SOLD 1993 500E, Smoke Silver/Cream-Beige, 225kmi, BaT (Statesville, NC)

[gsxr]

UPDATE: For sale by new owner June 2025, see post #50 below. Thread title updated.


1993 500E, Smoke Silver/Cream-Beige, 223kmi, BaT (White Horse, NJ)

No affiliation.

VIN = WDBEA36E3PB857949

1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E

Bid for the chance to own a 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #58,236.

bringatrailer.com

1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E​

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This 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E was acquired by its current owner in 2000 and is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The car is finished in Smoke Silver Metallic with dark lower cladding over a Parchment leather interior. Equipment includes a sunroof, fog lights, a rear window sun shade, 16″ alloy wheels wearing Continental tires, power-adjustable front seats with memory, and a Mercedes-Benz Becker CD stereo head unit. This W124 500E is now offered with manufacturer’s literature, service records, stock audio components, a stock first aid kit, carpeted and rubber floor mats, tools, a clean Carfax report, and a clean New Jersey title in the seller’s name.​

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The car is finished in Smoke Silver Metallic (702U) with dark lower cladding and features a sunroof, headlight wipers, and front fog lights. The seller notes that the roof has been refinished and that the paintwork has been touched up in various places. Factory 16″ eight-hole alloy wheels are said to have been mounted with Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 tires in January 2019. A spare is mounted in the stock location in the trunk.​

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The cabin features Parchment leather upholstery on the seats and door panels along with a matching lower dashboard and center console and wood trim accents throughout the interior. Amenities include automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, power accessories, a rear-window sun shade, a telephone in the center console, and a later Mercedes-Benz Becker CD head unit that was installed under current ownership. A removed stock head unit and CD changer are said to be included with the sale. Interior light bulbs were replaced in 2020.​

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The leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a 160-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer with an inset clock, and gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, and oil pressure. The six-digit odometer shows 223k miles, 170k of which were added during current ownership.​

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The 5.0-liter M119 V8 was factory rated at 322 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Service over the last three years is said to have included replacement of shifter bushings, ignition components, and the fuel pumps. Additional service history will be included with the sale. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission that is said to have been rebuilt in 2009.​

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The Carfax report shows no accidents or other damage and lists New York and New Jersey registration between 1994 and 2021.​

 

[gerryvz]

No prior record of this car in my private database.

@cascade, can you please create a Punch List for this car?

 

[gsxr]

The repair receipts are mind-boggling. Not sure I'd trust Bell's Service with my car. [EDIT: More specifically, I'm not sure I'd trust them with my wallet. They may do fantastic work, as mentioned below in post #15.]

$11k invoice (#17431) @ 110kmi including engine removal, timing chain, oil pump (!), chain sprockets, 32 new lifters, head gaskets... for running hot and rear suspension rumble? Maybe there's more info on other pages.

Then... at 205kmi, invoice #11176 has a new oil pump and timing chain (again!), tensioner, AC system, and other stuff for an initial bill of $10,600 which was lowered to $9931 and finally $9000 even. Hmmm.

 

[cascade]

Photos and video attached.

Punch list coming shortly. Thanks for the heads up, @gerryvz.

 

[cascade]

Photos, page 2 of 2.

 

[ace10]

The repair receipts are mind-boggling. Not sure I'd trust Bell's Service with my car.

$11k invoice @ 110kmi including engine removal, timing chain, oil pump (!), chain sprockets, 32 new lifters, head gaskets... for running hot and rear suspension rumble? Maybe there's more info on other pages.

Then... at 205kmi, new timing chain (again!), tensioner, AC system, and other stuff for an initial bill of $10,600 which was lowered to $9931 and finally $9000 even. Hmmm.



View attachment 139063
View attachment 139064

In 2015 dollars.

Eesh. The inflation on the car hobby since then has been astronomical.

 

[gsxr]

In 2015 dollars.

Eesh. The inflation on the car hobby since then has been astronomical.

I feel bad for the owner, assuming the owner wasn't asking the shop to do preventive-maintenance stuff not really required. Two timing chain replacements when the chain almost never needs it (just the rails wear out)... eeesh, indeed.

On the bright side, the car should have the mechanicals mostly sorted out, and it looks good cosmetically. Really nice driver assuming people can look past the odo.

 

[Jlaa]

I feel bad for the owner, assuming the owner wasn't asking the shop to do preventive-maintenance stuff not really required. Two timing chain replacements when the chain almost never needs it (just the rails wear out)... eeesh, indeed.

On the bright side, the car should have the mechanicals mostly sorted out, and it looks good cosmetically. Really nice driver assuming people can look past the odo.

Wow. Kudos to the owner for replacing so much stuff ….. the parts prices are . Is it really $660 for a reman alternator, or $1300 for an AC compressor [and suction line]?

 

[gsxr]

Wow. Kudos to the owner for replacing so much stuff ….. the parts prices are . Is it really $660 for a reman alternator, or $1300 for an AC compressor?

No, but that's what they charged the owner.

It's normal for shops to charge more for parts than they pay. But typically the shop will charge MSRP and pay wholesale. Less-scrupulous shops will charge MB dealer MSRP and install an aftermarket off-brand part (I've seen this firsthand). We all know a new Denso compressor is $200, but the typical owner who doesn't spend 36 hours per week on this forum would have no idea.

 

[sheward]

This car looks very well cared for. Northern car with no signs of significant rust. Odometer wouldn't bother me. I'm thinking the owner had plenty of funds to keep the car in shape. I'll be interested to see the sale price.

drew

 

[daantjie]

I guess this is a result of "open cheque book" maintenance. TBH I never quite understood that term, most wealthy folks are super tight with their money (that's why they are wealthy, ha-ha) so why would they give a shop free reign to spend with wild abandon?

 

[Jlaa]

I guess this is a result of "open cheque book" maintenance. TBH I never quite understood that term, most wealthy folks are super tight with their money (that's why they are wealthy, ha-ha) so why would they give a shop free reign to spend with wild abandon?

Well the owner could be not just wealthy, nor very wealthy, nor extremely wealthy …….but ABSURDLY wealthy.

In that case, perhaps another USD15K here and there is immaterial to him/her?

For instance, I recently purchased a 1/4” socket to 3/8” socket drive adapter. I decided to forgo the made in China one at $6.50 and instead purchase the $7.00 made in Taiwan one because it makes me feel better. In that instance, the incremental $0.50 was not a big deal to me.

Maybe it is the same thing with the previous owner of this car…. Except ……. 5 orders of magnitude greater?

Another more somber reason could be that the owner has more than enough wealth to last his/her lifetime but then is in an unfortunate position to accurately predict the end of his/her driving days approaching on a very short horizon.

 

[gerryvz]

Punch list coming shortly. Thanks for the heads up, @gerryvz.

Thanks for downloading the photos cascade! Looking forward to your Punch List. Hopefully UHT or someone else can post the URL to this thread in the comments.

 

[maw1124]

I guess this is a result of "open cheque book" maintenance. TBH I never quite understood that term, most wealthy folks are super tight with their money (that's why they are wealthy, ha-ha) so why would they give a shop free reign to spend with wild abandon?

I'm not so sure about this. I understand the term very well. You'd be surprised how many E5E owners I ran across who had been absolutely fleeced taking care of their cars. Most often the culprits were stealerships.

They make for great cars when you find them because things have been replaced with new OEM even when not necessary. It's one of the things that made me join this site BEFORE I bought my car, and I wouldn't buy one unless I had someone who knew them to care for it. I was blessed and found the car at such a shop.

But since then that shop has more or less had an open checkbook (mine, same as previous owners) to take care of it. Of course they know that I know what they know, more or less when it comes to the car, because of this site and people here who have been more than gracious with their time and experience answering my often idiotic questions.

But for those reasons, this car will be a screaming deal for someone. The odometer is going to scare most away, but it's clearly been "garage kept" and "open checkbook" is one of those word combos that sells used cars, just like "all records since new".

It is what it is and means what it means. When kept in such fashion, these cars are near impervious to mileage.

maw

PLEASE NOTE, HOWEVER, that some of those invoices are shown twice. That said, it appears they are throwing tons of parts at the car for what should be known repair (or non-repair) issues. Like, I doubt the car was actually running hot. That’s a good example of where this Forum saves you money, same as the neutral safety switch.

 

[1994e500]

The repair receipts are mind-boggling. Not sure I'd trust Bell's Service with my car.

$11k invoice @ 110kmi including engine removal, timing chain, oil pump (!), chain sprockets, 32 new lifters, head gaskets... for running hot and rear suspension rumble? Maybe there's more info on other pages.

Then... at 205kmi, new timing chain (again!), tensioner, AC system, and other stuff for an initial bill of $10,600 which was lowered to $9931 and finally $9000 even. Hmmm.

I've used Bell's to service my MB's post warranty for over 20 years and trust their work. The owner is passionate about MB's-he bracket races an E55 and a C32. My only complaint is that he has such a backlog of work that it takes time to get an appointment for service. Less expensive than the dealer and the work is done right the first time.

 

[AMGTesTDriverNJ]

This place has always been super expensive. I once got a quote from these guys for some work on my 16v. I recall it seemed way high and I never went back.

 

[TerryA]

The repair receipts are mind-boggling. Not sure I'd trust Bell's Service with my car.

$11k invoice @ 110kmi including engine removal, timing chain, oil pump (!), chain sprockets, 32 new lifters, head gaskets... for running hot and rear suspension rumble? Maybe there's more info on other pages.

Then... at 205kmi, new timing chain (again!), tensioner, AC system, and other stuff for an initial bill of $10,600 which was lowered to $9931 and finally $9000 even. Hmmm.

I tend to agree w/ gsxr. These bills to me are sign of a Repair Shop w/ not much ethics. Bell seems to be DBL Dipping on an Owner who gave them carte blanch and knows nothing about his/her 500E. Probably never opened the hood.

Still it appears to be a nice car.

 

[Jlaa]

The Electric Aux Fan Resistor Sarcophagus in picture 57 seems to be construscted/installed differently from the EAFRS in my own car (that I recently placed in exile.) I wonder if this sarcophagus is a dfiferent version (earlier version?) that MB made? Or I wonder if this is a modified/relocated sarcophagus, done in an attempt to let the aux fan resistor breathe?

 

[cascade]

500Eboard Punch Listᵀᴹ

1. There is a heavy layer of oxidation on the bottom of the car – not quite rust in most cases, but heavy oxidation that indicates that car has lived in non-dry, non-Southern/West Coast climates
2. Hood release lever is discolored and could stand to be replaced.
3. Stone chips on leading edge of hood, front bumper, spoiler, headlight panels, etc. typical for mileage (perhaps better than cars with less mileage)
4. Oxidization of aluminum on water pump and upper radiator hose connection, engine block, etc.
5. Intake air tubes have been replaced with currently available units from later cars.
6. Original white MBNA first aid kit has been replaced with one from 2000s
7. Modest and typical curb scrapes on paint on bottom of front spoiler
8. Headliner is sagging and in need of replacement/repair
9. Typical leakage of windshield washer fluid due to lid seal being missing and degraded rubber heater line seals
10. Yellowed SLS fluid tank with typical decal browning, and modest seepage of fluid from plastic cap
11. Slight scraping or repair to plastic cladding in front trailing edge inside passenger side wheel well
12. Appears to be slight denting in vertical center grill trim strip
13. MB hood star crest is faded and should be replaced
14. Hood pad has been replaced with generic W124 factory hood pad (with turbo foil panel)
15. Some modest cracking on driver’s seat bottom leather and side bolsters
16. Center front seat arm rest dirty
17. Center rear wooden box burlwood dirty
18. “Jim” Written in chalk on lower cladding panel
19. MB carpet mats dirty and could stand to be cleaned
20. Steering wheel leather dented, dinged and rough due to use/wear; could stand to be refinished
21. Brake fluid looks dark and could stand to be changed
22. Wheels have typical curb rash on lips
23. Typical scrapes and scuffs on bumper rub strips

 

[gerryvz]

A lot of work has been done to this car that likely didn't need to be.

Two timing chains is unprecedented.
New oil pump -- really?

Clearly an open checkbook car with a trusting owner. Sounds like the shop is competent, but they certainly loved working on this car.

This will be a pretty good and reliable "driver" car for someone who wants to get into that car with higher mileage, but wants a well maintained along the way car, with relatively few-ish needs and great cosmetics for the mileage.

$10K applied after purchase would clean this car up nicely.

Hopefully there's a bidder who understands that this car is a hidden gem, and it goes for a great price on BaT. 95% of the odometer buyers there will be scared far away from this car; hopefully it can be picked up for around $20K and enjoyed for the nice car that it is.

 

[gsxr]

New driving video has been posted. Seems to drive correctly and has no visible issues at 100mph. I agree with Gerry, it looks like a nice car. Bill may be sad to see it go.

 

[dionphaneuf]

The car in these colours is the sleeper to end all sleeper.
I love how the MB Club of USA shows a config of car that isn't for sale in the USA...

 

[maw1124]

$20k is my number as well, and agree these are lightweight nits on the punch list. But help me out here, I only see the timing chain done once on Invoice #17431 (which is photographed twice). Is that service actually duplicated on another Invoice? Once in 200k miles doesn’t seem like a problem, and I don’t actually see twice presented here as much as a clerical listing error.

maw

 

[gsxr]

Screenshots below. It's not entirely clear if the oil pump was replaced twice or not.

Numbers in the left columns are parts only, not labor.

 

[dionphaneuf]

Honestly, where the market is now $20k is a deal for one that looks quite well kept up. I think the color, minor, minor oxidation/NE history, and mileage will depress this, but if it were a 199 car in CA it'd sell for 20% more? Anyway, buy it, drive it, and slowly tidy it up as time allows.

 

[gsxr]

Honestly, where the market is now $20k is a deal for one that looks quite well kept up. I think the color, minor, minor oxidation/NE history, and mileage will depress this, but if it were a 199 car in CA it'd sell for 20% more? Anyway, buy it, drive it, and slowly tidy it up as time allows.

Exactly. It's an ideal driver. No need to worry about keeping the odo low.

It's the same color combo as my '92 with roughly similar maintenance (mine also had a cylinder-head-off refresh, chain, rails, etc plus complete new suspension). I've got zero rust and lots cleaner underneath, but some clearcoat failing. It's a fair comparable, I'm curious where it will land as I plan to list mine for sale in the near future.

 

[gerryvz]

Depending on the final price this car achieves, if it is low-20K or in that area or below, this will be one of those semi-rare bargain cars. Note to folks here who are looking to get into the 500E market at a decent price with a better-than-typical car -- this should be a solid candidate for consideration.

 

[maw1124]

Screenshots below. It's not entirely clear if the oil pump was replaced twice or not.

Thanks @gsxr, I'd missed that one. If I was a gambling man I'd wager they were treating the chain as an every 10y/100k mile service; in which case Bell's probably misses this customer already. I do that too, just not with timing chains. Set a service interval and perform the service at that interval whether it "needs" it or not. To be fair however, 10y/100k miles is "lifetime" in the automotive industry. So it's not completely unreasonable. I'm gonna stick with my "screaming bargain at $20k" gamble. It's good to see them like this. Nothing like 200k or 300k mile cars out there to give a buyer confidence. It was a factor I considered when buying this car AND the E46M, that they run as advertised for a LONG time if cared for properly (which of course I'm gonna do anyway).

maw

 

[LTYLER]

Did i miss the invoice for the transmission rebuild circa 2009?

 

[500E93]

The repair receipts are mind-boggling. Not sure I'd trust Bell's Service with my car. [EDIT: More specifically, I'm not sure I'd trust them with my wallet. They may do fantastic work, as mentioned below in post #15.]

$11k invoice (#17431) @ 110kmi including engine removal, timing chain, oil pump (!), chain sprockets, 32 new lifters, head gaskets... for running hot and rear suspension rumble? Maybe there's more info on other pages.

Then... at 205kmi, invoice #11176 has a new timing chain (again!), tensioner, AC system, and other stuff for an initial bill of $10,600 which was lowered to $9931 and finally $9000 even. Hmmm.




View attachment 139248View attachment 139249

I am the owner of this 1993 MB 500E and have used Bell’s to service all the MBs I’ve owned: a type 111, two 113s, 107, 300E 4Matic, E420 and the 500E- their work may be expensive but it is second to none. I do elective service to my cars to stay ahead of issues and thoroughly address anything that arises. Understand, the belt change on just one of my Ferraris (a 1994 512TR) costs about $13k every few years so to me their costs to maintain my MB is reasonable. Regarding replacement of timing chain - that is ‘cheap insurance’ and recommened for MBs - the chains do stretch over time and you never want to incur it jumping a tooth - unless you want to go for a complete engine rebuild.
Let me know if you have more questions. Jim (White_Horse on B-a-T)

 

[500E93]

Did i miss the invoice for the transmission rebuild circa 2009?

Yes, the invoice showing the trans rebuild is posted. I am the owner of this 500E. Jim

 

[500E93]

500Eboard Punch Listᵀᴹ

1. There is a heavy layer of oxidation on the bottom of the car – not quite rust in most cases, but heavy oxidation that indicates that car has lived in non-dry, non-Southern/West Coast climates
2. Hood release lever is discolored and could stand to be replaced.
3. Stone chips on leading edge of hood, front bumper, spoiler, headlight panels, etc. typical for mileage (perhaps better than cars with less mileage)
4. Oxidization of aluminum on water pump and upper radiator hose connection, engine block, etc.
5. Intake air tubes have been replaced with currently available units from later cars.
6. Original white MBNA first aid kit has been replaced with one from 2000s
7. Modest and typical curb scrapes on paint on bottom of front spoiler
8. Headliner is sagging and in need of replacement/repair
9. Typical leakage of windshield washer fluid due to lid seal being missing and degraded rubber heater line seals
10. Yellowed SLS fluid tank with typical decal browning, and modest seepage of fluid from plastic cap
11. Slight scraping or repair to plastic cladding in front trailing edge inside passenger side wheel well
12. Appears to be slight denting in vertical center grill trim strip
13. MB hood star crest is faded and should be replaced
14. Hood pad has been replaced with generic W124 factory hood pad (with turbo foil panel)
15. Some modest cracking on driver’s seat bottom leather and side bolsters
16. Center front seat arm rest dirty
17. Center rear wooden box burlwood dirty
18. “Jim” Written in chalk on lower cladding panel
19. MB carpet mats dirty and could stand to be cleaned
20. Steering wheel leather dented, dinged and rough due to use/wear; could stand to be refinished
21. Brake fluid looks dark and could stand to be changed
22. Wheels have typical curb rash on lips
23. Typical scrapes and scuffs on bumper rub strips

All good points except #12 - no dent in the vertical grill strip. Jim (owner).

 

[500E93]

Well the owner could be not just wealthy, nor very wealthy, nor extremely wealthy …….but ABSURDLY wealthy.

In that case, perhaps another USD15K here and there is immaterial to him/her?

For instance, I recently purchased a 1/4” socket to 3/8” socket drive adapter. I decided to forgo the made in China one at $6.50 and instead purchase the $7.00 made in Taiwan one because it makes me feel better. In that instance, the incremental $0.50 was not a big deal to me.

Maybe it is the same thing with the previous owner of this car…. Except ……. 5 orders of magnitude greater?

Another more somber reason could be that the owner has more than enough wealth to last his/her lifetime but then is in an unfortunate position to accurately predict the end of his/her driving days approaching on a very short horizon.

 

[500E93]

FWIW - The owner is considering selling his extensively maintained 500E - that he has loved for 21 years - to make room in his climate controlled garage for a new Ferrari on order. I am not dying anytime soon and yes i too am careful about money - Bell’s charges about the same as Mercedes Paramus but in my opinion do better, more reliable work. Yes, a lot of the work i had done was preventative… like i said i have loved driving this car - it has been my favorite of ALL the MBs I have owned - that is why i kept it 21 years. Jim (owner)

 

[TerryA]

@500E93, Jim, I think you have a great car. It appears to be well sorted and will make someone a fine driver. I hope you get the best price possible for it.

Take Care

 

[46Dodge]

I believe this 500e will sell at the auction between 25K to 28K range. It is a very well taken care of and people will recognize that and bid more.

 

[gsxr]

I'm also expecting a hammer somewhere in the mid/upper 20's. The extensive maintenance is a big plus, although it may scare some uninformed buyers who may (incorrectly) think the car will continue to need that level of investment to keep running.

Welcome to the forum, Jim, and GLWS!

 

[LTYLER]

Yes, the invoice showing the trans rebuild is posted. I am the owner of this 500E. Jim

I see it now Jim. Thank you !!! Pic 75 of 90 for anyone using the images posted here.

 

[LTYLER]

Well. I have thrown my name into the hat on BAT too. what a lovely meticulously maintained 500E here. The higher miles don't bother me at all.
I also think this car will likely settle in the Mid 20's. Maybe a little beyond my budget but whoever gets this one is going to be happy.

 

[Jlaa]

I am not dying anytime soon ……Jim (owner)

@500E93 this is great to hear and the best possible answer! Please enjoy your new sports car in good health!

 

[duuder]

@500E93 that was me that made the speedometer comment, looks just like my car minus the wheels. GLWS!!

 

[gerryvz]

The car is up to $22K now. I expect it is going to hit $25-26K, very possibly slightly higher. The odometer buyers are not giving this car a look, which means that it is more interesting because it will be more buyers who know what the car is because of how it's been maintained.

Comments on auction are very very muted. Even that notorious BaT commenter "UnhingedTroll" has not chimed in, which is a surprise on a 500E auction.

I just cannot fathom "preventative maintenance" on an M119 entailing TWO proactive timing chain changes. Just not needed. I checked my own timing chain last summer (on my Top-End Refresh) and at 142K miles, there was ZERO stretch.

 

[maw1124]

FWIW - The owner is considering selling his extensively maintained 500E - that he has loved for 21 years - to make room in his climate controlled garage for a new Ferrari on order. I am not dying anytime soon and yes i too am careful about money - Bell’s charges about the same as Mercedes Paramus but in my opinion do better, more reliable work. Yes, a lot of the work i had done was preventative… like i said i have loved driving this car - it has been my favorite of ALL the MBs I have owned - that is why i kept it 21 years. Jim (owner)

I can certainly relate… especially to this one being a favorite… GLWA.

maw

 

[LTYLER]

This time tomorrow i think we will see this potentially hitting the upper 20's if not higher. That pretty remarkable actually considering a few years ago this would have sold on BAT for around $18k-$20k.. The uptick in the market circa end of 2018 is incredible. Not taking anything away from this one, Absolutely Great car, Obviously well cared for, We all know that on this forum but some others outside of it also...

Over 500 watchers - Expect some last hour bids driving this one upwards.

 

[maw1124]

To be fair, just like his presence and comments here, @500E93 has been a good seller on BaT as well (answering questions, cutting it straight no BS, etc.), at least in my opinion. Which also goes a long way because as we all know (or should know by now) you’re buying the Seller as much as the car. I can see the 1-owner plus his presentation getting the car more money than I originally thought. I can’t say I’ve actually seen one of these so fastidiously maintained cross BaT in 2018 so I’m not sure I can compare linearly that way. I haven’t seen one timing chain replaced let alone twice, at least as I recall. This is one owner, 20+ years of records, etc, so… go find another one of those for sale.

maw

 

[500E93]

This time tomorrow i think we will see this potentially hitting the upper 20's if not higher. That pretty remarkable actually considering a few years ago this would have sold on BAT for around $18k-$20k.. The uptick in the market circa end of 2018 is incredible. Not taking anything away from this one, Absolutely Great car, Obviously well cared for, We all know that on this forum but some others outside of it also...

Over 500 watchers - Expect some last hour bids driving this one upwards.

FYI - as a courtesy to my fellow 500E enthusiasts on this forum, please be aware that i have removed the reserve - just 40+ minutes left on this auction. Good luck if you are a bidder. Jim (owner)

 

[dionphaneuf]

$32k! Well done by the seller, buyer also getting a great entry to the 500E world in a well cared for but new looking car.

 

[LTYLER]

Sold > $32k !!!!!! . I had a feeling it would hit $30k+, Pride of ownership trumped that odometer reading.

 

[outrbnks]

Wasn't there comments in another thread not too long ago, saying that 500Eboard comments had a negative effect on E500E BAT sales?

In this case, I would say just the opposite happened. Favorable and honest comments in this specific thread may have contributed to some potential buyers having the confidence to continue bidding.

Anyway, at this price point, I feel fortunate to have the 500E's that I own paid for. Starting out from scratch today would be very limiting for me.... Amazing how quickly the market has moved in just a few short years.

Congrats to the seller and buyer...

 

[gsxr]

Back on BaHaT.

This sold in Oct-2021 for $32k... and the owner dropped an additional $20k into repairs, surpassing @gerryvz's Law. Wow.

Even bigger "wow", look at the $20k invoice details. Talk about taking advantage of a customer. $95 for a thermostat. $64 for antifreeze. Water pump PULLEY for $129 (why!)? $100 for ceramic fuses. $668 for a fan clutch (probably aftermarket). $465 for a starter. $10k parts, $10k labor.

1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E

Bid for the chance to own a 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #197,173.

bringatrailer.com

This 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E spent approximately 21 years with its previous owner and was acquired by the current owner on BaT in October 2021. Service documents from August 2022 totaling nearly $20k are viewable in the gallery and detail work performed by The Foreign Service, Inc. of Raleigh, North Carolina. The car is powered by a 5.0-liter M119 V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and is finished in Smoke Silver Metallic over Beige leather. Equipment includes 18″ BBS AMG Aero II two-piece wheels, a power sunroof, fog lights, Automatic Slip Control, automatic climate control, a Continental head unit, heated power-adjustable front seats, and cruise control. This W124 500E has 225k miles and is now offered on dealer consignment with manufacturer’s literature, a tool roll, service records, a clean Carfax report, and a clean North Carolina 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 Smoke Silver Metallic (702) with darker lower cladding. Exterior details include headlight wipers, integrated fog lights, a retractable antenna, and a power sunroof. The roof has been refinished, and the paint has been touched up in various places.

The 18” BBS AMG Aero II two-piece wheels were fitted under current ownership and are mounted with Michelin Cross Climate 2 tires with 2022 date codes. The car is equipped with Automatic Slip Control (ASR). Braking is handled by four-wheel ventilated discs. The steering gear, tie rods, drag link, steering damper, and idler arm were replaced in August 2022.

The power-adjustable front seats and rear bench are upholstered in beige leather and are joined by a color-coordinated lower dashboard, door panels, and carpeting. Interior elements include automatic climate control, a Becker cassette stereo, a power-adjustable steering column, dual front airbags, cruise control, a rear-window sun shade, a telephone in the center console, and a Continental head unit with Bluetooth connectivity. The seat bolsters are worn, the wood trim is cracked, and the leather on the B-pillar is shrinking.

The four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a 160-mph speedometer, a tachometer, an analog clock, and gauges for oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel level. The six-digit mechanical odometer shows 225k miles, approximately 2k of which were added under current ownership. The illumination control module was repaired in August 2022. Wear is visible on the steering wheel rim.

The 5.0-liter M119 DOHC V8 was rebuilt in March 2005 by Bell’s Service Inc. of Paramus, New Jersey, at 110k miles. Service in August 2022 included engine wiring harness repairs, resealing the oil level sensor and upper timing covers, and replacing the water pump, auxiliary water pump, belt tensioner, and the engine and transmission mounts.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission that was rebuilt in September 2009. The driveshaft was reconditioned, a transmission service was performed, and the cooler hoses, shift rod bushings, and starter were replaced in August 2022. The Carfax is free of accidents or other reported damage.