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JUST PURCHASED 500E WITH HIGH MILEAGE
- Thread starter Eddie007
- Start date
congrats and welcome! I would say safety issues first, fuel lines from the rear are rubber within the pump/filter assembly. Brakes, then check the condition of the upper and lower wire harness. That should get you far. Then move on to condition of drive train and related components like engine mounts, condition of rubber within steering and control arms, SLS suspension and rear suspension items. Oil in and around distributor area, hardened rubber in the engine bay. Read up on checking and clearing engine codes.
This is my list of firsts when I buy a used car:
Change engine oil and filter, trans oil and filter, rear axle oil and coolant, brake fluid, unless you have verified info that any one of these fluids have been changed very recently. Check codes. Check spark plug condition and distributors/rotors/insulators. Check brake rotors and pads, and tire condition.
After this is done, the major safety and maintenace things are covered, then you can start looking for other issues. I agree in all nocfn's advise aswell!
Change engine oil and filter, trans oil and filter, rear axle oil and coolant, brake fluid, unless you have verified info that any one of these fluids have been changed very recently. Check codes. Check spark plug condition and distributors/rotors/insulators. Check brake rotors and pads, and tire condition.
After this is done, the major safety and maintenace things are covered, then you can start looking for other issues. I agree in all nocfn's advise aswell!
Congrats Eddie,
Welcome to the 500Eboard.
With only 324K miles on it and a pretty decent maintenance history there's still a lot left with some basic repairs. "nocfn" had some good advise to get you started. Maybe some of the maintenance has already been done.
This board should have an answer to any question that you may ask.
We have several members in the UK. Where are you located?
Meanwhile for some inspiration, check out Glen's 199 under the "Owner's Thread".
Glen's car has over 600K miles on it and the engine has never been torn down. He uses it as a daily driver and recently he took it on quite a long trip. Also Glen has documented all or most of the work he has done on it since his ownership began.
The best of luck with it.
Take Care
Welcome to the 500Eboard.
With only 324K miles on it and a pretty decent maintenance history there's still a lot left with some basic repairs. "nocfn" had some good advise to get you started. Maybe some of the maintenance has already been done.
This board should have an answer to any question that you may ask.
We have several members in the UK. Where are you located?
Meanwhile for some inspiration, check out Glen's 199 under the "Owner's Thread".
Glen's car has over 600K miles on it and the engine has never been torn down. He uses it as a daily driver and recently he took it on quite a long trip. Also Glen has documented all or most of the work he has done on it since his ownership began.
The best of luck with it.
Take Care
EDIT: Previous discussion on this car located in this thread: http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10581
Eddie, congrats on the purchase. You will have a lot of reading to do... search the forum, there are many threads on all of the items mentioned above by nocfn, Thomas, and Terry. I would first go through any records that came with the car and find out what items may have already been repaired / replaced. You said the car is coming from the USA, is it the black car from Illinois at this link? If so, you may need to start by fixing the shocks, power steering (probably leaks), and odometer gears. With 300k+ on the clock it's likely that a number of the common problems have already been fixed, i.e. the upper harness, maybe ETA, etc.
Anyway - I would focus on replacing all fluids & filters to start with, then inspecting all safety items - fuel system components, steering/suspension links, brakes, tires. Next up is fixing leaks and making sure the engine is running properly and trans shifting ok. If the high pressure fuel hose from the fuel filter outlet is old/original, or is an aftermarket brand, I'd put that high on the list of proactive replacement. More than one W124 has burned to the ground due to this hose leaking. Details are in older forum threads with photos & part numbers. If the brake hoses are old/original, replace them when you flush the brake fluid (new OEM hoses are cheap, stainless braided are $100/set from Deerfield Precision).
Asking what oil to use is bordering on a discussion on religion or politics.
Again, many threads are out there on this topic. Primary concern is viscosity and change interval, use what MB recommended for the ambient temperatures you'll be driving in. Generally, something around a 10W-40 works well year 'round. If you use dino oil or a Group III synthetic, change every 3-5kmi. If you prefer a Group IV/V synthetic, you can extend intervals to ±10kmi, although I probably wouldn't do that until you verify the engine is consuming little if any oil at a 3-5k interval.
BTW, welcome to the forum!
Eddie, congrats on the purchase. You will have a lot of reading to do... search the forum, there are many threads on all of the items mentioned above by nocfn, Thomas, and Terry. I would first go through any records that came with the car and find out what items may have already been repaired / replaced. You said the car is coming from the USA, is it the black car from Illinois at this link? If so, you may need to start by fixing the shocks, power steering (probably leaks), and odometer gears. With 300k+ on the clock it's likely that a number of the common problems have already been fixed, i.e. the upper harness, maybe ETA, etc.
Anyway - I would focus on replacing all fluids & filters to start with, then inspecting all safety items - fuel system components, steering/suspension links, brakes, tires. Next up is fixing leaks and making sure the engine is running properly and trans shifting ok. If the high pressure fuel hose from the fuel filter outlet is old/original, or is an aftermarket brand, I'd put that high on the list of proactive replacement. More than one W124 has burned to the ground due to this hose leaking. Details are in older forum threads with photos & part numbers. If the brake hoses are old/original, replace them when you flush the brake fluid (new OEM hoses are cheap, stainless braided are $100/set from Deerfield Precision).
Asking what oil to use is bordering on a discussion on religion or politics.
Again, many threads are out there on this topic. Primary concern is viscosity and change interval, use what MB recommended for the ambient temperatures you'll be driving in. Generally, something around a 10W-40 works well year 'round. If you use dino oil or a Group III synthetic, change every 3-5kmi. If you prefer a Group IV/V synthetic, you can extend intervals to ±10kmi, although I probably wouldn't do that until you verify the engine is consuming little if any oil at a 3-5k interval.BTW, welcome to the forum!
Hi Eddie007!
Welcome to the forum, and welcome also to the small band of UK E500E owners!
Whereabouts are you in the UK? Are you a member of the Mercedes Benz Club? They sometimes organise some good events; one in particular is the W124 meet. At the 2015 event - if I recall correctly(!) - 13 of the supposed 17 road-worthy UK E500Es attended!
(Actually, that figure of 17 roadworthy cars in the UK is probably out-of-date! Anyone got more recent data?).
Anyhow, welcome to the forum. What you can't find out here about an E500E, isn't worth knowing!
Hoping to meet up sometime!
Welcome to the forum, and welcome also to the small band of UK E500E owners!
Whereabouts are you in the UK? Are you a member of the Mercedes Benz Club? They sometimes organise some good events; one in particular is the W124 meet. At the 2015 event - if I recall correctly(!) - 13 of the supposed 17 road-worthy UK E500Es attended!
(Actually, that figure of 17 roadworthy cars in the UK is probably out-of-date! Anyone got more recent data?).
Anyhow, welcome to the forum. What you can't find out here about an E500E, isn't worth knowing!
Hoping to meet up sometime!
https://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/vehicle/mercedes_500_e_auto
Also - Eddie welcome to the forum! I am from Northern Ireland but hope to take my 500E to this years UK meet. (Speaking of which - any news on that guys?)
I did not drive it because it was too much for my liking. Paint is big in states very expensive and car was sold with TMU. I Rear was saging. Interior looked for the miles. They removed 500e headlamps and installed depo ones then went back to yellowed 500e. It has 1994-1995 taillights replaced. It has quarter panel piece missing on the side. I mean paint job would change the look of that car but it would exceeds all the costs of it being worth in USA. How much is shipping???
TMU = True Mileage Unknown. See the original "for sale" listing where the previous owner stated the odometer was not working. Which only means it has more miles than indicated. At 324k, I doubt this matters at all.
Rear quarter panel trim piece may be available new, driver side should be p/n 124-690-91-40, current list price in USA is $189 USD, should be around €100 excluding VAT in Europe.
Unfortunately, MB Classic Germany is showing "not available"... you'll need to contact a dealer and have them check inventory worldwide. If it's NLA, that will be a real pain to find for sale used, the part is 036-specific.
http://partssearch.mercedes-benz-classic.com/parts/A1246909140
Rear quarter panel trim piece may be available new, driver side should be p/n 124-690-91-40, current list price in USA is $189 USD, should be around €100 excluding VAT in Europe.
Unfortunately, MB Classic Germany is showing "not available"... you'll need to contact a dealer and have them check inventory worldwide. If it's NLA, that will be a real pain to find for sale used, the part is 036-specific.
http://partssearch.mercedes-benz-classic.com/parts/A1246909140
You needn't feel "on your own" with this car. This forum has a wealth of information about the marque; just take the time to search the numerous threads and you'll usually find what you're looking for. Also, posting questions - as you've already found - will generally produce a mass of useful advice!
I don't know if you're a proficient DIY'er, but whatever, it would be good for you to try and find a reliable workshop that has an in-depth knowledge of E500E's. Don't risk the car with anyone who doesn't know the breed.
If you do belong to the MB club, then you can make contact with Neville - who is just over the Pennines from you - and who is the E500E UK Guru. He would give you a full appraisal of the car.
A good source of W124 used parts is Chris at parts@mercman.net - although he would probably struggle with some E500E specific items.
I don't know if you're a proficient DIY'er, but whatever, it would be good for you to try and find a reliable workshop that has an in-depth knowledge of E500E's. Don't risk the car with anyone who doesn't know the breed.
If you do belong to the MB club, then you can make contact with Neville - who is just over the Pennines from you - and who is the E500E UK Guru. He would give you a full appraisal of the car.
A good source of W124 used parts is Chris at parts@mercman.net - although he would probably struggle with some E500E specific items.
This car has just resurfaced in ebay UK for sale- asking for approx $15,000 USD
No affiliation
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182509220494
No affiliation
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182509220494
It happens with some regularity.....particularly when the car doesn't have the gray switches and doesn't get the expected chicks.....A very short honeymoon.
I don't want to be harsh on Eddie007 - he sounded a real genuine E500E enthusiast at the start of this thread. All of us in the UK were anticipating welcoming a new "member of the E500E club" to boost our numbers here.
I'm somewhat disappointed to learn the car is now on eBay. And as for the condition of the car ...................... !!!!!!
Maybe he was hoodwinked by the seller into thinking it was a good buy, and he now just wants to get shot of it?
Given the mileage on the car, and the admitted defects (there could be a lot more unseen), I can't see how he can possibly expect anything like 15k US dollars for it. In fact, given that the best price one might get for an A1 E500E here in the UK would be around £35k, I can't see the sums adding up at all. The best would be to break the car for parts.
I'm somewhat disappointed to learn the car is now on eBay. And as for the condition of the car ...................... !!!!!!
Maybe he was hoodwinked by the seller into thinking it was a good buy, and he now just wants to get shot of it?
Given the mileage on the car, and the admitted defects (there could be a lot more unseen), I can't see how he can possibly expect anything like 15k US dollars for it. In fact, given that the best price one might get for an A1 E500E here in the UK would be around £35k, I can't see the sums adding up at all. The best would be to break the car for parts.
I wonder did the seller really pay $9k for it. Factoring in shipping it to the UK etc that was not a wise move. The thing is though it will likely sell for silly money here. I see total basket case 190 Cosworth's etc going for £8k & upwards lately. People have gone crazy for rare early 90's Benzes.
I know of one very sorry & rusted out 2.3 Cosworth that sold locally for £1k. A friend went with a trailer to buy it that day – but someone already had bought it & taken it away when he got there. It then immediately appeared on Ebay & was bid up to & sold for approx £8k by the person who just bought it! And they didn’t even so much as wash it.
So who knows what this one will sell for in our market, but those in the know are aware of who much ££££ this car needs thrown at it to bring it to any reasonable condition. I would say it has very little going for it with that condition & mileage. I resume UK registration & import duty still needs paid also. A £5k car at best.
I know of one very sorry & rusted out 2.3 Cosworth that sold locally for £1k. A friend went with a trailer to buy it that day – but someone already had bought it & taken it away when he got there. It then immediately appeared on Ebay & was bid up to & sold for approx £8k by the person who just bought it! And they didn’t even so much as wash it.
So who knows what this one will sell for in our market, but those in the know are aware of who much ££££ this car needs thrown at it to bring it to any reasonable condition. I would say it has very little going for it with that condition & mileage. I resume UK registration & import duty still needs paid also. A £5k car at best.
Last edited:
This car has appeared for sale again on Ebay UK-
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCEDES-500E-THE-WOLF-/182703059471
Price now increased to £14,950
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCEDES-500E-THE-WOLF-/182703059471
Price now increased to £14,950
ADMIN EDIT: Copied "for sale" posts to old thread here: http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10581
Back on ebay - as an auction this time people are bidding on it-
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182748010447 <--Auction ends Sept-14, 2017. Current bid £9k with 3 days left.
Back on ebay - as an auction this time people are bidding on it-
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182748010447 <--Auction ends Sept-14, 2017. Current bid £9k with 3 days left.
MERCEDES 500E 99P START NO RES (THE WOLF) DONT MISS OUT RARE CAR!!!
MERCEDES 1992 500E 99P START NO RES DONT MISS OUT!! FROM U.S CALIFORNIA THIS YEAR WITH ONLY 3 U.S OWNERS. THERE IS NO RUST ON THE CAR AT ALL, BUT THE SUN AS BURNT THE PAINT ROOF, BONNET, BOOT, DOORS, WILL NEED PAINT TO MAKE LIKE NEW, ALL PANELS NICE AND STRAIGHT IT NEEDS A NEW SMALL REAR DOOR PART FIXING BACK ON (SEE PIC) GOT THE PART. WOOD TRIM NEEDS RE LACUER IN PLACES(SEE PIC) DRIVERS SEAT BOLSTER SPLIT. INTERIOR NEEDS A BIT OF TLC ROOF LINING NEEDS CLEAN/TIDY SAGGING IN CORNER.FRONT SPOILER CRACKED. IT HAS FULL MERCEDES HISTORY LAST SERVICE AT 320K IN U.S. BY MERCEDES NO ACCIDENTS DATA REPORT INC FROM THE U.S TO CONFIRM OWNERS/HISTORY (SEE REPORT PIC) INC MERC SERVICE BOOKS STAMPED. VERY SMALL CRACK IN CORNER WINDOW SCREEN. ENGINE PERFORMS GREAT LIKE ITS DONE LESS THAN HALF THE MILEAGE GEAR CHANGE NICE AN SMOOTH. AS YOU KNOW THESE CARS WERE MANUFACTURED BETWEEN PORSCHE AND MERCEDES IN SMALL PRODUCTION MAKING THEM RARE AND SORT AFTER. PRICES ARE ON THE RISE!!. THERE IS ONE OF THESE CARS ON A FORUM TODAY WITH OVER 600K MILEAGE AND ENGINE AS NEVER BEEN STRIPPED ONLY REGULAR GOOD SERVICE. SHOWS THE BUILD QUALITY OF THESE CARS. THIS CAR HAS FULL MERC HISTORY NOT LIKE THE JAP IMPORTS WITH NO HISTORY??? RECENT FULL SERVICE WITH INVOICE(LOCAL GARAGE NOT MERC) INC ALL FLUIDS AS ADVISED BY THE 500E GURUS engine, gearbox,diff,power steering, brakes. new front strut tops, brakes cleaned, 2x new rear tyres. v5 in my name m.o.t till nexted year. THE MECHANIC COULD NOT BELIEVE HOW GOOD UNDERNEATH CONDITION WAS IN JUST SAID WOW A LOT!!. I HAVE PROBABLY MISSED A FEW BITS WHAT NEED DOING ONCE THIS CAR AS BEEN PAINTED IT WILL LOOK THE***** CAR DRIVES AS IT SHOULD WITH POWER JUST ON TAP!! WITH ONLY 3 U.S OWNERS ITS PROBABLY SPENT ITS LIFE OWNED BY DIRECTORS COMMUTING ON THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAYS? THESE CARS WITHIN A FEW YEARS ARE GOING TO BE RIDICULOUS TO OWN£££ MAKING NOW £25 TO 50K!! FUEL GAUGE AN HAZZARDS HAVE JUST STOPPED WORKING LAST WEEK? POSSIBLE A FUSE I WILL TRY AND FIX THIS WEEK. REASON FORSALE MY PAINTER IS BOOKED SOLID FOR THE NEXT 6 MONTHS ALSO I HAVE 4 MORE MERC PROJECTS ON THE GO. 99P START GOODLUCK!!! ANY QUESTIONS PLS ASK ALSO MORE PICS VIA WHATSAPP. CASH/ BANK TRANSFER ONLY SORRY NO PAYPAL. PLEASE NO TIMEWASTERS!!!
On 05-Sep-17 at 14:05:03 BST, seller added the following information:
ANY INSPECTION WELCOME ALSO PAID FOR IN FULL + COLLECTED WITHIN 48HRS AFTER AUCTION ENDS.
MERCEDES 1992 500E 99P START NO RES DONT MISS OUT!! FROM U.S CALIFORNIA THIS YEAR WITH ONLY 3 U.S OWNERS. THERE IS NO RUST ON THE CAR AT ALL, BUT THE SUN AS BURNT THE PAINT ROOF, BONNET, BOOT, DOORS, WILL NEED PAINT TO MAKE LIKE NEW, ALL PANELS NICE AND STRAIGHT IT NEEDS A NEW SMALL REAR DOOR PART FIXING BACK ON (SEE PIC) GOT THE PART. WOOD TRIM NEEDS RE LACUER IN PLACES(SEE PIC) DRIVERS SEAT BOLSTER SPLIT. INTERIOR NEEDS A BIT OF TLC ROOF LINING NEEDS CLEAN/TIDY SAGGING IN CORNER.FRONT SPOILER CRACKED. IT HAS FULL MERCEDES HISTORY LAST SERVICE AT 320K IN U.S. BY MERCEDES NO ACCIDENTS DATA REPORT INC FROM THE U.S TO CONFIRM OWNERS/HISTORY (SEE REPORT PIC) INC MERC SERVICE BOOKS STAMPED. VERY SMALL CRACK IN CORNER WINDOW SCREEN. ENGINE PERFORMS GREAT LIKE ITS DONE LESS THAN HALF THE MILEAGE GEAR CHANGE NICE AN SMOOTH. AS YOU KNOW THESE CARS WERE MANUFACTURED BETWEEN PORSCHE AND MERCEDES IN SMALL PRODUCTION MAKING THEM RARE AND SORT AFTER. PRICES ARE ON THE RISE!!. THERE IS ONE OF THESE CARS ON A FORUM TODAY WITH OVER 600K MILEAGE AND ENGINE AS NEVER BEEN STRIPPED ONLY REGULAR GOOD SERVICE. SHOWS THE BUILD QUALITY OF THESE CARS. THIS CAR HAS FULL MERC HISTORY NOT LIKE THE JAP IMPORTS WITH NO HISTORY??? RECENT FULL SERVICE WITH INVOICE(LOCAL GARAGE NOT MERC) INC ALL FLUIDS AS ADVISED BY THE 500E GURUS engine, gearbox,diff,power steering, brakes. new front strut tops, brakes cleaned, 2x new rear tyres. v5 in my name m.o.t till nexted year. THE MECHANIC COULD NOT BELIEVE HOW GOOD UNDERNEATH CONDITION WAS IN JUST SAID WOW A LOT!!. I HAVE PROBABLY MISSED A FEW BITS WHAT NEED DOING ONCE THIS CAR AS BEEN PAINTED IT WILL LOOK THE***** CAR DRIVES AS IT SHOULD WITH POWER JUST ON TAP!! WITH ONLY 3 U.S OWNERS ITS PROBABLY SPENT ITS LIFE OWNED BY DIRECTORS COMMUTING ON THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAYS? THESE CARS WITHIN A FEW YEARS ARE GOING TO BE RIDICULOUS TO OWN£££ MAKING NOW £25 TO 50K!! FUEL GAUGE AN HAZZARDS HAVE JUST STOPPED WORKING LAST WEEK? POSSIBLE A FUSE I WILL TRY AND FIX THIS WEEK. REASON FORSALE MY PAINTER IS BOOKED SOLID FOR THE NEXT 6 MONTHS ALSO I HAVE 4 MORE MERC PROJECTS ON THE GO. 99P START GOODLUCK!!! ANY QUESTIONS PLS ASK ALSO MORE PICS VIA WHATSAPP. CASH/ BANK TRANSFER ONLY SORRY NO PAYPAL. PLEASE NO TIMEWASTERS!!!
On 05-Sep-17 at 14:05:03 BST, seller added the following information:
ANY INSPECTION WELCOME ALSO PAID FOR IN FULL + COLLECTED WITHIN 48HRS AFTER AUCTION ENDS.
Attachments
EVERYTHINGS JUST SO MUCH MORE EXCITING WITH FUL ON SPELING ERRORS AND NO PUNCTUATION I RECKON THAT'S THE WAY TO SELL CARS REALLY QUICKLY I CAN FEEL MYSELF ALMOST LOSING CONTROL AS I IMAGINE THE POWER OF THE ENGINE AND THA AMAZING BUILD QUALITY BUY QUICKLY BECAUSE YOU'LL MAKE MONEY MY BLOOD IS RUSHING AROUND MY BODY AT 326 BHP PORSCHE BUILT.....
