New to the Board! Thoughts on acquiring a 500E appreciated!

[biliary99]

Hello, Everyone!

I am new to the Board and am very excited to join. My wife and I have been seriously considering a 500E and have been following this specific example formerly at F40 Motorsports that has now recently popped up for sale in California:

https://www.milpasmotorsag.com/details/used-1993-mercedes-benz-500-class/74945646

VIN: WDBEA36E5PB939956

We also have been keeping tabs on a couple of examples in Doral, FL:

1992 Mercedes Benz 500E | Mayor Cars

www.mayorcars.com

VIN: WDBEA36E7NB688161

1993 Mercedes Benz 500E | Mayor Cars

www.mayorcars.com

VIN: WDBEA36E0PB988479

We have a lovely 1986 W126 and a 2005 Maybach 57 SWB, but are definitely new to the 500E world. Given the historical importance of these vehicles and the incredible knowledge that members on this Board possess, we’d be grateful for your insights and wisdom - and even some honest opinions on the cars listed above.

Thank you for your time and consideration!

C. Cutie
Lexington, MA

 

[2phast]

I would keep looking, all three are over priced.

You could import one from Japan for substantially less, or a E60 for that kind of money.

https://www.facebook.com/Ashann5355/posts/10224400665757825

 

[r44raven]

I would keep looking, all three are over priced.

+ 1 on that! I would say "significantly" overpriced?

 

[gerryvz]

You will find that all cars that come up for sale, are very thoroughly vetted on this forum, if they don't already have extensive history here. Any car that interests you, generally you just have to enter the VIN into the search box here, and it will pop up if there has been a record of it over the past 10-15 years.

Generally speaking, buying these cars from what we call "flipper-dealers" (particularly in places like New York, Florida and California) is the best way to part with 50-300% more money that any given car is typically worth on the real market.

I recommend you look at past sales on BringaTrailer to get a much better and more realistic picture for the market on these cars, as those bid prices are real-world prices what people actually PAID. BaT also has plenty of historical data on past sales so you can see pricing trends.

The absolute best cars are generally ones owned by members here. Not only are members' cars often discussed by them here during their ownership, but they are known and documented cars, and most folks here are enthusiasts who lavish the proper and appropriate care and maintenance on their cars. WIth these flipper-dealers, you often don't have paperwork or history, and the dealers don't generally know the specific quirks and needs of these cars like folks here do.

Here's an example of what I'm saying in the previous paragraph -- a car that will be coming up for sale in early 2022 by one of our long-time members, @KeninSD. Absolutely gorgeous, known car, longtime knowledgeable member of the community, relatively rare color, California car forever (no rust), and I can go on.

We get a few of these every year, and the buyers are generally the happiest, because they get a known quantity, generally in excellent condition, at a great price, and without all of the BS related to flipper-dealers and their ilk who know little (and care little) about the cars.

So that's my two cents.

Be patient to find the right car, in the right color combination you want, in the right condition. It may take 6 months, depending on your wants and needs, but eventually the "right" car will pop up, and you can grab it. If you want a nicely maintained car in good condition, with few needs, plan on a floor of $40K, and going on up to $60-75K depending on how important low mileage is to you.

Don't hesitate to ask questions here, and use the "search" function liberally to ask questions. Chances are about 98% that any given question you may have, has already been asked....and answered. There a lot of "new owner" types of threads as well as "what do I need to look out for" and "maintenance imperatives" types of threads.

Good luck !

 

[gsxr]

@biliary99, if you are willing to pay $75k to $100k for a 500E, DO NOT buy from a random dealer on the internet. These cars are guaranteed to need $$$ in deferred maintenance and may not run or drive properly. Plan on $10k conservatively, assuming you aren't a DIY wrencher. The flippers do *nothing* to the cars other than a full detail and maybe fancy ceramic coatings to make it shiny. Also, do not buy any car without reviewing photos of the undercarriage. Shelling out for a proper PPI is worth every penny. All of this takes a ton of effort and time. As noted above, search the VIN on this forum to find prior history & discussion. Almost every car for sale publicly in USA will be posted in the classifieds here.

I would strongly recommend contacting Jonathan Hodgman (@jhodg5ck) at Blue Ridge MB. He can find you a car that is already fully sorted and will need nothing. I believe he has one coming up for sale very soon.

Welcome to the forum, btw!

 

[biliary99]

Thank you all so very much! This feedback is incredible and we truly appreciate it. It is so very nice to be among like-minded enthusiasts who care for and about the new kids on the block!

 

[ace10]

VIN searches on this site will be your friend.

IMO, any vehicle that has been setting unsold for months (or years) or has been handed around between flippers is either (a) wildly overpriced or (2) a turd or (iii) both.

 

[Bogeyman]

As someone who at least tries to watch the market, I have to note the dearth of 036s coming up for sale lately.
It defies the overall trend of a "hot market" for collectible vehicles.
I can't pinpoint the reason, it may be just a glitch but my advice is to be patient and keep reading and absorbing knowledge
in the meantime.

 

[TimL]

Forget about searching for public listings - just go to the "for sale" section on the forum which goes back many years and see what has been on offer. This is how I found my car back then. Not only will you see virtually any car on offer in the U.S. market, but in many cases you will also get the history of the car for sale as well as the collective inputs on each car from folks on this forum. And always remember:


If the @gsxr hasn't commented on a car, then there is something wrong with it

 

[jhodg5ck]

If you want 036 Perfection with Zero excuses we have the car.

Jono@blueridgemb.com

It's not actively for sale yet.... Just a mention made here a couple weeks ago. Give a ring or email should you have interest. 199 [Pearl black paint] over black leather, 18k miles.


404.805.1357


Jono

 

[biliary99]

Thank you, All. Fantastic feedback. This Board is pure gold.

Thank you, Jono! A very good friend, Aaron Sandoski, separately referred me to you. I will give you a ring today!