FS: Wrecked Ex-Shatner-mobile 1992 500E w/ 114k

[savmjv]

It is with a sad heart that I'm posting the availability of the Shatner-mobile in less than its previously stellar condition. A relatively minor accident that would have been fixed if an ordinary car is resulting in a declared total loss by the insurance company. A breaking SUV rear bumper went up against the grill and headlights, probably at less than 10MPH...and the 500E lost. At this time, I don't know what the price will be to buy it back, they should call me before the weekend for settlement and I will ask. I do know that there are a lot of valuable parts on the car to some of you.

I'm not posting this to make money, just passing along what might be a great opportunity for the right person in the 500E community. See previous listings when the car was for sale for a detail of the maintenance. I have a 2" 3-ring binder of everything that's been done to the car since new. Interior is great (passenger airbag went off, driver's did not), trans was rebuilt 6k ago, etc. See previously posted pics, car was in same condition with 5k miles more on it than when I bought it last March.

Let me know if it's got any value to you and I'll see what I can do with the insurance company. Car is located in Houston.

http://www.500eboard.com/forums/sho...1992-500E)-for-sale-on-ebay&highlight=shatner

Now...I'm off to start a new search. So far I've found a Rolls owned by Ali in California, but I'm in hot pursuit of that Lambo that Beiber was driving last night when he was arrested!

 

[gerryvz]

Wow ... so sorry to hear this. Hoping no one was hurt. Glad I got to see and enjoy the car in person when I did !!

Hopefully if you buy it back, you can keep it together and sell it as a repairable unit rather than parting it out.

Do you have photos to post?

 

[Glen]

Very sorry to hear this. I hope you or someone else can repair and enjoy it.

 

[savmjv]

Thanks, no serious injuries.

The part that seemed to thow it into TOTAL LOSS was the "core support". Apparently, it show "no longer available" in the system and the adjuster was trying to explain something about the construction of the car that made it difficult to replace. This might mean more to the knowledgable group here than it did to me. I'll go by the shop and get pics. When we dropped it there; I couldn't open the hood, but I'm guessing they got it open for the adjuster.

 

[Ron500E]

PM Sent.

Ron

 

[Jimbo]

Sad news man ! Butofcourse, good to hear no serious injuries other than that to your starship.

So, is it your insurance company that wants to total it? Do you know what they value the car at? Obviously not very much it would seem.

By your description , it doesn't sound like throw in the towel time...but maybe it is in real-life. I'd fight that tooth and nail...c'mon, a core support totals your car? That's a Texas sized 'oh man, this sux'.

 

[savmjv]

The adjuster threw in the towel with the core support and the estimate going over $10k. At that point there's an error message/pop up that says "Over and out". He did make notes stating that the car was in amazing condition and asked me about it, so whoever gets to call me to negotiate the final settlement has some heads up. I'm sure the model will mean nothing to them otherwise. Based on the loss coming up at the $10k mark, I'm expecting an opeing bid from them in the $14-15k range. As documented at the time, I paid $15k at auction + buyers premium, taxes, etc, so I think I'll get my money back and I got to put about 5,000 miles on it in a year. All could have been a LOT worse. We will see if showing them a binder of documents (including a 6,000 mile fresh transmission rebuild) and pointing out the official autograph from Shatner on the armrest gets me any additional mileage or not.

BTW, the adjuster did give me permission to swap the EVOs out for a set of AMG replicas that I have in the garage before they haul it away. They have Michelin Pilot Sports on them with maybe 6,000 miles, lots of tread. If nothing else, those should come up on the board in the next week or so.

Hmmmm...maybe I need to call your friend about that E420 to hold me over....

 

[gsxr]

BTW, the adjuster did give me permission to swap the EVOs out for a set of AMG replicas that I have in the garage before they haul it away. They have Michelin Pilot Sports on them with maybe 6,000 miles, lots of tread. If nothing else, those should come up on the board in the next week or so.

DO NOT let the insurance company take the car away! Buy it back for "salvage value". You can re-sell the car to recoup more than what it will cost to keep it. Letting them take the car away is basically handing them money, unless they assign an unreasonably high salvage value (unlikely, but possible). Don't be in a hurry to settle with insurance, they may try to pressure you into signing papers and handing over the keys/title, remember it is YOUR car and you do not HAVE to agree to anything!!!

That said - my condolences on your loss, and I'm glad nobody was injured.

 

[texas993]

That really sucks. Good luck in getting it resolved.

I agree that there is lots of negotiation opportunity with the insurance company. I advise you to look at the many comparative sales that exist on these cars, including mine. I will be happy to send you my recent bill of sale. Large repairs, etc do make a difference in what they will pay.

I will also warn you that insurance companies are known to search message boards, so be sensitive to what you post. (Maybe this is just rumor, if so, I have heard the rumors.)

 

[jano]

Yeah ditto what Dave said. Based on your description of the accident, buy the car back at salvage value (depending on the insurance company, it'll range $500-2,000), then if you don't want to deal with fixing it up, just sell that out. I had to do that with mine, got $20k from the insurance company, and put $14k into fixing up my car. I do wish I had had more time to fight it and prevent the salvage title since it kills the value on the car, however, I do have quite a nice ride and saved a car from the junker and part-out vultures

 

[Trae]

If only you could have called for "Shields Scottie!".

Sorry for your loss.

 

[savmjv]

Klingons had hacked the system and jammed the shields....

 

[Maui]

[video=youtube;zMwTbrA7v1I]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMwTbrA7v1I[/video]

Sorry to hear the news, but I just not resist.

 

[gsxr]

Fighting for reasonable valuation is a whole topic by itself. Determine what you think is a fair amount and try to find comparable models listed for sale (or eBay completed sales). They will likely use a third-party valuation service, which trolls ads nationwide from AutoTrader, eBay, Craigslist, and other online sources. They will take the average of everything (junkers to concours) and adjust based on your miles/condition (which should bump it over average). If you're lucky, the number will be acceptable.

Try to get them to also pay sales tax on top of the final value, if you were not at fault, you can almost always get that as a cherry on top (6-8% bonus). Wait until you have finalized value first before pushing for the sales tax, if they don't offer it. In our recent experience (last year, wife's E420 was totaled), they offered to pay sales tax if they took the car away, but if we kept the car they weren't going to pay tax! We had to fight for it, and ultimately got the sales tax payment too.

If they come up with silly low numbers, skip negotiating, it's a waste of time... fork out the ~$300 for a professional appraisal. We had to do that with our E420 accident as well, and it was worth it. Talk up the car's condition with the appraisal service (yours, and then likely theirs too), not with the adjuster - the adjuster don't care.

Good luck!

 

[gerryvz]

Make sure you check this thread: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=350134

 

[samiam44]

If it's just the lack of the radiator support being NLA, I'm sure you can comeup with a used one.

A hit in the front does spring the hinge links, which requires the fenders to be R&R'd to be replaced. Since your in Houston, maybe call TGA and talk to them about shops/repairs.

Michael

 

[gsxr]

I can't imagine the 124 radiator support being NLA. Maybe the lower U-shaped support, which is 500E-specific, but has anyone checked dealers/Germany/ClassicCenter to make sure it's not a system glitch?

If the repair estimate is $12k and the value is $20k (<--this is the imporant number), it could still be fixable. Make sure they are not looking at the car as if it were a plain old 124 chassis.

 

[gerryvz]

+1 with Dave. I do NOT believe that the radiator core support for the W124 is NLA from MB. Per the link I posted, even it it was, the upper support can be taken out and a replacement welded in. There are LOTS of spare cars out there ... the junkyards here in Houston are overflowing with 124s. Two weekends ago, my nearest pick 'n pull had 5 of 'em.....including two HFM E320s and a couple of M103 models.

 

[gsxr]

Correct. The ONLY item which MIGHT be unavailable is the lower support, which was only used on the 124.036 chassis... it's totally different than the normal 124 support (even the 400E/E420/.034 support). However, it would require a pretty hard hit down low to damage this enough to require replacement, and I'd still be surprised if MB doesn't make them. All the rest of the frame parts should be the same as standard 124.

Remember, zero stock doesn't mean NLA. You need to have Tom Hanson at the Classic Center check the codes in the MB inventory systems. But first you need to find out which specific part (preferably with part number) the adjuster was claiming to be NLA.

 

[Stevester 500E]

Whether the part is available or NLA, is this car going to be a salvaged title, regardless?

 

[savmjv]

I'll see what I can find out today and try to get by the shop for pics. They might be more helpful at this point than my descriptions for you guys to form an opinion.

Houston just doesn't know what the do when the temp. goes below 30 and we get rain. I think every school district is closed and the roads are a mess this morning. Ron called me last night and found it comical that schools and businesses were closing with the temp still close to 40. The weathermen get a little exicited for freezes and hurricanes down here, but a CHANCE of ice and snow can be the highlight of their career.

 

[gsxr]

Whether the part is available or NLA, is this car going to be a salvaged title, regardless?

That is very likely, but it depends on the final valuation, repair estimate, and actual repair cost.... all of which determine if it is considered a "total loss". If the valuation is high enough (say, $20k) and actual repair cost is low enough (say, $8k at a more reasonably priced shop) it could be repaired and not get a salvaged title. This requires effort though, and may not be easy. And if the damage is bad enough, it may not be possible.

savmjv, how about posting up a photo or two of the damage?

 

[jhodg5ck]

You can always push for maximum $$ from insurance to a level JUST below salvage...could be worth a go!

j

 

[Jimbo]

I don't believe a 'regular' insurance company would allow any used parts to fix one of their insured vehicles.

I seriously doubt the car will be valued anywhere near 20 grand also....which is too bad.

Gotta have pix...as horrific as it may be !

 

[Maui]

I'm guessing it was not insured with an agreed value?

 

[gerryvz]

Yep, got down to 30F last night. Our schools are closed today.

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[gsxr]

I'm guessing it was not insured with an agreed value?

I'm guessing you guessed correctly.

After our nightmare last year with valuation on a wrecked E420, I switched to Hagerty agreed-value policies on all our E500E's. The only worry there is what salvage value they might apply in the event of a total loss.

 

[jano]

Fighting for reasonable valuation is a whole topic by itself. Determine what you think is a fair amount and try to find comparable models listed for sale (or eBay completed sales). They will likely use a third-party valuation service, which trolls ads nationwide from AutoTrader, eBay, Craigslist, and other online sources. They will take the average of everything (junkers to concours) and adjust based on your miles/condition (which should bump it over average). If you're lucky, the number will be acceptable.

Not sure if this is a CA only thing, my insurance people said there are three opportunities for agreeing on value:

1. They pull comps from the area. If I disagree, then
2. They contact local dealers, and obtain opinions from then. If I disagree, then
3. Each side gets an appraiser, and the higher value is used

In my case, I got "lucky" with my insurance people who allowed me to fax them: my own description of the car; comps current at the time and extended across the US due to limited number; paperwork of a very recent sale from another member here who purchased a very similar car, same exterior color, similar mileage, exact same price, who had been kind enough to send me the documents. This helped convince the insurance people that a w124 e320 was a different car

Jano

 

[mistermiata]

Yep, got down to 30F last night. Our schools are closed today.

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We havent been "up" to 30F for most of the week and had 15" of snow on Tues....not sure when I will drive the E500 again

 

[gsxr]

Not sure if this is a CA only thing, my insurance people said there are three opportunities for agreeing on value:

1. They pull comps from the area. If I disagree, then
2. They contact local dealers, and obtain opinions from then. If I disagree, then
3. Each side gets an appraiser, and the higher value is used

With our E420, there were no local comps available, so it went nationwide pretty quick. That didn't go well so we proceeded to step 3. Our appraisal came in $500 higher than their appraisal, which was still ~$2k more than their final offer in step 2. We agreed to split the difference between the two appraisals, plus sales tax. It sounds easy now, but at the time, it was a 4-month long nightmare.

Side note: The insurance company refused to use other model years as comparison. Our car was a 1995 E420, but 1994 E420's were not allowed as comps, despite the fact they are mechanically identical. The same issue may arise with the 1992 500E, they might not accept 1993 (or 1994) models as comps. I was very annoyed with this as there were some high-value comps available but these were unacceptable due to the 1 year difference.

 

[vexed]

When my wife totaled our CR-V I pushed back on the insurance company's initial offer. I found a similar car on the Iaai website where the insurance companies post the ACV which is usually on the high side. A little pushing and I got another 1200. They add sales tax on the theory I would pay that when I bought a replacement.

 

[globalgrooves]

Sorry to hear of the demise. Well if you need someone to fight the insurance company on the value, thats what i do. I own West Coast Auto Appraisals www.thecarappraiser.com

neil

 

[samiam44]

aWhere is the car now in Houston? Is that body show even familiar with w124 repairs? Call Hans @tga and find a good sop he recommends.

Mike

 

[savmjv]

Let the games begin.....

Finally heard back from the insurance adjuster today. Of course the original offer is too low and (I guessed this over the weekend) one of the comp cars is the local silver/blue car I posted for sale a couple of weeks ago. That guy should probably buy this car just to swap interiors! So, the negotiations will continue, but I did find out that the net effect for buying back after settlement will be approx $2,000 and the car will come with a clear title, not salvage. As I negotiate the settlement up, this will likely increase slightly but not too much based on the % calculation. I can't see it increasing by more than $250-300. There are a lot of good parts to the car and it is a repairable project for the right person.

I have attempted to post pics to the website for those that are interested, but it appears that my file size is too big and they just won't upload. I'll attempt to resize or take more photos at lower resolution in the next day or so. We're having a "snow day" in Houston, that means temps below freezing and rain with a chance of ice. I know anyone north of Dallas will laugh, but it doesn't happen often here and we admit we don't know how to deal with it.

If you are seriously interested, let me know and I can email photos I have.

 

[savmjv]

To answer above questions:

Car was not on an agreed value policy. I did the research after the thread on here a couple of weeks ago, but held off on making the move because the policy stipulated "no driver under 25". Guess who took the car when this happeneds...one of my 17 yo girls...Remind me to get them another car to drive.

I'm very familiar with TGA and Hans, the shop is less than 2 miles from my house. They have done work on my M3, ML, C36 and VW. They saw this car once, the day after I brought it home to do a P(ost)PI. The end result was a relay and half pound of freon. The shop that has it is very close to TGA as well and a good repair and separate body shop. Obviously, they don't see too many 124s these days, but they've been in the River Oaks/West U area of Houston for many years and saw more than their share when these cars were newer. I've also seen custom work in their shop on resto-mod street cars, domestic and import...so they can operate outside the manuals. At any rate, I'm thinking the car will be moved to my driveway in a couple of days.

Finally, the rules did allow for them to use model years + or - 1. Since mine was a 1992, they did use 1993 models in the comparison.

 

[Ron500E]

Scott:

I definitely want it, salvage title or not.

Thanks,
Ron

 

[savmjv]

Thanks for adding photos, Gerry!

 

[texas993]

Ouch, that is tough to look at. But I am glad that your daughter is ok. That was a pretty decent hit.

 

[vatc5637]

...Remind me to get them another car to drive...

Used to think that I was doing my kids a favor getting them their own car to drive/share, until I realized that I was actually doing myself the favor and trying to avoid what you, unfortunately, are experiencing.

 

[KarlC]

.
Wow, worse than I thought it would be, I'm surprised that are not giving it a salvage title.

Wood looks very nice !

.

 

[Jimbo]

Jebus...OK, wow, a lot of damage.

'Pictures worth 1000 words' cliché working here.

Hoping the pay-out is large for ya man . So lucky your daughter and any occupants weren't hurt real bad also. Gosh.

 

[savmjv]

Texas law states that if the repair cost is estimated at less than a certain % of the total value, it does not get a salvage title. Apparently that's the case on this one.

Maybe I'm underestimating it, but it looks very similar to the time a 24' box truck backed up into my car while we were sitting at a stop sign. Same end result, a total loss, but that was on a much cheaper car...2002 Saab 9-5.

VATC...So I guess I should pull them out of the C36 and get them another one to replace it too, eh? Fortunately, they refuse to learn to drive a stick, so the M3 and Cabrio are safe for now.

 

[autoworrks]

Very hard to look at those pictures.

 

[vatc5637]

VATC...So I guess I should pull them out of the C36 and get them another one to replace it too, eh? Fortunately, they refuse to learn to drive a stick, so the M3 and Cabrio are safe for now.

lol, I wish you were my dad when I was that age (shared a '69 Olds)!

BTW this strategy works, but only up to a point, collectively, my kids have wrecked a 1996 MB 230K (mine) and 1984 Honda Civic; moderately damaged a 2002 Toyota Corolla, and 2000 Honda Odyssey, plus scraped countless bumpers, roadrashed a number of wheels, and suffered numerous door/fender dings. While it was better those cars than my MB's and BMW's, but I still felt the pain when they occurred.

 

[gsxr]

Very hard to look at those pictures.

+1. Let this be a reminder to all 036 owners to never, ever let their teenager drive the E500E unless you are in the passenger seat. Get them a $2k beater 300E/400E to go wreck.

 

[Jackasic]

I could use a 500e test mule, let me know if you sell it. I am right up the road in College Station if that helps.

 

[Hollybrook]

When my oldest daughter was getting her learners permit, we made her buy a car and pay for 50% of it. If anything needs to be done to it, she has to help or I won't do the work. Now that she has been driving for a couple of years, I am happy we did that.

One very early morning, she backed into the same tree in our driveway three times! She also had an off-road experience in the rain that luckily did no damage to her car.

After a year of driving on her license, I paid for a one day accident avoidance class taught at a local road race track with a skid pad. Not only did they teach basic car control, but they also covered off-road recovery at speed. The class was less than $400 and was money well spent. Her final exam was conducted with the instructor in the passenger seat and me in the back seat. That was a bit intimidating for her as I sometimes teach for the same organization and my wife says I am WAY too critical of her driving.

I also took her for a ride in the 500E on back roads and pushed it a little. She is terrified of the 500E, which was my intent. She won't even drive it with me in the passenger seat!

 

[JordiC]

I'm almost weeping. Ditto on buying another W124 for your daughter. Nobody has driven my car since I bought it...I'd rather play chauffeur than hand my .036 keys to a 17 year old.

 

[clarkz71]

I can't imagine the 124 radiator support being NLA. Maybe the lower U-shaped support, which is 500E-specific,

Correct. The ONLY item which MIGHT be unavailable is the lower support, which was only used on the 124.036 chassis... it's totally different than the normal 124 support (even the 400E/E420/.034 support).

I disagree, I checked the EPC and the ONLY 036
specific part is the front wheel house.

ALL OTHER structural sheetmetal including the engine
mount crossmember is the same for 034/036


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[gsxr]

I disagree, I checked the EPC and the ONLY 036
specific part is the front wheel house.

ALL OTHER structural sheetmetal including the engine
mount crossmember is the same for 034/036

036 lower radiator support = 124-620-56-86

All other 124 = one 124-620-23-16 + two 124-626-22-31