FOR SALE FS: 1992 500E, Pearl Black/Grey, 217kmi, $7900 (Los Angeles, CA)

[redred]

ADMIN UPDATE 1: Car is for sale again Feb-2015, see post #9 below. Thread title updated with price increase.

ADMIN UPDATE 2: Price reduced Mar-2015. Thread title updated.

No Affiliation:

VIN WDBEA36E3NB793828

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=329427961


Seller's Description and Comments:
If you are looking at this car, I'll presume that you are well aware of how unique/special the 500E is. This one runs great, has extensive records (including from previous owner) and has been well-maintained, but I do not have the time to deal with meeting California smog regulations so I'm reluctantly selling. Will only sell to out-of-state buyers who do not reside in a state with similar smog regulations. The car drivers' side bolster has a crack as shown in the photos and there is typical road rash for a car of this age/mileage, but overall she is very clean -- just needs a home in a less restrictive smog state. (BTW, the car passed every aspect of the smog test except having a 175 HC (PPM) at idle which exceeded the 120 maximum)..... we are not talking about actual visible smoke or anything). If I lived in another state, I would NOT be selling this special car.

 

[redred]

Re: FS: 1992 500E, Pearl Black/Grey, 215kmi, $7,950 (Los Angeles, CA)

Emailed seller to find out the location of the car and he is quite adamant that he will NOT sell the car to someone in California. Claims that he does not want to have to deal with the DMV regarding the smog issue. Something definitely seems really off here to me on this one.

 

[gsxr]

Re: FS: 1992 500E, Pearl Black/Grey, 215kmi, $7,950 (Los Angeles, CA)

Weird. And it may not be that hard to get the car to pass smog in CA. Check plugs & distributors, run some injector cleaner through it, replace O2 sensor, and get the cats nice & hot... that might be all it needs. Is the seller liable for a vehicle passing smog in CA?

 

[KarlC]

Re: FS: 1992 500E, Pearl Black/Grey, 215kmi, $7,950 (Los Angeles, CA)

From the add - VIN WDBEA36E3NB793828

 

[jano]

Re: FS: 1992 500E, Pearl Black/Grey, 215kmi, $7,950 (Los Angeles, CA)

All CA DMV documentation notes the seller is to pay for SMOG check / repair.

Unfortunately, I've yet to experience that and end up paying for it (stupid nickel-diming sellers; I hate when they sell the car with no gas, either).

 

[redred]

Re: FS: 1992 500E, Pearl Black/Grey, 215kmi, $7,950 (Los Angeles, CA)

Just got this from the seller in response to my question about wanting to take care of the Smog issues myself:

My understanding is that unless you buy the car for parts (which I'm sure you would not want to do), even if we have a written agreement that you agree to deal with the smog issue and that you have gotten a discount on the sales price as consideration for that (which I have built into this price point already), when you go to get it tested, the DMV will put the cost back on me for you to get it smogged. Really, really aggravating. Believe me, I'd like to a) keep her or b) sell her to a lot of local folks that have expressed interest, but I don't think I can risk doing the local sale and the whole point of this is that I don't want to deal with the smog issue.

 

[jano]

Re: FS: 1992 500E, Pearl Black/Grey, 215kmi, $7,950 (Los Angeles, CA)

the DMV will put the cost back on me for you to get it smogged.

That was not my experience.

The first car I purchased (not a benz) was from a guy in the valley up Mullholland drive, and the guy said, "car was smogged last year, not due for another year". Even though all the transfer paperwork said "you need to have seller provide you a smog check that's been done in the last X days" (I think X was 90?). I pointed it out, he was adamant. Since his kid was throwing a tantrum, I naively said okay, gave him my money, watched as his kid tried to swing on the rear-view mirror, he gave me the pink slip and a car that ran out of gas on my way down mullholland. I went into the local DMV the next day, they made me march right out and get a smog check. So I did. Came back a couple hours later, and took care of business. I paid for the smog check.

Since this car has smog issues, high mileage, and appears to be in somewhat.. used.. condition, and, if you are willing to deal with those issues, perhaps the way to approach it is to purchase the car and then take it to AAA office near you (assuming you have AAA membership). Take all the purchase paperwork, a check for the sales tax, and they will give you a temp permit to drive the car for 2-3 months while you get smog sorted out and passed later. This was my case with a recent, out of state purchase; I have seen California cars with the same temp-permit stickers as well, so I assume this can be applied as well.

Good luck!
Jano

 

[gerryvz]

Re: FS: 1992 500E, Pearl Black/Grey, 215kmi, $7,950 (Los Angeles, CA)

I have record of this car going back as far as December, 2004, when it was in Malibu, CA and had ~160K miles on it. It was a private sale back then.

My notes on the car:

Private car owned by Jim Hull in Pt. Dume area of Malibu. Asking $12K. Wife's car, selling privately. Referred by my friend Paul "Suginami" of Mercedesshop forum, who drove the car. Very good cosmetic condition; no scratches, 2 small door dings; factory maint. Schedule followed w/3,000 mile oil changes. Owner has owned car for past 6-7 years. Santa Monica's "German Motorcar Service" has serviced car. Currently PS pump leak; new brake pads and rotors. Owner also owns a 1994 E500 w/70K miles, no serial number known though.

UPDATE 1-9-05: Car listed on eBay, 163,972 miles, listed in West Los Angeles. Aftermarket stereo, with original stereo provided in trunk. Described as wife-owned, well-maintained, garage kept, with new brake pads, rotors, battery, water pump and tires.

 

[gsxr]

Re: FS: 1992 500E, Pearl Black/Grey, 215kmi, $7,950 (Los Angeles, CA)

Car is for sale again February 2015 on AutoTrader, 217kmi. AutoCheck attached. The EGR issue will cause the CEL to trigger, not sure if it will cause problems with CA smog readings.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=392441346

Used 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E

1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E for sale finished in dark grey with light grey leather interior. It has 216,715 miles and is in good overall condition. Hate to part with her, but it's time for someone else to enjoy this beauty as I need the garage space. California registration through 2016. [Wiki boilerplate deleted].

Extensive maintenance records include: New left front tie rod 2013; new valve cover gaskets 2006; new front brake pads and sensors 2007; new engine belt and tensioner 2008; new auxiliary fans 2009; new o2 sensor 2010; new erg valve 2011; rebuilt power steering/rear suspension pump 2007; new windshield 2006; new motor mounts, shocks, transmission mount, timing chain; tensioners rails and valve 2006; New battery 2014; A/C works well and blows cold air; 2 original keys; Original radio included with the car (current cd player has detachable face).

Known issues: Front passenger side window does not go down (the window motor runs, but the window doesn t move); EGR passages are plugged; Weeps a bit of oil; Minor paint chips/dings, although less than may be expected for a 23 year old car; Driver s side seat showing some wear on left bolster and there is a small tear that should be sealed.

310-907-6989
Los Angeles, CA 90049
​

 

[Stevester 500E]

Re: FS: 1992 500E, Pearl Black/Grey, 217kmi, $9k (Los Angeles, CA)

The Autotrader price says $8900.
Given the potential smog problem, is it worth $8900?
It does have a good maintenance history.
I think putting in after market cats and cleaning out the EGR tube might get it to pass smog.
Interesting is that with all the maintenance etc, no mechanic has persuaded the owner to get the smog issue resolved.

 

[Stevester 500E]

Re: FS: 1992 500E, Pearl Black/Grey, 217kmi, $9k (Los Angeles, CA)

In CA a car has to pass an emission's inspection, a visual inspection and a functional inspection.
A smog technician can fail the car on a bad gas cap seal and a lit up check engine light even if the emissions are within legal limit.
Before taking your car in for a smog in California, make sure it is tuned up and you have good cats and a good gas cap seal.
Oh, and get your car nice a hot before you go and clear the DM codes a block before you get to the smog shop.

The worse thing in CA is having a car pass the emission portion of the test, but failing one of the three parts of the test.
And then on the way home you stop at a light and right in front of you is a smog exempt classic and you are behind it whiffing it's fumes.

 

[Temple]

Re: FS: 1992 500E, Pearl Black/Grey, 217kmi, $9k (Los Angeles, CA)

Hey folks -- I'm the owner and I have gotten the car to pass the dreaded CA smog test so I feel comfortable selling it now within California. As noted in this thread, my concerns have been around someone purchasing the car in California, having the car fail a smog check, and then come after me for additional repairs. That is no longer an issue.
Hope that helps.

 

[suginami]

Re: FS: 1992 500E, Pearl Black/Grey, 215kmi, $7,950 (Los Angeles, CA)

I have record of this car going back as far as December, 2004, when it was in Malibu, CA and had ~160K miles on it. It was a private sale back then.

My notes on the car:

Private car owned by Jim Hull in Pt. Dume area of Malibu. Asking $12K. Wife's car, selling privately. Referred by my friend Paul "Suginami" of Mercedesshop forum, who drove the car. Very good cosmetic condition; no scratches, 2 small door dings; factory maint. Schedule followed w/3,000 mile oil changes. Owner has owned car for past 6-7 years. Santa Monica's "German Motorcar Service" has serviced car. Currently PS pump leak; new brake pads and rotors. Owner also owns a 1994 E500 w/70K miles, no serial number known though.

UPDATE 1-9-05: Car listed on eBay, 163,972 miles, listed in West Los Angeles. Aftermarket stereo, with original stereo provided in trunk. Described as wife-owned, well-maintained, garage kept, with new brake pads, rotors, battery, water pump and tires.

You have good notes Gerry. I can't believe this is the car I almost bought back in the day. I remember the owner was wealthy. Had a mid-60's Ferrari 275 Spyder and a '47 Delahaye. His wife drove a '94 E500 in the most beautiful pewter color. Tried to buy the '94 E500 but he wouldn't sell it to me. On the '92 500E, he had a 3 ring binder with every maintenance receipt. It was perfectly maintained with no expense spared.

 

[captruff]

fs - 1992 500E Los Angeles

No affiliation, just spotted on CL hopefully not a repost

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/4908397089.html

1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E Sedan -"Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" - $8500 (West Los Angeles)

Jeff

 

[suginami]

Re: fs - 1992 500E Los Angeles

The ad says the check engine light is now on with a code "5".

Wonder what a code 5 is.

 

[gsxr]

Re: fs - 1992 500E Los Angeles

The ad says the check engine light is now on with a code "5".

Wonder what a code 5 is.

EGR. Could be as simple as a vacuum leak, or either bad valve / clogged pipe. All DIY fixable items for relatively little $$$.

 

[Glen]

Re: fs - 1992 500E Los Angeles

EGR. Could be as simple as a vacuum leak, or either bad valve / clogged pipe. All DIY fixable items for relatively little $$$.

+1
More than likely an easy fix with a bit of troubleshooting. Certainly not a deal breaker. BTDT.

 

[gsxr]

Re: FS: 1992 500E, Pearl Black/Grey, 217kmi, $9k (Los Angeles, CA)

Price reduced to $7900:

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/4929920235.html

1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E Sedan -"Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" - $7900 (West Los Angeles)

With great reluctance, my well-maintained 1992 Mercedes Benz 500E is for sale. If you are looking at this listing, I'll assume you know how special these 500Es are and why they are already considered classics. Briefly, these were hand-built by Porsche and Mercedes over 18 days and the result was, at the time, the fastest production sedan in the world. Even by today's standards, its 5.0L V8 engine producing 322 HP/354 lbs of torque remains formidable. If you haven't had the pleasure of driving one yet, there is a recent description here: http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2012/06/27/driving-impressions-1993-mercedes-benz-500e/. As the top-of-line, they came fully loaded with leather seats, power/heated seats, power windows/locks, etc.

Don't let this car's mileage fool you, she is an excellent daily driver whose power and speed continues to out-perform most sport cars. My passengers are shocked when they look at the odometer and see 216,xxx. The body has fewer dings/chips than one might imagine of a car with this mileage. With that said, the front right passenger window does not go down at the moment (I believe it is 'off the track' as I can hear the motor run) and the check engine light has come on (the code it shows is '5'). Extensive maintenance records and the car's original radio are included. Recently passed smog and has California registration valid through 2016.

She will be missed....​

 

[Axvel]

Hi all, I'm in the market for 500e. Called the seller on Saturday and asked him to take the car to my mechanic for a PPi.

His Response:
Don't recall the last service for the car... she has been driven sparingly for the last year or so. Service has been done by Herbert in the Mercedes shop in Santa Monica and by Mr.MB off of Reseda Blvd for the past few years. Where are you located? You are free to do a PPI at your cost, but I don't want to drive too far to conduct one.

In full disclosure, I have 2 current offers over $7K and might sell it tomorrow, but we'll see if the buyer shows up.

I asked him twice for his phone number but he only emailed me once.

I followed up to see if the car was sold, but no reply.

I emailed him saying i'm fine if the car has PS leak or some imperfections, i was interested in PPI because i wanted to check major components.