SOLD 1994 E500 Limited, Sapphire Black/Gray, 85kkm/53kmi, $95k (Glen Cove, NY, USA)

[Harv]

ADMIN EDIT 1: After the initial sale by the USA importing dealer at ~$90k in Aug-2019 (see post #35), car is for sale by new flipper/dealer for $135k, early 2021. See post #37 # #51 for details & current photos. Thread title updated, threads on same car merged.

ADMIN EDIT 2: For sale by yet another flipper/dealer. Now $150k in Saddle Brook NJ as of June 2021, see post #81-96 for details. Thread title updated.

ADMIN EDIT 3: Listed on Bring A Trailer in April 2022, ended RNM at ~$76k. See posts #102-105.

ADMIN EDIT 4: Listed in May 2022 for a fire-sale price of $90k, see post #109. Thread title updated with reduced price.

ADMIN EDIT 5: For sale at different dealer June 2022 for $120k, see post #111. Thread title updated with new price/location.

ADMIN EDIT 6: Price reduced July 2022 to $106k, see post #112. Thread title updated.

ADMIN EDIT 7: Price reduced August 2022 to $100k, see post #114. Thread title updated.

ADMIN EDIT 8: Price reduced August 2022 to $95k, see post #144. Thread title updated.

ADMIN EDIT 9: Car appears to have sold, registered in Virginia in September 2022.

____________________________________________________________________________

FS: 1994 500E Limited, Sapphire Black/Gray, 83km, (San Diego, CA)

Update: Post #35 claims the car sold for $89k in August 2019.


Looks like it was a Russian car.

VIN: WDB1240361C204827

https://inventory.symbolicinternational.com/vehicles/196/1994-mercedes-benz-e500

Datacard: Mercedes VIN Decoder | Decode Your Mercedes-Benz VIN

1994 MERCEDES-BENZ E500​

​

W124 E500 LIMITED - 5.0L V8 (322HP) - PORSCHE/BENZ SPECIAL​

​

Symbolic International is pleased to present this extremely nice, and rare E500 Limited.​

​

​

Phone: (+1) 858-259-0100​

Fax (+1) 858-259-1020​

Showroom Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. -6 p.m., Sat. & Sun. By Appointment​

11425 Sorrento Valley Road​

San Diego, California 92121​

​

​

 

[oaklandw124]

Re: FS: 1994 500E Limited, Sapphire Black/Gray, 83km, (San Diego, CA)

love that color

 

[msq]

Re: FS: 1994 500E Limited, Sapphire Black/Gray, 83km, (San Diego, CA)

The datacard says it was manufactured in 11/94, which would not make it old enough to import into the U.S. under the "25 year old rule".
Most people think a car has to be 25 years old to bring into the U.S. (or you have to pay a ton to modify it) and that is not the case. There is a rule that most people do not know about that allows you to import a car less than 25 year old (actually there are a number of rules, but assuming it is not a show car etc. and is a regular passenger vehicle) and it is:

(2) “VSP” eligibility numbers are assigned to vehicles that are decided to be eligible under § 593.7(f), based on a petition from a manufacturer or registered importer submitted under § 593.5(a)(1), which establishes that a substantially similar U.S.-certified vehicle exists.​

It is in the Federal register and under this rule it allows manufactures to designate cars that are "substantially similar" to ones that are certified for U.S. The '94 E500 was put on that list by Mercedes, so perhaps they brought it in under that rule?

In any case, nice car.

p.s. any idea how much they are asking for the car?

 

[gerryvz]

Re: FS: 1994 500E Limited, Sapphire Black/Gray, 83km, (San Diego, CA)

Glen, you should go look at this car !!

Any idea on asking price? I'd think it would likely be in the $80K+ range, if no drama/damage?

 

[gsxr]

Strange the order code indicates Russia, but the cluster shows an "Exhaust Temp" warning lamp, which was Japan-only. Perhaps it was originally delivered to Russia, then exported to Japan? Need to check if the oil cooler and larger rear brakes are present (neither were offered on Japan models).

Looks like the wrong headlight lenses to me, possibly replaced if the car had Japan / left-hand traffic lenses installed previously. Trunk badge is in the wrong location. I have a feeling the asking price will be six figures. Need a full batch of photos of the underside...

 

[Harv]

Symbolic doesn't offer anything at market prices.

 

[a777fan]

Gah. That exterior color! Wonderful.

Also the least offensive interior offered in the limited! Win win!!

[emoji23]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bing]

No much of a description and history on dealer site. I bet that mileage cannot be verified being ex japan.

 

[Harv]

No much of a description and history on dealer site. I bet that mileage cannot be verified being ex japan.

It think it was literally just listed yesterday.

 

[2phast]

Re: FS: 1994 500E Limited, Sapphire Black/Gray, 83km, (San Diego, CA)

The datacard says it was manufactured in 11/94, which would not make it old enough to import into the U.S. under the "25 year old rule".
Most people think a car has to be 25 years old to bring into the U.S. (or you have to pay a ton to modify it) and that is not the case. There is a rule that most people do not know about that allows you to import a car less than 25 year old (actually there are a number of rules, but assuming it is not a show car etc. and is a regular passenger vehicle) and it is:

(2) “VSP” eligibility numbers are assigned to vehicles that are decided to be eligible under § 593.7(f), based on a petition from a manufacturer or registered importer submitted under § 593.5(a)(1), which establishes that a substantially similar U.S.-certified vehicle exists.​

It is in the Federal register and under this rule it allows manufactures to designate cars that are "substantially similar" to ones that are certified for U.S. The '94 E500 was put on that list by Mercedes, so perhaps they brought it in under that rule?

In any case, nice car.

p.s. any idea how much they are asking for the car?

The "substantially similar" exemption was designed for Canadian vehicles, which are, for the most part substantially similar to US vehicles. Chances are slim to none that you would be able to get a JDM or Euro car imported under this clause.

 

[msq]

Re: FS: 1994 500E Limited, Sapphire Black/Gray, 83km, (San Diego, CA)

The "substantially similar" exemption was designed for Canadian vehicles, which are, for the most part substantially similar to US vehicles. Chances are slim to none that you would be able to get a JDM or Euro car imported under this clause.

Curious as to why you interpret it that way. There is a separate doc section/rules for Canadian vehicles on their own. The document with VSP numbers mentions both RHD and LHD vehicles. I am not sure why they would be talking about LHD models if they are talking about Canadian only vehicles? Also there are cars on the VSP list where they specifically say "European Market" as an example they also mention "Canadian Market", another example they list a "Venzuelan Market" one and a "Japanese Market" example, why would they make these distinctions if the list was for Canadian market only? There is a specific VSP number for the 1994 E500 (163) and it does not mention limiting it to Canadian Market only or that is has to come from any specific market, it's simply "1995 Mercedes E500" (some other cases they mention the specific market that a car model is eligible from).

Also in the doc they say 'For vehicles with a European country of origin, the term "Model Year" ordinarily means calendar year in which the vehicle was produced.' (However I suspect this is just referencing where it was produced, not where it is being imported from).

There is a section on the HS-7 form to enter a pre approved VSP number, which the 1994 E500 has.

There are clearly examples of less than 25 year old cars in the US that were not originally US cars like the one listed for sale here.

 

[steve h]

Re: FS: 1994 500E Limited, Sapphire Black/Gray, 83km, (San Diego, CA)

You are correct.
I was about to ship my E500LTD (German model) this week from the UK to my house in FL. It also is a 11/94 & the shipping company in England told me that it has to be 25 years old to the exact month.
So I would have to wait until November this year.
I don't think I would risk "substantially similar"........sounds like that could be subject to interpretation by a customs official.
Once the car is in the USA, you are trapped if they don't accept it.

 

[2phast]

Re: FS: 1994 500E Limited, Sapphire Black/Gray, 83km, (San Diego, CA)

Curious as to why you interpret it that way. There is a separate doc section/rules for Canadian vehicles on their own. The document with VSP numbers mentions both RHD and LHD vehicles. I am not sure why they would be talking about LHD models if they are talking about Canadian only vehicles? Also there are cars on the VSP list where they specifically say "European Market" as an example they also mention "Canadian Market", another example they list a "Venzuelan Market" one and a "Japanese Market" example, why would they make these distinctions if the list was for Canadian market only? There is a specific VSP number for the 1994 E500 (163) and it does not mention limiting it to Canadian Market only or that is has to come from any specific market, it's simply "1995 Mercedes E500" (some other cases they mention the specific market that a car model is eligible from).

Also in the doc they say 'For vehicles with a European country of origin, the term "Model Year" ordinarily means calendar year in which the vehicle was produced.' (However I suspect this is just referencing where it was produced, not where it is being imported from).

There is a section on the HS-7 form to enter a pre approved VSP number, which the 1994 E500 has.

There are clearly examples of less than 25 year old cars in the US that were not originally US cars like the one listed for sale here.

You can google this, as it probably will be faster than me explaining it. This has been tried many times with no success, if it were that simple, we wouldn't be waiting for cars to turn 25 years old to get them into the country. And all of the euro/jdm importers wouldn't be waiting for them to turn 25 years old either. Euro and JDM cars are actually not substantially similar. You have door crash bars, seat belt warning lights, headlights, tail lights, emissions etc. that are vastly different from North American vehicles. If you were to utilize this for a Canadian vehicle, you would also need to get a letter from the manufacture that states the vehicle meets all North American requirements (NHTSA and DOT) which would be the case on a Mercedes model sold in Canada and also available in the USA. A E500 originally sold new in Canada would have a yellow emissions decal on the radiator support, if it does not, you won't make it past customs (for the ones wanting to bring one from Japan, into Canada, then into the USA). Also, the "substantially similar" option won't work for the new A Class hatchback, which Canada gets but we don't.

Yes there are plenty of examples of cars in the US that are less than 25 years old, they could of been brought in as "show only" or a specific exemption if its rare and unusual (would need to be less than 500 made to qualify) and there are other ways, some of which won't work anymore (bringing the body separate from the drive train and titling the vehicle as a kit car} or bringing it into Canada and then just driving it over the border or putting it in a container and shipping it over and listing the contents as parts etc. Those are risky methods but have worked for many. Getting the vehicle titled is trivial in comparison to actually getting it in the country.

 

[2phast]

Re: FS: 1994 500E Limited, Sapphire Black/Gray, 83km, (San Diego, CA)

There are clearly examples of less than 25 year old cars in the US that were not originally US cars like the one listed for sale here.

If this car is less than 25 years old, then the first course of action is to find out if its actually titled in the US. I have seen many euro/jdm cars for sale that are not titled.

I would then inquire specifically, what method was used to import it. The "show & display" could be a possibility, by the time the import time limit expires, the car would be 25 years old. I also doubt the E500 Limited qualifies as "rare or unique" but you would need to check the NHTSA's list to see if its on it. The EVOI and EVOII are on the list, last time I checked. Those took a bit of back/forth arguments, as the official production numbers were 502 but in reality only 500 were available for public sale, which qualified them for this exemption.

 

[msq]

Re: FS: 1994 500E Limited, Sapphire Black/Gray, 83km, (San Diego, CA)

You can google this, as it probably will be faster than me explaining it. This has been tried many times with no success, if it were that simple, we wouldn't be waiting for cars to turn 25 years old to get them into the country. And all of the euro/jdm importers wouldn't be waiting for them to turn 25 years old either. Euro and JDM cars are actually not substantially similar. You have door crash bars, seat belt warning lights, headlights, tail lights, emissions etc. that are vastly different from North American vehicles. If you were to utilize this for a Canadian vehicle, you would also need to get a letter from the manufacture that states the vehicle meets all North American requirements (NHTSA and DOT) which would be the case on a Mercedes model sold in Canada and also available in the USA. A E500 originally sold new in Canada would have a yellow emissions decal on the radiator support, if it does not, you won't make it past customs (for the ones wanting to bring one from Japan, into Canada, then into the USA). Also, the "substantially similar" option won't work for the new A Class hatchback, which Canada gets but we don't.

Yes there are plenty of examples of cars in the US that are less than 25 years old, they could of been brought in as "show only" or a specific exemption if its rare and unusual (would need to be less than 500 made to qualify) and there are other ways, some of which won't work anymore (bringing the body separate from the drive train and titling the vehicle as a kit car} or bringing it into Canada and then just driving it over the border or putting it in a container and shipping it over and listing the contents as parts etc. Those are risky methods but have worked for many. Getting the vehicle titled is trivial in comparison to actually getting it in the country.

I don't need to google it, I spent months talking to customs and reviewing the forms and talking to many importers and Customs agents before I brought my car in. If the above of what you say is true, it says you can't even bring an 1994 E500 in from Canada. If that is the case then what would the 1994 E500 specifically be listed on the VSP list at all - why is it there? If you can't bring it in from Canada and can't bring it in from anywhere else (since it's under 25 years old and has been on this list for a while), then why is it listed?

Also I stated earlier, there are cars listed on the VSP list that are definitely not Canadian models (per above they specifically name other countries models), so the idea that it is for Canadian models only is not right.

This 1994 E500 definitely would not qualify as a show car and would not come in under that rule. I did quite a bit of research on this stuff before I brought my car in.
Also, whether it's Titled or not in the U.S. is irrelevant, it nothing to do with whether you can import it or not (unless it is being brought in temporarily, which clearly this car is not). You still need to get it through U.S. Customs under the 25 year old rule or one of the other rules that are non "show car" rules like I pointed out. They don't ask if its Titled and there is nothing on any of the forms as to whether you are going to Title it or not (I have all the forms I filled out to bring my car in and there is zero about that, so that means nothing).

Since this car is less than 25 years old, and it is definitely would not qualify as a show car, and whether it's Titled or not has nothing to do whether it you can get it through U.S. Customs, how do you explain that this less than 25 year old car (it is definitely less than 24 year old, look at the data card) got into the U.S. and is for sale?

I am not saying for sure that it came in under VSP, but what I can say for sure is:
- 1994 E500 is on VSP list with its own number and is not listed as "canadian Model" only (as some other cars call out specific countries)
- This car is less than 25 years old
- Cars on the VSP list are definitely not just Canadian Models
- Whether a car that is in the U.S. is Titled or not has nothing to do with getting it through Customs (my car was in the U.S. for weeks and had cleared customs without a Title)
- There are more ways than "25 years old" and "show car" to get a car in (VSP list is one) and yes you can bring a car in that is less than 25 years old and you have to do tons of mods to make it complaint but this car does not look like it went through that cost/procedure

So how did this one get in?

 

[gsxr]

Summarzing the above... it's not a problem to bring a Canada-spec vehicle into USA. Canada-spec cars have the same VIN format at USA (starting with WDBEA36xxx), and have the same yellow emissions decal above the passenger headlight as USA cars. A forum member did this a couple of years ago with a 1994 E500, and he documented the process in his thread... it was just filling out the proper paperwork. Not a big deal.

A car from anywhere besides Canada will have a different VIN prefix (WDB124036xxx) which immediately sets off red flags for anyone involved in the import process (into USA), and then switches to the 25-year limit as described above. I've not heard of *anyone* being able to circumvent this for a car newer than 25 years with a non-North American VIN - with one possible exception described below.

I don't know how this particular car came into USA, but one other loophole is that if a person immigrates to USA and brings the car into USA as their personal vehicle, they may be allowed to import & title it in USA even if it's not 25 years old. I'm not familiar with the details on this loophole, but since it requires literally moving to USA, it's not easy to pull off. I also believe this requires a long-term relocation, not a short-term (i.e., six-month) visit. Perhaps another forum member may know more about this loophole?

 

[Maui]

Diplomat vehicles are also allowed into the USA.

 

[msq]

It is certainly much easier to bring a car in that is over 25 years old. I looked at some '93's and '94's and decided to avoid the hassle of bringing a car in that is less than 25 years old (and the '93 I found was a '94 body style anyway), but there definitely are ways to bring in cars that are NOT from Canada are NOT "show cars" and are LESS than 25 years old. If that was not the case the very example we are looking at in this post could not have gotten through U.S. Customs.

I did a ton of homework on this stuff when I was looking to bring cars in.
There are specific provisions that call for cars that are eligible that are non-Candian. The VSP thing is real and is for cars less than 25 years old. There is a place on the HS-7 form to fill this out.
See the enclosed images from the Federal register on this stuff below:

1. It specifically defines cars that you can bring in that are specifically NOT from Canada and NOT older than 25 years old (see entry for 1994 E500)...see the words at the top of the list of eligible cars I am referring to "Vehicles Manufactured for other than the Canadian Market"
2. It explains what VSP eligibility means
3. It tell you to use the VSP # on the HS-7 Form (Customs Import form)
4. It shows specifically the entry for 1994 E500 (this is the "NOT from Canada" list)

None of this is my opinion, it is directly from the US Gov't docs. These and a ton of other docs are things I reviewed before brining my car in, as well as talking to certified importers, US Customs Management people and some individual US Customs agents.

Again I am not saying this car came in under VSP, but it would be great if someone can explain how it got in (when it is less than 25 years old and was Russian market car originally). It is almost certainly not a "show car" qualification (they are much stricter on this now and have a list of cars that you can not do...I went through that list). Whether it is Titled in U.S. is not relevant - what is relevant is that is in the U.S. and assuming it cleared Customs then it came in under some rule (if it did not the owner would be foolish and risk it getting crushed by Customs). The VSP thing is real, but again I don't know if it came in under that, maybe someone has a better explanation.
This does not mean it is easy (its definitely not as easy as >25 years old) and does not mean that an individual Customs Officer isn't going to make it hard or make you jump through other hoops, but the point of must be from Canada or 25 years old is a misperception, and the below list clearly calls out cars that are non-canadian models, less than 25 years old and are eligible.

 

[SickFinga]

msq is absolutely right, you can import a non-US spec that was sold in the US and elsewhere under the "substantially similar" clause. The Canadian A class and JDM cars are bad examples. These cars are not sold in the US so they never passed any of the federalization tests, therefore those cars are not allowed in the US under that rule. However, E500 was sold in the US, so it passed all the test. The problem with the "substantially similar" clause is that it is expensive. When you import a car under that rule, you will need to federalize the car. Meaning proper US emission equipment, cluster panel, etc has to be installed by an approved importer. This adds quite a hefty bill to the import process. Very few people want to spend tons of money converting a car to US standards that was sold in the US, therefore it is rarely used. However, some people used this rule to sneakily import Alpina's, M3 CSL and other cars. Google "LIST OF NONCONFORMING MOTOR VEHICLES THAT ARE ELIGIBLE FOR IMPORTATION (BY OR THROUGH A REGISTERED IMPORTER)". NHTSA posts a pdf file with a list of cars that can be imported under that rule.

 

[gsxr]

...The problem with the "substantially similar" clause is that it is expensive. When you import a car under that rule, you will need to federalize the car. Meaning proper US emission equipment, cluster panel, etc has to be installed by an approved importer. This adds quite a hefty bill to the import process. Very few people want to spend tons of money converting a car to US standards that was sold in the US, therefore it is rarely used. ...

This may be the missing piece of the puzzle. We've known that cars newer than 25 years can be imported, if Federalized... but it generally costs more than the car itself (easily into five figures). There was detailed discussion about this in the past.

 

[msq]

Yes > 25 years old is much easier.
There are ~57 standards (I forgot if its 55, 57, 58 but something in that range) in the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard document and each one has detailed spec, which makes it sound quite daunting, but a "somewhat quick" way to figure out how costly/easy/difficult it would be to get a <25 year old E500 into the U.S. is simply to look at each major subsection and ask the question (for a European car for example) "are there any differences between Euro Spec and U.S. E500 for this category" and if there are not, you are probably good for that whole section. For example if you look at "Controls & Displays" and look at the requirements it looks like the Euro cars meet this. I can't say for sure, but I actually went through that Table looking at each requirement one, one by one at one point - I could have missed something. Even in my '93 - 94 MY, when I looked at each thing in that table I believe my Euro version already had what is needed for that category). If you look at "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." you would likely have to swap in U.S. headlights/taillights/turn signals (you can always put them back after, like people here putting Euro headlights on their cars). If someone is really interested in a <25 year old car, a practical thing to do is to call one of the "registered importers" that does this (the list is not long) and tell them the E500 has a VSP # and is prequalified and see if they have any experience with '94- '99 MB's in general.
It's still a more hassle/money than >25 year old car, but it might not be as daunting as one thinks. It all comes down to the questions many on this forum might be able to answer a lot better than me "exactly what are the differences between say a U.S. '94 E500 and a '94 Euro in practice" (there are obviously a ton of common things as its in MB interest to make it that way) and worse case if I had to make them exactly equal what would it cost me" (I say "in practice" because things like ACC in US vs. manual climate control in Europe is not likely going to be a blocker/cost item).
In any case I did not let the >25 year old rule dissuade me when I was looking and I did a bunch of homework when I was looking at '94's the last few years, but in the end I found a '93 that was a '94 model year body style and it was the exact color,, options I was looking for and low mileage etc. so I dropped pursuing the <25 year old rule.
One of the cars I looked at was 9 mos short of the 25 year old rule and as I was negotiating I made part of the deal "you hold it in climate control storage for 10 mos in Europe to make it easier for me" and they agreed they would do that if I bought the car (but I did not buy that car, nice car but it was a true aftermarket conversion i.e. MB had no record of the conversion and it was done after customer delivery).
This whole topic on >25 year old or <25 year old for an E500 pretty much is a moot point by December of this year anyway.

p.s. It doesn't look like when this specific car was imported they put on US headlights/turn signals/rear lights, so maybe my interpretation of what "amber" turn signal (for US) means is wrong e.g. maybe only bulb, not lense(?), or maybe the importer reverted it back after import

 

[outrbnks]

I imported a 92 Japan build 500E from Dubai, but I did pursue an official Mercedes document that verified the month and year of manufacture. I my case it was Nov 1991, but by the time paperwork was getting finished, it rolled well into the new year (2017), and the problem was mute anyway.

As far as entering into the country, i do not believe that all the CBP inspectors follow the same rules exactly every time. In some cases the paperwork gets rubber stamped without even the simplest of inspections, in other inspections you might get the cavity search and a list a mile long for components to get changed out. Depends what port your going through, what day of the week, the inspectors mood, the importer agents relationship with the inspectors, etc...etc..

I did all the same homework, but in the end choose an import agent with experience and contacts, needless to say, my 500E sailed through customs like a hot knife through butter..... I would not even consider the Gray Market route, and like you say, in 11 more months who cares, they all will be eligible for USA import.

 

[skikrazey]

It has been sold.

 

[gsxr]

Any idea on the asking or sale price?

 

[skikrazey]

Car is posted in the sold section of symbolic's website, no price listed.

 

[8899]

Summarzing the above... it's not a problem to bring a Canada-spec vehicle into USA. Canada-spec cars have the same VIN format at USA (starting with WDBEA36xxx), and have the same yellow emissions decal above the passenger headlight as USA cars. A forum member did this a couple of years ago with a 1994 E500, and he documented the process in his thread... it was just filling out the proper paperwork. Not a big deal.

Would you happen to recall which forum member did that? I would like to read up on the process of bringing a Canada-spec car into the US. TIA.

 

[gerryvz]

Would you happen to recall which forum member did that? I would like to read up on the process of bringing a Canada-spec car into the US. TIA.

2Phast has posted on this a few times in the past, and he's pretty knowledgeable. I think a few others have, as well, including joef? If you search for it in the search blank, you should be able to find the relevant threads.

 

[gsxr]

Would you happen to recall which forum member did that? I would like to read up on the process of bringing a Canada-spec car into the US. TIA.

It was Mark Para, forum member "Benz". He bought the 1994 E500 (Smoke Silver / Black) from Flying Tiger (?) and sold it on BaT for $50k in May.

 

[Ntrepid]

I believe @msq can also provide some insight based on his import from overseas.


Robert

 

[L James]

Would you happen to recall which forum member did that? I would like to read up on the process of bringing a Canada-spec car into the US. TIA.

Here's a link to a website that can provide you the relevant information on bringing in a Canada - spec car into the US.
http://www.willz.ca/importing.htm

Here's a link to import cars from other countries:
http://wallacelab.com/AutoImports.htm

US Govt. site with specfics:
https://www.epa.gov/importing-vehicles-and-engines

My importing story from 2003:
https://bmwe30m3cabrio.com/my-story-post/

HTH

 

[8899]

Here's a link to a website that can provide you the relevant information on bringing in a Canada - spec car into the US.
http://www.willz.ca/importing.htm

Thanks. I just met Will...the buyer of my E500 sent him down to pick it up the E and trailer it back to Toronto.

I asked him about bringing Canadian market cars that are less than 25 years old BUT do meet FMVSS into the US. It's basically not a big deal at all. Just need to get that letter from the manufacturer stating that the Canadian market car is essentially the same as the US market car of the same year/make/model.

 

[Dunnik]

...letter from the manufacturer stating that the Canadian market car is essentially the same as the US market car of the same year/make/model.

Which it pretty much always is. A Canadian market car just means this:

- speedo in km/h
- mandatory day-time running lights
- Euro icons instead of English words ("!" instead of BRAKE)
- Where English words are used ("OBJECTS IN MIRROR..."), French must be used also (usually added in the form of a sticker)

You might only run into additional hassles with the very rare examples of Canadian-market only cars, like the Acura CSX , 1958-1982 Pontiac Parisienne, or Mercury M-Series trucks, but there have never been Canadian-only Mercs. We got the same cars you did, ugly impact bumpers and all.

Transport Canada pretty much just copies and pastes what ever the US government Dept. of Transport or NTHSA does in terms of regulations. For example, when the third brake light was made a requirement for cars in 1986, they appeared on Canadian-market cars at the same time. This is because so many American cars are made here in Canada for both markets. Makes sense to have a regulatory scheme that is the same.

 

[Stevester 500E]

This is definitely a story of "The Big One That Got Away"

 

[mikeym]

Thanks. I just met Will...the buyer of my E500 sent him down to pick it up the E and trailer it back to Toronto.

I asked him about bringing Canadian market cars that are less than 25 years old BUT do meet FMVSS into the US. It's basically not a big deal at all. Just need to get that letter from the manufacturer stating that the Canadian market car is essentially the same as the US market car of the same year/make/model.

I have brought over a 1995 e320 and a 1995 e420 from BC to Seattle and it had been a non event with the letter from MB. Both registered in WA and didn’t have to do any conversions including the gauges which are Metric.

 

[Trofim4uk]

Sold for $89K. I’m looking at another one just like it in Japan but with 220K km but for quite a bit less

 

[Dunnik]

Stunning car...and a stunning price!

 

[ghr]

ADMIN EDIT: Asking price is $135,000 USD, see post #51.

Hi all, relatively new to this community and blown away by the wealth of information.
Mostly a W140/R129 owner, but have been thinking about jumping into an E500 for a while now.
Came across this and while I haven't heard back on a VIN, I could not really match the specs/pictures to any open threads; There seem to be a lot of E500 Limited threads with eerily similar 83-85kkm odometers!!!
Hopefully this is the right spot to post this; if not, mods kindly help move it to the right location.

No affiliation.

VIN = WDB1240361C204827

https://www.autosportdesigns.com/inventory/stock/11830/mercedes-benz-e-500-limited-1994

1994 MERCEDES BENZ E 500 LIMITED​

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--Special order Black Sapphire metallic, Black and Grey abstract leather interior, Black carpeting, Rare Limited model, 1 of 951 produced, 85,000 Kilometers/53,000 miles, 5.0 Liter V8 engine, Automatic Transmission, Special assembly by Porsche, Previous celebrity collector ownership, Excellent throughout.​

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The Mercedes 500E was a limited production saloon car built on the W124 platform in collaboration with Porsche in the early 1990s. Originally called the 500E for the 1992 and 1993 model years, Mercedes changed their nomenclature to the E 500 for 1994. All E 500s were hand-built by Porsche, being transported back and forth between the Mercedes plant and Porsche's Rossle-Bau plant in Zuffenhausen, Germany. Each E 500 took a full 18 days to complete. The E 500 had a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 making 325hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, which propelled it to 60 mph under 6 seconds. All E 500s came fully equipped and included four Recaro seats (heated in front). Differences noted between the E 500 and the standard W124 sedan is a reworked body kit, shorter springs that lowered the car by an inch, flared front and rear wheel arches, Jetronics ignition system, larger brakes and brake calipers, and bespoke headlights.​

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This E 500 is the Limited Edition with just 951 produced and only available for the 1994/1995 model year. Trim upgrades included the patterned leather seat inserts, two-tone steering wheel and gear shift lever, exclusive Bird’s-Eye Maple wood trim, 17-inch EVO-II wheels, slightly lowered suspension and a leather owner’s manual pouch in matching interior leather.​

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This 1994 E 500 was originally delivered in Europe. After several years, it was then sold to a Japanese collection where it was used sparingly and meticulously cared for. With the US 25-year importation rule, this E 500 was imported to the US upon first eligibility in 2019. Since, it has resided in celebrity collector ownership and always maintained and cared for regardless of use.​

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With just 53,000 miles from new, this rare E 500 Limited is excellent throughout. A recent road test attests to the car performing flawlessly in every way and it is ready for immediate use and enjoyment. The rare, Porsche built E 500 is already considered a classic, even within Mercedes-Benz, due to its look, limited numbers, hand-built construction and with unique pedigree. This E 500 includes its original owner’s manual and maintenance books as well as previous service records.​

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CLICK HERE FOR WALK-AROUND VIDEO LINK​

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PRICE ON REQUEST​

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Contact Us About This Model​

Tel: (631) 425-1555​

Fax: (631) 425-6185​

Email: car-sales@autosportdesigns.com​

 

[dionphaneuf]

Great music. Tons of other great stuff in that garage too.

 

[gsxr]

Why can't dealers post a VIN?

Headlights are Japan-spec.

Needs some coolant, and it has a weird vent valve near the EZL that isn't factory. I think it's my eyes and/or poor lighting, but the under-hood metal looks more black than Sapphire Black. Neat car, bet it's six figures though.

 

[ghr]

Why can't dealers post a VIN?

Headlights are Japan-spec.

Needs some coolant, and it has a weird vent valve near the EZL that isn't factory. I think it's my eyes and/or poor lighting, but the under-hood metal looks more black than Sapphire Black. Neat car, bet it's six figures though.



View attachment 125236 View attachment 125237

Not posting VIN is so obnoxious, and such a pet peeve of mine.

Owner's guide and documentation look to be in Japanese as well (alongwith the headlights as you mentioned).

 

[ace10]

Pics on their site are decent resolution. There wasn't a single spot where I could pick up a VIN, though.

DDD might be among the worst I've seen since reviewing these listings.



Aren't two of these booklets in Cyrillic?




Wonder how much they'd offer me for my Exige on a swap(seller is a Lotus dealer)?

 

[TerryA]

It’s not going for cheap w/ this Dealer.

Check out the prices on their huge inventory. 88-560SL w/ 125K miles - Asking $35K, Two SEL 6.3s $70K+.
Nothing cheap in the inventory and if your interested in what they consider a jewel you have to call them to get the price.

I would say they easily want $100K for the 53K mile limited.

Just my $0.02

BTW, I wonder if they own the inventory or consigned? Either way it’s huge.

 

[gsxr]

Based on the Limited sale on BaH not long ago, I'm thinking the ask on this is ±$0.125M, give or take a normal/condition-3 500E value.

 

[TimL]

If it's really that kind of money they are looking for then you might as well buy the Auto Leitner car, with German spec, lower odometer, full service history and much better overall condition for the...... [admin edit: for only $0.12M USD!]

Note to admin: I said “if it’s really THAT kind of money”, referring to gsxr’s guess of “-+0.125M”. Not sure what the point of your edit of my post is........

Collection | Autoleitner – Exclusive Cars for Sale

www.autoleitner.nl

 

[a777fan]

If it's really that kind of money they are looking for then you might as well buy the Auto Leitner car, with German spec, lower odometer, full service history and much better overall condition...... [admin edit: for only $0.12M USD!]...

Collection | Autoleitner – Exclusive Cars for Sale

www.autoleitner.nl

sigh... i just love these in bril sil.

 

[Eno]

The white vent valve near the EZL might be from the charcoal filter which connects to the left fender next to the ABS unit imo.

 

[gsxr]

The white vent valve near the EZL might be from the charcoal filter which connects to the left fender next to the ABS unit imo.

Yep, it is probably added into the venting system... but it doesn't belong there. Makes me wonder what someone was trying to fix...

 

[JAB12]

We've discussed this car before in the forum just can't find the thread. This is the same car that has a youtube video when it was imported first and you can freeze pane to grab the VIN from that Video. @work now so can't really look into it but will do so later. Probably asking $125k+ based on that crazy BAT Canadian sale as there are really no other comparable. I would import from Europe any day and twice on Sundays before buying this car at that price.

 

[gerryvz]

Photos from web site.

 

[gerryvz]