FOR SALE 1993 500E AMG 6.0L, Pearl Black/Black, 133kkm, Japan spec, $0.2M (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)

[gsxr]

UPDATE 1: Did not sell at Amelia auction, asking price $160k (see post #38 below).

UPDATE 2: Asking price increased to $200k (see post #'s 44-45 below). As noted in post #2, this car is for sale by Patina Collective.


No affiliation. No code 957, but it has AMG documentation.

VIN = WDB1240361B922441

Datacard: https://www.lastvin.com/vin/pY4grAg6Wv32DjyRJ

https://www.broadarrowauctions.com/vehicles/am25_r035/1993-mercedes-benz-500-e-amg-6-0-hammer

1993 Mercedes-Benz 500 E AMG 6.0 "Hammer"​

The Amelia Auction 2025
Estimate: $200,000 - $250,000 USD

• Powered by the upgraded, 6.0-liter M119 V8, as documented by its AMG Classic Conversion Certificate
• Inspected, physically verified, and researched in the Affalterbach archives by AMG Classic and MKB Manufaktur for the AMG Classic Conversion Certificate
• Finished in classic Blue Black Metallic with a Black leather interior
• Features an AMG exhaust system, 18 inch AMG "Aero III" style wheels, a 300 kph speedometer, and an AMG steering wheel
• Complete with Japanese language owner's manuals and service invoices
• Shown at the 2024 The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Cars and Caffeine

Chassis No. WDB1240361B922441
Engine No. 119.974.12.007314

In the 1990s, Mercedes had a clear goal for their W124 generation of E-Class: to show the world that the BMW M5 wasn't the only performance sedan from Germany. Enter the Mercedes-Benz 500 E, a car born from a unique collaboration with Porsche. This wasn't just a cosmetic partnership—Porsche played a pivotal role in the car's engineering and production, with some of its most significant features arising from their involvement.

The 500 E boasted a wider track to accommodate larger tires, necessitating flared wheel arches. However, these changes made the car 2.2 inches wider than the standard W124, meaning it couldn't be built on the regular production line. The solution? The car's production was split between Mercedes' plant and Porsche's Rössle-Bau plant in Zuffenhausen, the same facility that produced the iconic Porsche 959 supercar. The result was a remarkable 18-day production process!

This 1993 500 E emerged from this remarkable partnership on 5 February 1993 and was promptly taken to AMG to enhance its sporting character further. AMG, known for its performance enhancements, didn't hold back. The engine was upgraded to 6.0-liter specification, increasing power levels to 384 horsepower and torque to nearly 430 lb-ft. The car also received an AMG exhaust system, 18 inch AMG "Aero III" style wheels, a 300 kph speedometer, and an AMG steering wheel. Once completed, the car was exported to Japan, and it remained there until it was purchased by the current owner and imported to the United States in 2022.

Since arriving in the U.S., the car received a comprehensive in-house service and was shown at the 2024 The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Cars and Caffeine. Complete with Japanese market owner's manuals and service records, the car currently displays just over 133,000 kilometers or the equivalent of 83,000 miles at the time of listing. Representing the pinnacle of 1990s German performance sedans, this 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500 E AMG 6.0 "Hammer" blends the luxury, speed, and engineering excellence from both Porsche and AMG into a vehicle that highlights the true essence of an unexpected collaboration.

 

[WDB748372]

Looks like some Patina Collective car by Daniel

 

[gsxr]

Strange. Patina usually keeps the nice ones. Multiple incomplete photos of the engine serial, none of the AMG engine stamps.

Also strange, the steering wheel is not original / correct. This VIN should have the late-style Sportline wheel.

 

[weide1]

Multiple incomplete photos of the engine serial, none of the AMG engine stamps.

Indeed no AMG stamp. What also seems weird, the epsilon ε 10,0 comes right after xxx314. No space in between.
Number matches VIN.

 

[Rouven036]

Amg engine stamp on this one should be on the back, left side not front.

 

[gsxr]

Amg engine stamp on this one should be on the back, left side not front.

Even on a 1993 build? I thought the rear stampings ended in late 1991 or early 1992, but I'm not certain of the break point where the stamping moved up front (below the engine serial).

 

[WDB748372]

Number matches VIN

That's a bit interesting. I would've expected it not to. Weren't these crate engines that were installed by AMG Japan, not the original 5.0 being converted. Just judging from the other 124036 engine numbers around this chassis, it looks like 007314 is the engine number of the 5.0 motor but tightly restamped onto the 6.0 motor. This makes me wonder how AMG Classic is verifying this car just based on its engine number that they request. I don't see the link between a crate engine leaving Germany and the VIN it's being installed on in Japan.

 

[gsxr]

This makes me wonder how AMG Classic is verifying this car just based on its engine number that they request. I don't see the link between a crate engine leaving Germany and the VIN it's being installed on in Japan.

This makes me wonder how AMG Classic is verifying ANYTHING via the internet, without either the car being sent to at least a dealership, or an AMG tech being sent to the car. They can verify that a given VIN/FIN had work done back in the 1990's, but additional proof would be needed to confirm the modified engine is still present. I've heard of more than one "6L" car leaving Japan with a stock M119, much to the dismay of the buyer on this side of the pond.

Not saying that's the case for this particular car, just wondering in general how deep AMG Classic is digging before authoring their "conversion confirmation" letters.

 

[WDB748372]

Not saying that's the case for this particular car, just wondering in general how deep AMG Classic is digging before authoring their "conversion confirmation" letters.

Imo they're simply stating the obvious. It doesn't seem like they are questioning much. "The vehicle received a displacement increase to 6 liters, AMG exhaust system, AMG wheels (Aero 3 16"), AMG speedometer (300 km/h) and an AMG steering wheel."

For me it was "The vehicle received at AMG in Affalterbach a M119 6.0 L engine, an AMG optics package (side skirts, front spoiler) and AMG rims (8,0 x 18 ET 31)."

I haven't looked at other Conversion Confirmations but just these two compared seem inconsistent. I guess the AMG exhaust on my car wasn't there to begin with? No AMG rear bumper either I suppose, only front and side skirts?

Maybe I'm criticizing them too much because I'm still annoyed I paid $700 for my "E 42 Wagon." I should've done this for my other car to compare what AMG Classic claims vs the actual invoice.

 

[gsxr]

Imo they're simply stating the obvious. It doesn't seem like they are questioning much. "The vehicle received a displacement increase to 6 liters, AMG exhaust system, AMG wheels (Aero 3 16"), AMG speedometer (300 km/h) and an AMG steering wheel."

This makes me wonder about the accuracy. Aero 3 16-inch...? Really? that would be unusual, IMO, when the hot setup at the time was 17" Aero 3 three-piecers.

Currently this car wears 18" replicas.

 

[WDB748372]

Another great point, didn't even realize as I was typing it.

 

[maw1124]

Again, where’s that damned when you need it?

maw

 

[Rouven036]

Even on a 1993 build? I thought the rear stampings ended in late 1991 or early 1992, but I'm not certain of the break point where the stamping moved up front (below the engine serial).

No, the break point isn't that clear up to at least '94 some engines are stamped at the back. Same on mine.

Always the engines have been built up at AMG, they got a new block with the the same engine number stamping in case they had an OPEN Deck block already.

This car was converted right after it left the factory and took about a month to be done. Referencing factory shipment date (release from the factory) to AMG conversion date.

The confirmation letter says nothing about a body/optical kit only engine, exhaust (square tip rear muffler), steering wheel and wheels. Certainly the 16 is a typo and should be 17". It might been a square setup as the trunk sticker for air pressure states 235/17" wheels all around.

The crate engine Theorie could not been fully clarified yet and is another storry. Maybe it derived from the conversion kits based on original cylinder bore diameter as it was available for the M117 quad cam and others.

This car has/missing:

Engine - ok
Rear muffler - ok
Wheels - replicas, supposedly 17"s
Steering wheel - not available/removed
Suspension - seemingly not installed
Ducktail - added later

 

[2phast]

This makes me wonder about the accuracy. Aero 3 16-inch...? Really? that would be unusual, IMO, when the hot setup at the time was 17" Aero 3 three-piecers.

Currently this car wears 18" replicas.

16" not unusual, it was one of several ala carte options. More common than you might think, although I have my doubts if they would clear the brakes on a 500E. Seen these on many W124's but never on a 500E

 

[2phast]

No, the break point isn't that clear up to at least '94 some engines are stamped at the back. Same on mine.

Always the engines have been built up at AMG, they got a new block with the the same engine number stamping in case they had an OPEN Deck block already.

This car was converted right after it left the factory and took about a month to be done. Referencing factory shipment date (release from the factory) to AMG conversion date.

The confirmation letter says nothing about a body/optical kit only engine, exhaust (square tip rear muffler), steering wheel and wheels. Certainly the 16 is a typo and should be 17". It might been a square setup as the trunk sticker for air pressure states 235/17" wheels all around.

The crate engine Theorie could not been fully clarified yet and is another storry. Maybe it derived from the conversion kits based on original cylinder bore diameter as it was available for the M117 quad cam and others.

This car has/missing:

Engine - ok
Rear muffler - ok
Wheels - replicas, supposedly 17"s
Steering wheel - not available/removed
Suspension - seemingly not installed
Ducktail - added later

16 multipiece wheel not uncommon on many AMG built cars. Although, its questionable if a 16x7.5 et 31 would clear the front brakes on a 500E.

 

[Rouven036]

The 16" 7.5 is only listed fir the 190 and 200-300 w124s i.e Single piston caliper cars.

 

[gsxr]

16 multipiece wheel not uncommon on many AMG built cars. Although, its questionable if a 16x7.5 et 31 would clear the front brakes on a 500E.

Correct, the 16" 3-piece was available in the early 90's (maybe late 80's too?), but I've never seen them - ever - on the 124.036 chassis.

Also, if these were only available from AMG in 7.5" width, AMG never would have installed them on the 036 chassis. I've found wider versions but can't tell if they are original, or re-barreled to make them wider.

 

[TimL]

Why would anyone trying to sell a 6 Liter for top dollar not deal with the DDD before putting it up for sale?


Does anyone know how many AMG 6 Liter conversions were done in Japan? At the rate that they appear for sale it seems like there were more than AMG made for the entire world….I’m somewhat skeptical of these Japanese offerings

 

[2phast]

Why would anyone trying to sell a 6 Liter for top dollar not deal with the DDD before putting it up for sale?


Does anyone know how many AMG 6 Liter conversions were done in Japan? At the rate that they appear for sale it seems like there were more than AMG made for the entire world….I’m somewhat skeptical of these Japanese offerings

I have tried to gage that number and even AMG experts in Japan don't know. Was told by a 3rd party that AMG of Japan did not keep precise records of the conversions. There was some speculation that the number could be determined by the number of fully built 6.0l motors sent to them, but other 3rd parties insist AMG of Japan was also building their own 6.0l motors. Hard to say what is truth and what is fiction.

 

[2phast]

The 16" 7.5 is only listed fir the 190 and 200-300 w124s i.e Single piston caliper cars.

I am aware of that. No need to remind me of information I posted.

 

[2phast]

Correct, the 16" 3-piece was available in the early 90's (maybe late 80's too?), but I've never seen them - ever - on the 124.036 chassis.

Also, if these were only available from AMG in 7.5" width, AMG never would have installed them on the 036 chassis. I've found wider versions but can't tell if they are original, or re-barreled to make them wider.

I am not sure how someone could re-barrel the 16" wheels if they were only available in one size. Only seen that done on the 17" since you could get multiple widths and offsets.

 

[weide1]

I have tried to gage that number and even AMG experts in Japan don't know. Was told by a 3rd party that AMG of Japan did not keep precise records of the conversions. There was some speculation that the number could be determined by the number of fully built 6.0l motors sent to them, but other 3rd parties insist AMG of Japan was also building their own 6.0l motors. Hard to say what is truth and what is fiction.

Maybe it can be determined by Order Number - 839 stands for Japan - and Order Location?
Or code 498 Version for Japan?
Like this C140 7.2.

 

[gsxr]

I am not sure how someone could re-barrel the 16" wheels if they were only available in one size. Only seen that done on the 17" since you could get multiple widths and offsets.

Custom barrels, I assume. I found some superwide 16's for sale here. Looks like a seller in Canada that specializes in modifying them (website here).

If AMG only made the 16" three-piece in 7.5" widths, that pretty much confirms they were never approved for use on the 124.036 chassis. And they might not clear the brake calipers anyway!

 

[maw1124]

And who wants to pay a quarter mill for some re-barreled replica wheels??

maw

 

[duuder]

And who wants to pay a quarter mill for some re-barreled replica wheels??

maw

and thats just weird... the real ones exist

 

[2phast]

If this is indeed a Patina Collective vehicle, some of the descrepancies could be the result of them

And who wants to pay a quarter mill for some re-barreled replica wheels??

maw

That price is extremely optimistic

 

[WDB748372]

Maybe it can be determined by Order Number - 839 stands for Japan - and Order Location?
Or code 498 Version for Japan?
Like this C140 7.2.

That's probably only going to tell us the maximum number of any E500E (stock or 6.0L) that can come out of Japan. According to the wiki it's either 1,167 or 1,184. I don't see a way to find out how many conversion cars, be it 500E 6.0, 300E 3.4 etc. were produced.

@TimL brings up a good point. After a certain point it would start to seem a bit skeptical.

At the rate that they appear for sale it seems like there were more than AMG made for the entire world….I’m somewhat skeptical of these Japanese offerings

Imagine someone in Japan swapping in 6.0L engines, putting on AMG bits (even replica wheels in this case) then US buyers paying them big bucks all while the car is blindly confirmed by AMG Classic and pumped by the auction house with words like "Hammer" without a single piece of documentation over the past 30+ years. This could've been some ~$30-50k car made into "$200,000 - $250,000." I'm not claiming it's the case with this car, just pure speculation.

 

[TimL]

That's probably only going to tell us the maximum number of any E500E (stock or 6.0L) that can come out of Japan. According to the wiki it's either 1,167 or 1,184. I don't see a way to find out how many conversion cars, be it 500E 6.0, 300E 3.4 etc. were produced.

@TimL brings up a good point. After a certain point it would start to seem a bit skeptical.

Imagine someone in Japan swapping in 6.0L engines, putting on AMG bits (even replica wheels in this case) then US buyers paying them big bucks all while the car is blindly confirmed by AMG Classic and pumped by the auction house with words like "Hammer" without a single piece of documentation over the past 30+ years. This could've been some ~$30-50k car made into "$200,000 - $250,000." I'm not claiming it's the case with this car, just pure speculation.

And that is the lucky scenario- it’s not like genuine AMG engines are abundant in any market. Makes you wonder why Japan has the highest density of these cars.

I’m not dogging on this car. It might be great, it might be a bust, I don’t know. Just find it strange that Japan keeps churning out all these supposed 6 Liter cars

 

[duuder]

Maybe it's a "he who controls the spice, controls the world" kinda thing

 

[gsxr]

 

[Goran124]

Im guessing its all fakes…they are taking advantage of “not well documented” period!

And that is the lucky scenario- it’s not like genuine AMG engines are abundant in any market. Makes you wonder why Japan has the highest density of these cars.

I’m not dogging on this car. It might be great, it might be a bust, I don’t know. Just find it strange that Japan keeps churning out all these supposed 6 Liter cars

 

[500AMM]

Even on a 1993 build? I thought the rear stampings ended in late 1991 or early 1992, but I'm not certain of the break point where the stamping moved up front (below the engine serial).

No, the break point isn't that clear up to at least '94 some engines are stamped at the back. Same on mine.

Always the engines have been built up at AMG, they got a new block with the the same engine number stamping in case they had an OPEN Deck block already.

I ''assume'' the 6.0 conversion on my car was done late '94 and the stamping is at the rear as well, also matching engine number with the datasheet. It was done by AMG but no written statement followed the car, or maybe it was lost over the years during change of ownership. The only document I do have is a letter from AMG when they forwarded an alu.sticker with the HWA PN# for the transmission, sent to the owner who got the conversion done. That letter is dated 14.02.1995 and based on that I assume the conversion was done late '94.

I should really like to have that 6.0 conversion statement, especially because the conversion was really done by AMG.
@WDB748372, didn't you post an explanation or How-To at some point about getting that statement?

 

[WDB748372]

I ''assume'' the 6.0 conversion on my car was done late '94 and the stamping is at the rear as well, also matching engine number with the datasheet.

Was your vehicle converted/spent any time in Japan?

I should really like to have that 6.0 conversion statement, especially because the conversion was really done by AMG.
@WDB748372, didn't you post an explanation or How-To at some point about getting that statement?

I did in my owner's thread. Link to post. You can try emailing AMG Classic directly to see if they find anything from their archives based on your engine number. Perhaps knowing it was done by them is enough for you (potentially free over email). If you want to know the AMG modification date you have to pay 700 Euros to see that once the Conversion Confirmation is delivered.

 

[500AMM]

Was your vehicle converted/spent any time in Japan?

I did in my owner's thread. Link to post. You can try emailing AMG Classic directly to see if they find anything from their archives based on your engine number. Perhaps knowing it was done by them is enough for you (potentially free over email). If you want to know the AMG modification date you have to pay 700 Euros to see that once the Conversion Confirmation is delivered.

This car spent its first years in Germany and got the 6.0 conversion in '94, later on in '96 the supercharging was done by König Specials. Their last service on it was in '98 and after that they lost contact with the car. I think it went to Switzerland at that point and I bought it in Zürich in 2007. I don't have any overview of the ownerships on it, but I think it has a pretty clean history.

I'll try contacting AMG Classic and see what they find out.
Many thanks for the advice!

 

[Goran124]

This car spent its first years in Germany and got the 6.0 conversion in '94, later on in '96 the supercharging was done by König Specials. Their last service on it was in '98 and after that they lost contact with the car. I think it went to Switzerland at that point and I bought it in Zürich in 2007. I don't have any overview of the ownerships on it, but I think it has a pretty clean history.

I'll try contacting AMG Classic and see what they find out.
Many thanks for the advice!

Do you have AMG classic contact? I tryed to check one car but they answered that i must be the owner of the car in order to get answers…

 

[500AMM]

Do you have AMG classic contact? I tryed to check one car but they answered that i must be the owner of the car in order to get answers…

No, I haven't reach out to them yet, but I may get the same question in return as well. Here in Norway the wholesalers runs the same rule when requesting datasheets on cars and ordering spare keys. We have to prove the ownership with registration papers or other docs connecting your name to the car like purchase contracts, importation docs etc..

 

[DanielHassan]

This makes me wonder how AMG Classic is verifying ANYTHING via the internet, without either the car being sent to at least a dealership, or an AMG tech being sent to the car. They can verify that a given VIN/FIN had work done back in the 1990's, but additional proof would be needed to confirm the modified engine is still present. I've heard of more than one "6L" car leaving Japan with a stock M119, much to the dismay of the buyer on this side of the pond.

Not saying that's the case for this particular car, just wondering in general how deep AMG Classic is digging before authoring their "conversion confirmation" letters.

I love the spirited discussion over these cars!

To add a little insight to the process AMG Classic takes with 6.0 engines and Certification (be it 117, 117/119 and 119)

While a few AMG conversions can be verified using photos and VIN Decode submitted online, AMG Classic recognizes that the 6.0 conversions are what drives the upper end of the market and takes certification of these cars extremely seriously.

MKB (along with Patina for customers in the Americas) must inspect these vehicles and depending on the circumstance it may take between 3-6 hours. We go as far as needed to verify displacement and originality. The information is then cross referenced with the AMG archivists in Germany. Engine numbers and key parts numbers must match back to the chassis and be congruent with AMG Archives.

Only when this standard is met beyond a shadow of a doubt (to a German Standard) that the original engine is in the original car then a certificate is issued.

This past summer MKB and AMG Classic spent 2 weeks going through 45 plus Pre-Mergers at Patina Collective Headquarters.

For example when MKB encountered a developmental engine in our collection, they called former AMG employees, including Mr. Melcher to verify the work and techniques used.

I was blown away.

Hope this provides some insight and if you ever are in Florida we would love to show you the operation!

 

[Bogeyman]

No sale.
Post sale ask $160K.

 

[gsxr]

No sale.
Post sale ask $160K.

Interesting. Anyone know what the high bid was?

 

[quantumorbit]

Highest bid was $150k. That was very close, seller should've taken it.

 

[gsxr]

Highest bid was $150k. That was very close, seller should've taken it.

Yes, they should have.

 

[duuder]

Highest bid was $150k. That was very close, seller should've taken it.
View attachment 209928

View attachment 209929

jesus... thats just such a good looking car...

 

[alibo70]

Yes, they should have.

Buyer's premium too. Didn't attend Gooding but no one seemed to care about the premergers at Broadarrow.

 

[Bogeyman]

Now showing on Hemmings for $199K.

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1993-mercedes-benz-500e-boca-raton-fl-2862184

 

[gsxr]

Also on eBay for $199k.

1993 Mercedes-Benz 500-Series 500E 6.0 AMG | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500-Series 500E 6.0 AMG at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[Joe500]

Down to $189,900, same seller

Edit: new listing here: 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500-Series 500E 6.0 AMG | eBay

 

[Goran124]

The Japanese AMG cars built by Yanase are significantly less valued by collectors compared to those manufactured at AMG facilities in Germany. Apart from lacking 990 or 957 codes, their engine numbers often do not match the EPC records. This is well explained in the following article (read it to the end):
https://mb140.school/2024/07/27/history-amg-japans-timeline-and-statistics/