SOLD 1994 E500 Pearl Black/Black, 23kmi, $0.11M (San Antonio,TX)

[canyoncarco]

No affiliation. At first glance, looks like a very nice car. Would love to see @cascade punchlist on this one.

VIN = WDBEA36E6RC164855

Data card: Mercedes VIN Decoder | Decode Your Mercedes-Benz VIN (and attached)

1994 Mercedes-Benz E500 For Sale - SAN439

Gray 1994 Mercedes-Benz E500 powered by a 5.0L V8 engine with a 4 speed Automatic transmission (439-SAN). Gateway Classic Cars has 4145 Classics For Sale in our 21 Indoor Showrooms Nationwide.

www.gatewayclassiccars.com

1994 Mercedes-Benz E500 For Sale - SAN439​

Step into the world of luxury with this 1994 Mercedes-Benz E500, a timeless classic that exudes style, performance, and sophistication! Finished in a striking two-tone gray exterior with the AMG wheels, this beautiful sedan offers a high quality black leather interior with wood grain interior trim accents, creating a unique blend of elegance and comfort! Under the hood, you'll find a powerful 5.0L V8 engine paired with a smooth-shifting 4-speed automatic transmission, a combination provides a robust and responsive driving experience that Mercedes-Benz is renowned for, ensuring you get where you need to go with power and grace.​

​

When it comes to features, this E-Class doesn't disappoint. It boasts air conditioning to keep you cool during those hot summer drives and heated seats for the chillier months. The power sunroof adds an extra touch of luxury, allowing you to let in the sunshine or enjoy the night sky at your leisure. The car also comes equipped with power windows, power locks, and power seats, adding convenience to your everyday commute. The telescopic steering wheel allows for personalized comfort, ensuring the optimum driving position for any driver. The 1994 Mercedes-Benz E500 also prioritizes safety with features such as driver and passenger airbags, seatbelts, and a rear defogger to maintain clear visibility during those colder months. Power brakes provide reliable stopping power, and performance tires, combined with aluminum wheels, ensure optimal handling and ride quality. For entertainment, enjoy the vehicle's AM/FM radio and cassette tape player, a nod to the nostalgic audio experience. The car also features cruise control for those longer drives, making your journey as comfortable as possible.​

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In summary, this gray 1994 Mercedes-Benz E500 with a black leather interior offers a unique blend of luxury, power, and comfort. With its impressive list of features and the renowned quality of Mercedes-Benz, this sedan is an easy choice for those seeking a classic luxury performance vehicle.​

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$108,000 USD​

 

[gerryvz]

More photos.

 

[TerryA]

Nice car and they know it at $108K w/ a really low odometer @ 22.7K miles. Can you do a carfax for us?

 

[gerryvz]

Seller is being a fair bit optimistic, banking 98% of the car's value on the odometer reading. He needs to remove $30K and he'll be in the ballpark of what the market is at the moment. There's no way this car would bring anywhere near $108K on BaT, although perhaps it would be worth this amount to someone like JAB12?

Would be a nice investment, though, to flip in 5-10 years to an odometer buyer. This is likely one of the Top 10 cars out there in terms of lowest mileage.

 

[Jlaa]

Hmmmm... It seems nice enough after a cursory look through the photos. However, the DDD on the instrument cluster, the condition of the engine bay, the wiring on the phone, and the condition of the underside (while nice enough) doesn't say 23K miles to me. Maybe I am just spoiled looking at all those Dean Lambauch auction photos on BaT.

 

[gerryvz]

I noticed the mild case of DDD as well, and the other things. I sent cascade a PM asking him to expedite a PunchList for this one.

Many of the photos are not close-up, particularly on the exterior/body. I guess that won't allow any paint or body flaws to be noted.

 

[canyoncarco]

Seller is being a fair bit optimistic, banking 98% of the car's value on the odometer reading. He needs to remove $30K and he'll be in the ballpark of what the market is at the moment. There's no way this car would bring anywhere near $108K on BaT, although perhaps it would be worth this amount to someone like JAB12?

Would be a nice investment, though, to flip in 5-10 years to an odometer buyer. This is likely one of the Top 10 cars out there in terms of lowest mileage.

Thank you for adding the photos

 

[canyoncarco]

Nice car and they know it at $108K w/ a really low odometer @ 22.7K miles. Can you do a carfax for us?

Carfax attached for reference.

 

[TimL]

Hmmmm... It seems nice enough after a cursory look through the photos. However, the DDD on the instrument cluster, the condition of the engine bay, the wiring on the phone, and the condition of the underside (while nice enough) doesn't say 23K miles to me. Maybe I am just spoiled looking at all those Dean Lambauch auction photos on BaT.

@Jlaa, I was thinking the exact same thing. It must have been a rough 23k miles, as neither the interior (seats) nor the exterior (underbody, engine bay) look as nice as could be expected at that mileage. Nice looking car though

 

[Jlaa]

Carfax attached for reference.

Thanks for attaching this @canyoncarco! Isn't it odd that the vehicle, every year, is noted as being RED? Wonder if this is some data issue, of if my eyes are no longer working properly.

 

[kwontumspeed]

Is it abnormal for a low mileage *well cared for* example to need a headliner replacement within only 23k miles? Sure the glue is time dependent and it is a TX car so perhaps the heat got to it prematurely if it spent some time outside?

 

[gerryvz]

Is it abnormal for a low mileage *well cared for* example to need a headliner replacement within only 23k miles? Sure the glue is time dependent and it is a TX car so perhaps the heat got to it prematurely if it spent some time outside?

Headliner glue is going to be both age and climate-dependent. I had to replace my headliner when I lived in Houston, after the car spent most of its life in NorCal and Oregon up to that point. I would consider that a normal wear and tear item, just like the door pockets often coming unglued (which this car's appear to be pretty good).

 

[gerryvz]

No prior information about this car in my private database. It is fairly close to the VIN number of the infamous "Jeff's Brother's" car (@captruff's brother) which had 8,800 miles on it back in the day. Some folks may remember that the asking price for the Jeff's Brother's car was $43K -- considered a sky-high "all the money" price back in 2009.

 

[Jlaa]

I find this picture so disturbing.

 

[maw1124]

Add carpet to the list of things that don’t look low mileage. 23k miles of people with very dirty feet maybe? It’s either very dirty or very faded, neither of which makes you feel good.

maw

 

[TerryA]

Is it abnormal for a low mileage *well cared for* example to need a headliner replacement within only 23k miles? Sure the glue is time dependent and it is a TX car so perhaps the heat got to it prematurely if it spent some time outside?

I would say yes. It’s just the 30 year old adhesive starts to fail. Captruff’s car required a new headliner before he took it back east to the Turtle Invitational. It has spent most of its life on a lift covered up in his warehouse.

My headliner also fell down while it sat in my garage for about 6 years from 2016 to 2022 while I was having health problems.

lol

 

[gsxr]

That's one expensive odometer, and the condition doesn't seem to match 100%. Odd corrosion on the EZL hardware, and did Mickey nibble on that nearby harness?

 

[canyoncarco]

Thanks for attaching this @canyoncarco! Isn't it odd that the vehicle, every year, is noted as being RED? Wonder if this is some data issue, of if my eyes are no longer working properly.

View attachment 175572

Good catch and it is very odd. Doubt it had a red wrap on it but who knows...

 

[cascade]

500Eboard PunchList™

• Car is missing “A MERCEDES-BENZ PRODUCT” sticker on passenger side of windshield. Likely that windshield has been replaced
• Front license plate bracket has mis-matched top screws – one chrome and one matte colored
• Several stickers and electronic toll pass mounted at rear-view mirror on inside of windshield
• Lug bolts not original – too short in length
• Blemish/scrape on driver’s side of front impact strip (appears to be retouched paint)
• Waxy residue around antenna grommet on rear fender; sloppy preparation
• Rock dings in paint on lower cladding, passenger side, just ahead of rear wheel
• Modest rock ding(s) on bottom side area of passenger and driver side of front spoiler (ahead of front wheels, below impact strip)
• Scrapes on bottom edge of front spoiler in several places (likely curb scrapes)
• Modest rock dings and scratches on bottom edges of rear bumper, both sides, immediately behind rear wheels)
• Retaining strap for windshield washer tank cap missing
• Windshield washer tank missing rubber cap washer
• Coolant expansion tank yellowed
• Trunk lid stops in immediate need of replacement (covering worn off down to bare metal)
• SLS hydraulic fluid tank yellowed with browned ring sticker
• EZL screws/hardware showing surface rust
• Engine bay overall showing a lot of dirt/grime; could use cleaning and/or detailing
• Rubberized covering of zoom tubes weathered/worn; tubes in need of replacement
• Valve covers’ and thermostat/coolant housing finish appears more mottled/oxidized than usual
• Power steering fluid reservoir lid dirty and stained; should be cleaned up
• Rubber grommets at windshield washer tank heater lines are reversed; in need of replacement
• Appears to have dried coolant along underside of hood trailing edge (engine compartment side; near hood pad)
• Appears to have dried coolant in other places in engine bay (i.e. leading edge of plastic front engine cover; distributor covers; plastic headlight air scoops)
• Headlight switch knob upside down
• Driver’s side door pocket beginning to peel along forward/middle edge
• Front and rear seat leather (both sides) could use cleaning/polishing
• Stage 2/3 case of Dreaded Dot Disease (DDD) inside instrument cluster (including instrument faces)
• Cracked wiring cover at ABS/ASR pump, showing exposed wiring
• Modest scrapes on bottom of spare tire well from backing into parking spots
• Aftermarket K40 radar detection unit plumbed into spare tire well and mounted aft of well
• Surface rust at bumper bracket where it attaches to spare tire well
• Water staining/dirt/exhaust system rust on underside of vehicle make it appear that mileage is higher
• Passenger side door pocket beginning to peel along entire length
• Blemish in leather along leading edge of passenger-side rear seat cushion
• Scrapes/marks on cover of wooden roll-top box between rear seats
• White blemish/mark on side of driver’s seat bolster adjacent to B-pillar (visible with rear door open)
• Headliner dirty and beginning to sag
• Interior floor mats showing a lot of wear/fading for a low-mileage car

 

[Bogeyman]

My experience with this seller is that not only do they not do any due diligence, they don't do any.
They simply take the sellers price and list it.

 

[gerryvz]

Wow, that's a pretty extensive punch list for a $100K+ car !!!

 

[nocfn]

Cascade forgot one or two, original tank strainer and purge valve.

 

[sheward]

Is it abnormal for a low mileage *well cared for* example to need a headliner replacement within only 23k miles? Sure the glue is time dependent and it is a TX car so perhaps the heat got to it prematurely if it spent some time outside?

No. My own 60,000 mile car needs a headliner despite spending all these years garaged. My car is silver as well which is the most reflective color.

 

[kwontumspeed]

No. My own 60,000 mile car needs a headliner despite spending all these years garaged. My car is silver as well which is the most reflective color.

Sounds plausible.
Although contrary to @cascade's list I believe the headliner has been replaced, but either the surface was not prepped properly (old adhesive was not adequately removed) so it shows the imperfections of the surface through the new material, which is a fabric instead of OE textured vinyl.

Edit: The adhesive may have been removed properly. Evidently the thin foam layer between material and substrate is not present. Shoddy job.

 

[Bogeyman]

Gateway has now listed it on Ebay - same low low price.

1994 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1994 Mercedes-Benz E-Class at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

It even has a front engine cover, so there's that...

 

[gsxr]

Now on BaHaT.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1994-mercedes-benz-e500-36/

23k-Mile 1994 Mercedes-Benz E500​

This 1994 Mercedes-Benz E500 has remained registered in Texas from new and is powered by a 5.0-liter M119 V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The car is finished in Black Pearl Metallic over black leather upholstery and is equipped with 18” AMG Monoblock wheels, a power sunroof, fog lights, a self-leveling rear suspension, Automatic Slip Control, automatic climate control, a Becker cassette stereo, heated power-adjustable front seats, and cruise control. The seller acquired the car in September 2021, at which time the tires were replaced in addition to the filters, fuel pump, spark plugs, and wiring harness. This W124 E500 shows 23k miles and is now with the owner’s manual, a tool kit, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Texas title in the seller’s name.

The E500 was designed and produced in collaboration with Porsche, with final assembly completed by Porsche in Stuttgart. This example is finished in Black Pearl Metallic and features gray lower cladding as well as headlights with washers and wipers, integrated fog lights, a retractable antenna, and a power sunroof. Two paint meter readings and various close-up images are shown in the gallery below.

The 18” AMG Monoblock wheels show curb rash and are mounted with 245/40 Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tires that display 2021 date codes. The car is equipped with Automatic Slip Control (ASR) as well as a self-leveling rear suspension. The E500 featured a wider track and lower ride height when compared with other W124 models, and it shared its front disc brakes with the contemporary R129 SL. The power steering pump gaskets are said to have been changed in September 2021.

The cabin features heated power-adjustable front seats upholstered in black leather along with a color-coordinated lower dashboard, door panels, and carpeting. Amenities include automatic climate control, a Becker cassette stereo, a power-adjustable steering column, dual front airbags, and cruise control. The radio volume knob works intermittently.

The four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a 160-mph speedometer, a tachometer with a 6k-rpm redline, an analog clock, and gauges for oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel level. The six-digit odometer shows 23k miles, approximately 1k of which were added under current ownership.

The 5.0-liter M119 DOHC V8 was factory rated at 315 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque. The seller notes that the wiring harness was replaced in September 2021, at which time the filters, fuel pump, spark plugs, and wires were reportedly replaced and a fluids service was carried out.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Additional underside images are presented in the gallery. Factory literature is included in the sale. The Carfax report shows no accidents or other damage and lists history in Texas.

 

[gsxr]

Rest of the new photos.

 

[600Eric]

 

[gerryvz]

@cascade - you can stand down on this one, as there is already a punch list. Unless you want to use the HaBaT photos, which you are welcome to.

Be nice.

 

[bclifton]

I'm no @cascade - but made an attempt at putting together a list of things not already captured above in post 19

• car didn't come with mono blocks originally. looks nice though
• front right headlamp wiper slightly crooked; I would test headlamp wiper motors
• chrome on rear bumper seems bent downward at the middle. see picture 6 on HaBaT
• could be a bad picture; but picture 12 on HaBaT almost looks like bubbling or orange peel under front drivers turn signal. suspect a bad picture
• scratch just in front of rear right tail lamp
• antenna grommet missing the top half (124-827-08-98-7C45)
• slight damage to front seats (well captured in HaBaT pics)
• missing cigarette lighter (how are you supposed to light a cigar?!)
• slight damage to rear left door card - looks like two indentations from a punch
• rear left seat has a dent or hole in the right side of the leather back?
• damage to rear view mirror (well pictured)
• incorrect floor mats on top of regular W124 floor mats (I had this style in my R129 where it buttons to the floor). Actual carpet in front not pictured (ex: underneath the front; back is shown). The double floor mat foam is wearing off and starting to stick to real carpets.
• big damage to windshield behind rear view mirror? WTF? see picture 151 on HaBaT

 

[AMG5PT4]

Always amazed that an owner of a desirable, low mileage car would not pay for a professional detailing and presents the car in dirty, daily driver condition. Floor mats and gravel and crumbs at the back of the shifter Wood panel, easily repairable items like the busted rear view mirror, antenna grommet, radio, wheel curbing, etc. seller would more than cover the cost of a proper full car detail and basic maintenance items.

 

[gerryvz]

@bclifton — I am going to administratively merge your account with @cascade’s.

Are you OK with that?

 

[gsxr]

Interesting that although the mirror is obviously broken - badly, at that - there is NO mention of this in either the auction listing, nor the peanut gallery comments. Also appears the passenger visor mirror flap isn't snapping closed. Both are minor issues for a normal 500E sale (ditto for the antenna grommet etc), but on a >$100k car, this stuff is inexcusable IMO - as @AMG5PT4 noted above.

@bclifton, good catch on the windshield - I don't think that is damage to the glass, but it's hard to tell for sure. Looks like four round patches of adhesive residue, perhaps? And, why not scrape off all the stupid decals?

Freddy has a point, btw... no miles AND no records? Hrmmm.

 

[Bogeyman]

Lotta little pecks all around it. Chickens maybe?

 

[gsxr]

Gerryboard is still on the BaHaT naughty list, tsk. Jim tried mentioning it and his post was censored / filtered / deleted.

 

[bclifton]

Seller responded to my question about the windshield - wanted to capture that pic here. Considering it's easy to remove, not sure why it wasn't done. This picture helps shed a light - looks like a razor would take it right off.

The Windshield is the original and is in good condition, the four glue spots are from some kind of Speed Pass and should be easy to remove. The rear view mirror has broken piece on it.

 

[gsxr]

Ooof. What's the spooge all over the mirror ball/socket? Yuck. Ditto for the dots on the glass that were not cleaned.

This car has been for sale for months, why not fix this stuff before going on a high-volume, max-eyeballs venue like BaHaT?

 

[Jim Rosenthal]

I asked on the BaT thread about two things. First, in prior documentation the car is described as red. It ain't red. I'd want them to at least confirm that this car was originally this color and was not resprayed, and confirm it in writing on the auction thread.

The second thing I asked about was the fact that there are several service visits at Valvoline Instant Oil Change, with (as far as I can see) no details. I don't think these are oil change, but given the lack of good service documentation, I'd want to know what they are for. Valvoline IOC may be fine for routine oil changes on my pickup truck, but I wouldn't take a complicated valuable German car in there.

At 67 grand with days to go, I think the seller needs to be MUCH more forthcoming about the car and all of its history. Frankly, at this point he's acting like someone who thinks the more he says, the less likely the car is to sell. Well, if that's the case, he should have prepared the car for the auction much better than he did.

BaT is one of the best deals in online auctions, and IMHO there's nowhere to go in exposure but down. The seller may be in the process of blowing his best shot at selling this car.

The mirror: how did THAT happen? No kidding, it has a broken piece on it. How did it get there?

 

[Eagle01]

Love the analysis!! You all are awesome! I agree with the concerns of a 23k mile of this caliber expected to be perfect especially being kept as a collector’s car. The car does look great and I’m sure it will still do very well but the questions brought up regarding low miles, conditions, service records are legitimate and don’t compliment the car or confidence on a car like this which should be great selling point.

 

[gerryvz]

For a car with this low of mileage, there should be some VMI paperwork. The owner doesn’t seem very forthcoming, and to be honest the prep for this HaT sale was piss-poor.

Car should have been detailed (salute to @AMG5PT4) and ideally, a few grand spent on Drycing the underside. Not to mention fixing punch list items and taking care of crap like the rear view mirror, windshield glue globs and so on.

If the seller had just taken the time to prep the car properly and get VMI, and detail other maintenance info clearly, this car would likely take the record sale on HaT of over $100K.

We are 3/4 of the way there now, and there is no question this car is attracting odometer buyers like an outdoor lamp attracts moths at night in the summer, so it may well clear the $100K mark.

Let’s just hope that the buyer takes care of the details and does right by the car.

 

[DerFuror]

Both rear spring control arm plastic covers appear to be missing. (Ref BaT undercarriage pic#8/189).

Also, I see the “Porsche” inner rear fender liner sticker (Ref BaT pic#162/189) has also been reaffixed to the battery cover panel underside on this one (Ref BaT pic#130/189).

This car could have presented much better with a little attention to detail, good vacuuming & carpet shampooing (pull the driver footwell carpet off the accelerator pedal, too!), but it seems to make no difference based on the bidding

I would expect better overall condition from a 23k miler. I wager an owner car, not an enthusiast car in its formative years. Looks like a hard 23k interstate miles.

 

[bclifton]

Beautiful car - but definitely some laziness in the prep

My favorite mystery stains - surprised there isn't a dress or a cigar box in the trunk

 

[Jim Rosenthal]

Bidding this high for this car may turn out to be "a triumph of hope over experience" (I can't recall who said that..)

I don't think it would have taken much to spruce this car up before the auction went live, and to give it documentation and seller involvement worthy of a 23K mile car. I also don't think that very low mileage on a complex car like a 500E is a selling point; it speaks to at best many months in garages, and at worst prolonged idleness and with the paucity of records, lots of deferred maintenance. A thirty year old car with hardly any maintenance records is a small low-yield nuclear device waiting to go off in your bank account and vaporize it.

I assume at the current figure, it's probably either at the reserve or past it. I just hope the car goes to someone who can patiently work through all its needs and make it a champion driver as it ought to be. These are magnificent cars when sorted out, and they all deserve loving owners.

 

[mistermiata]

Come on Jim give the guy a break.....he ordered a new rear view mirror!

 

[Jim Rosenthal]

Good point. How about if I jump off the roof, and abhor myself in ashes like Job did? The new rear view mirror makes it all okay. LOL

 

[Jim Rosenthal]

At least the new owner will be able to see where he's been, while driving it.

 

[E500 FUN]

The car is on bringatrailer.com. Just closed for 101.000 USD
23k-Mile 1994 Mercedes-Benz E500

 

[gsxr]

Sold for $101k plus $5k fee, or $106k plus tag/title/tax/transport. About $110k all-in.

This was a 2-horse race, nobody else bid over $75k.

$101,000 = Gptoys (Winner)
$100,000 = BMPV
$75,000 = anderlij
$67,500 = VRP-RU
$66,600 = hausblau
$65,000 = KSP888
$52,667 = Kcode66

 

[gerryvz]

I still believe the seller on this car did a piss-poor job in all respects. Ducking and spinning very specific questions, crappy vehicle prep, and so on.

He is lucky that he was able to capture the attention (and money) resulting from a bidding war between two deranged odometer buyers.

I hope the new owner enjoys his new DDD trophy odometer….hopefully he’ll also enjoy the rest of the car.

 

[gsxr]

Tossing out the 2 top bidders, the better gauge of market value is seeing where bidders 3/4/5 dropped. That puts it around $65-$75k, which would align better with the presentation and marketing.

The top 2 were likely hyper-focused on the odometer reading, and/or hate money.