled by four-wheel ventilated discs that are said to have been sourced from a SL600. The power steering pump was replaced in January 2022, and the brake fluid was changed in 2023.

The cabin features heated power-adjustable front seats upholstered in gray leather along with a color-coordinated lower 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 four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a 160-mph speedometer, a tachometer with a 6k-rpm redline, an analog clock, and gauges for oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel level. The six-digit odometer shows 79k miles, approximately 300 of which were added under current ownership.

The 5.0-liter M119 DOHC V8 was factory-rated at 322 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The wiring harness was reportedly replaced under previous ownership, and work performed since 2022 included replacing the timing chain tensioner, drive belts, fuel filter, fuel pump, and fuel pressure regulator, per the Carfax report. A collection of service records dating back to 2010 is included in the sale and totals approximately $27k, per the selling dealer.

The window sticker lists initial delivery to Robert G. Waters in Lakeland, Florida, as well as factory colors, equipment, and a total suggested retail price of $82,150. A stamped service booklet, service records, and manufacturer’s literature are included in the sale.

The Carfax report shows no accidents or damage and lists registration history in Florida, Connecticut, and Arizona.

 

[gsxr]

What the...? A dealer bought it for $54k in August, and is now selling 3 months later "on consignment" with NO RESERVE?

I axed a question in the peanut gallery, guess we'll see what they say.

 

[gerryvz]

The same flipper-dealer who bought the car is now selling it? Didn’t take long. I’d bet given the F-D paid $~55K for it, that they are expecting a hefty uplift on it.

Usually this uplift is 40-100%. So that means they could be expecting $75-110K.

Did they do anything in the recent months to improve the car?

 

[elvisP]

Yes. They did the very hard work of raising the price .

Moderator edit - attached last of photos below.

 

[gsxr]

Sold for $73,333 or $77k even with fees, plus tags/title/tax/transport.... right at $80k all-in. More if it needs white-glove transport to the opposite coast.

Quite the tidy profit for a quick flip, after paying ~$55k only THREE MONTHS ago. Makes one wonder if the difference was presentation, or platform (MBM vs BaHaT), or (most likely) both.

 

[nocfn]

Sheesh I may sell mine and get a CYBERTRUCK


Now where is that AK47

 

[Type5314]

This time of year, any photo shoot with a Saguaro in the backlit Arizona sunset yields a $20K premium with Northeast bidders.

Plus, a really nice car, and well-presented I thought.

Buyer will also be subject to a 7.75% Scottsdale sales tax because it was dealer sold. I learned that the hard way when I bought my dearly-departed 300 TE

 

[gsxr]

Buyer will also be subject to a 7.75% Scottsdale sales tax because it was dealer sold. I learned that the hard way when I bought my dearly-departed 300 TE

Seriously? Even out-of-state buyers will get nailed for AZ sales tax? If so, that's another $6k...

 

[Type5314]

That was my experience, even though the car was bound for a non-sales tax state. Applies to any car sold by a licensed dealer I was told

 

[OttoB]

I couldn’t help myself with the last comment at the auction... Hoping the new buyer ends up joining here, and that he’s not in hole more than what he already is from not having bought it 3 months ago as he gets to drive the car soon.

 

[gerryvz]

Now where is that AK47

Right here: