SOLD 1994 E500 Limited, Sapphire Black/Black/Gray, 82kmi, Collecting Cars auction (Rochford, Essex, UK)

[r44raven]

VIN = WDB1240361C148950

Datacard: https://www.lastvin.com/vin/9yRLjEL3PZjdgKkBY

https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/1994-mercedes-benz-w124-e500-limited-9

1994 Mercedes-Benz (W124) E500 Limited​

KEY FACTS

• This W124-generation Mercedes-Benz E500 Limited is a muscular super-saloon, developed in conjunction with Porsche.
• It is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8, delivering 320bhp to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission.
• In total, only 1,855 E500s were produced, of which just 951 were Limited versions such as this.
• This left-hand-drive E500 Limited is one of only a handful of examples first registered in the UK, and features a miles reading speedometer and odometer.
• It has covered 82,348 miles from new and has reportedly been in single family ownership since early 1996.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Co-developed with Porsche, the E500 was built at the marque’s Zuffenhausen plant and features a wider track, a lower stance, flared wheel arches, substantial 320mm front brake discs with four-piston callipers, and a potent V8 engine.
• This example is finished in Sapphire Black over a patterned black and grey leather-trimmed cabin, punctuated by wooden inlays.
• It rides on a set of 17-inch ‘Evo II’ six-spoke alloy wheels, fitted with Michelin tyres.
• Equipment includes an electric sunroof, heated and electrically adjustable front seats with two-position memory, cruise control, dual-zone air conditioning, traction control, an electric rear sunblind, and a Mercedes-Benz radio-cassette player with boot-mounted CD autochanger.
• Accompanying the sale is the owner’s book pack, service book, various invoices, and the V5C registration certificate.

CONDITION

• Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition.
• Specific notes from the seller include: minor imperfections on the paintwork, minor wear inside the cabin, a hairline crack in the centre console wood veneer, towing eye cover missing from the front lower valance.
• The seller also states that the electric sunblind requires minor repair.
• Minor parking damage to the offside front wing and bumper has been repaired by RS Automotive.
• The most recent MOT test was conducted on 1 October 2024 at 82,311 miles, resulting in a clean first-time pass.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The car was last serviced in December 2024 at 82,328 miles by RS Automotive, who adjusted the wheel bearings and parking brake, refurbished the wheels, and replaced the engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, brake fluid, battery, distributor cap, various bulbs, and the tyres.
• The brake discs, pads, wear sensor, and a brake hose were replaced in July 2021.
• The catalytic converters and the left-hand rear self-levelling shock absorber were renewed in July 2014.
• The seller notes that a file containing servicing details prior to 2010 has been misplaced, and the car was reportedly serviced between 1996 and 2006 by Athens, Greece and Southend, UK-based main dealers.

SUMMARY

The W124-era Mercedes-Benz E500 Limited is often regarded as one of the original super-saloons, combining its relatively unassuming and subtle exterior with a glorious naturally aspirated V8 and a handful of complementary upgrades to its chassis and braking. This example was originally owned by Mercedes-Benz UK and run by the firm’s Managing Director before passing into private ownership in early 1996, and has reportedly remained in single family ownership since that time. Having been freshly serviced in preparation for its sale, it is now ready for its next enthusiast owner, and promises to impress with its elegance, comfort, and performance at every opportunity.

The description of this consignment is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. Potential buyers should view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible vehicles to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, either to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be undetectable even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork during its life. Furthermore, photographs may not reflect the true colour or full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to satisfy themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy. This includes by raising enquiries with the seller in the comments section.

For vehicles, unless otherwise stated, potential buyers should also assume that any cherished registration may be retained by the seller. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.

 

[gsxr]

Should have had the tow hook cover replaced before selling! And, removed the NLA 500E badge, and installed the correct E500 badge - in the correct location. Don't like the corrosion on the brake rotors, but that's easy to fix. Headliner is sagging.

Unusual to see Walnut wood in a Limited. The corrosion visible up top is worrisome, I wouldn't touch this without a full set of photos underneath...

 

[gsxr]

Last few photos.

 

[e500.org]

Great find Stephen - I’d always wondered what happened to this car since seeing photos of M5 OOE online a very long time ago.

It seems like the car has been unfortunately neglected, bar some minor upkeep recently to present it for sale. I am sure there is rust hiding on the underside and many gremlins to uncover. Low mileage though.

That said, according to the VIN, it’s 1 of the 29 UK originally supplied cars - never knew they supplied a Limited to the UK.

This is the car photographed on Wikipedia (sadly licence plate redacted)

 

[e500.org]

Blast from the past

 

[benzboss]

Blast from the past

View attachment 205516

Thought the car looked familiar!

 

[r44raven]

Sold for £45,050! Went cheap?

 

[e500.org]

Not bad, but a fair amount of deferred maintenance waiting for the new owner probably. That said, you’d end up with an original UK car at the end which is certainly a rarity!