One of my 500's has to go... opinions on realisitc pricing?

[runningtoohot]

I’m moving, and no longer have space for my “fleet”… so I’m forced to sell some of my cars.

I’m going to sell one of my 500’s – I’ll let go of whichever one sells first and keep the other one. I haven’t been keeping up with current pricing trends, so I would truly appreciate any input regarding realistic pricing in today’s market. (I also thought I should check to see if anyone here may want first dibs on one.)

Both cars have had truly exceptional mechanical maintenance (by both myself and prior owners). I have TONS of documentation on both cars. They both drive wonderfully, as a proper 124.036 should! I could get more specific regarding all the maintenance & repairs, but suffice to say that I have $15,000-$20,000+ in receipts for EACH car. Both cars have had ALL of the typical 500E idiosyncrasies addressed, such as wiring harnesses, throttle actuators, tandem/hydraulic pumps, radiators, etc., etc.. Both cars have also had complete valve jobs, and the transmissions have been rebuilt. They both have fresh “consumables” such as caps & rotors, plugs, fluids, belt, engine mounts, etc.

My “Collector” car (the 1993) is cosmetically a “9”. The pearl black paint is excellent except for two very small spots near the trunk where the clear coat was hurt during a detailing. The (black) interior is in excellent condition except for the headliner, which is sagging. The car is all factory original & stock, including absolutely perfect factory wheels shod with almost new Bridgestone RE760’s. The audio system has been updated with an Eclipse head unit & trunk mounted disc changer. It has 171,000 miles on it.

My “Daily Driver” is a 1992 with 211,000 miles. It is mechanically perfect, but cosmetically flawed. The body is perfectly straight. The pearl black paint is good on the vertical surfaces, but it’s horrible on the hood, roof, & trunk where the clear coat has turned frosty. There is also road rash on the front spoiler & lower wheel arches, and one of the headlight doors has a small crack. The interior (Gray) is in very good shape. It has 17” AMG wheels that are in OK condition, and it also has Bridgestone RE760 tires with about ¾ tread remaining. The suspension is lowered with stiffer springs (and possibly sway bars???) – this was done by the original owner, so I don’t know specifically which suspension kit was installed. It has some expensive (but older) audio upgrades, including an Alpine head unit, “Phoenix Gold” amplifier and discrete crossovers, MB Quart (or Rainbow? – I can’t remember) speakers, etc., etc. It is a GREAT “daily driver”.

They are both wonderful cars, and I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to hop into one tomorrow & drive 3,000 miles across the country. I don’t think I could say that about any of my other cars except for my 123 & 124 diesels. Unfortunately, I really need to sell some cars, so I’d like to see one of my babies go to a good home where she will be treated with the care & respect that only members of the 124.036 community will provide.

I’d love to hear your opinions on what you feel I should list them for, as I haven’t been keeping track of pricing during the last couple of years. I’d like to be realistic for a relatively quick sale. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[szvook]

Pics?

 

[Jelmer]

As Steve said: "pics"? And, possibly, VIN?

Posting pictures of your cars can give us an impression on what you consider a "9", which helps determining value of the rest of your message.

 

[KarlC]

Location ??

 

[gsxr]

My “Collector” car (the 1993) is cosmetically a “9”. The pearl black paint is excellent except for two very small spots near the trunk where the clear coat was hurt during a detailing. The (black) interior is in excellent condition except for the headliner, which is sagging. The car is all factory original & stock, including absolutely perfect factory wheels shod with almost new Bridgestone RE760’s. The audio system has been updated with an Eclipse head unit & trunk mounted disc changer. It has 171,000 miles on it.

My “Daily Driver” is a 1992 with 211,000 miles. It is mechanically perfect, but cosmetically flawed. The body is perfectly straight. The pearl black paint is good on the vertical surfaces, but it’s horrible on the hood, roof, & trunk where the clear coat has turned frosty. There is also road rash on the front spoiler & lower wheel arches, and one of the headlight doors has a small crack. The interior (Gray) is in very good shape. It has 17” AMG wheels that are in OK condition, and it also has Bridgestone RE760 tires with about ¾ tread remaining. The suspension is lowered with stiffer springs (and possibly sway bars???) – this was done by the original owner, so I don’t know specifically which suspension kit was installed. It has some expensive (but older) audio upgrades, including an Alpine head unit, “Phoenix Gold” amplifier and discrete crossovers, MB Quart (or Rainbow? – I can’t remember) speakers, etc., etc. It is a GREAT “daily driver”.

Welcome back, Glenn!! As a VERY VERY rough ballpark:

"Collector" car: I'd fix the headliner, and check into fixing the clearcoat. With those items taken care of, it should be near perfect, right? Probably an asking price in the mid-teens. I'd list it as upper teens if you weren't in a hurry to sell it.

“Daily Driver”: The cosmetics will hurt the price, ditto the odometer. Asking price likely $10-$12k as-is.


This assumes both are mechanically near flawless and basically need nothing. IIWY, I'd keep the collector car, and focus on selling the DD. Maybe do a full photo shoot of the DD and post it in the classifieds here on the forum.

 

[sheward]

I think Daves values based on your descriptions are spot on. Please post some pics and good luck with the sale!

drew

 

[runningtoohot]

Sorry for the delayed reply.

I’m recuperating from shoulder surgery, so it’s not possible for me to take photos of the 1992 (“daily driver”) right now.

However, I have photos from when I bought the 1993 (the “keeper”). The car is the same as it was when I purchased it, because I haven't put very much mileage on it over the years. I’ve kept it covered & in the garage to preserve it, but I do take it out for exercise on a regular basis. The photos show chrome wheels, but I put a set of perfect N.O.S. factory alloys on her after I bought it. The previous owner changed the badges to e500, and also put the later corner markers on the car. (?)

The VIN numbers:

1992: WDBEA36E3NB794588
1993: WDBEA36E7PB841155

The cars are located in Calabasas, California. (Los Angeles area)

Between needing to move, surgery, medical bills, family issues, etc. etc., I probably should sell both of them. I will keep your estimates of value in mind, but I also want to see if anyone here wants one. I will give a fellow 124.036 enthusiast a true blow-out deal. Seriously.

Thanks again for the help!

 

[runningtoohot]

2nd set of photos:

 

[runningtoohot]

3rd set of photos:

 

[runningtoohot]

4th set of photos:

 

[szvook]

Runningtoohot, very sorry to say, but your 1993 is far from a “9”, I would give it a "6" - and that's being optimistic judging from the pictures. Too many items that need attention. The interior is a bit worn, you have cracks in the wood (front and rear), front spoiler needs paint, the steering wheel is trashed, the back of the front seats are scuffed quite a bit, your trunk's frame inside needs paint, the driver door (inside) has too many scuffs and a long scratch on the handle, the storage console's leather is coming apart - all of these are only what I can see from the pictures without looking too hard.

I see my own car as a "8" out of "10" and I'm sorry to say I do not have any of the issues seen on your 1993. Given my 1992 only has 130K, it's my daily driver and my track car and I also take good care it...but your 1993 is a bit worn out to be a "9". I'm not even sure how to price it. What are you trying to get out of it?

 

[Jelmer]

Thanks for the pictures. Though every time I see a black/black car I yearn to get one, I still enjoy seeing them

I'll check out the pictures in detail tomorrow, but so far I agree with Steve: you've got some interior issues that will degrade it from a 9/10.

Also: nice hat you wore during shooting

 

[gsxr]

Yep, based on the photos, I'd put the '93 around a 7 out of 10. Headliner, console wood, console box, and bumper paint are the main items. Steering wheel has normal wear for the mileage and could be refinished without much trouble. But I don't see any major issues. With the price adjusted accordingly, I still think it would be a nice car, with all the mechanical work done. I'm bummed it isn't Garnet Red or I'd be flying down to Calabasas to work out a deal!

Glenn, you may want to list each car separately in the "Cars for Sale" forum, with a thread title indicating the year / color / mileage / price / etc. This will help people find them, and separate the discussion about "which should I keep", etc.

 

[runningtoohot]

Thanks for the input everyone.

I guess that everyone’s standards are different, so that’s where photos come into play. I guess I’ll never make it as a concours judge. For example, I met Steve a few years back, and (to me) his car is pristine.

My focus has always been on the mechanical integrity and fanatic maintenance of my cars, and quite frankly I don’t really care much about aesthetics at all. In fact, I kind of enjoy driving something that looks like a beat-up POS which then decimates much newer and “nicer” cars. It’s kind of fun messing with the ego of poseurs. That’s part of the fun of driving a 124.036.

I guess that if my ’93 is only a 6 or 7, that would make my ’92 a negative 4. (But at least they are both mechanically a 10.)

Anyways, thanks again for your input, and I’ll post both cars (individually) here and on Craigslist soon!

 

[Jelmer]

A refreshing look at things. Some people drive a shiny car with beautiful interior where the whole mechanical side is gone to hell ;-)

So you're going to sell both? I hope you won't regret it ...

 

[Jimbo]

Thanks for the input everyone.

I guess that everyone’s standards are different, so that’s where photos come into play. I guess I’ll never make it as a concours judge. For example, I met Steve a few years back, and (to me) his car is pristine.

My focus has always been on the mechanical integrity and fanatic maintenance of my cars, and quite frankly I don’t really care much about aesthetics at all. In fact, I kind of enjoy driving something that looks like a beat-up POS which then decimates much newer and “nicer” cars. It’s kind of fun messing with the ego of poseurs. That’s part of the fun of driving a 124.036.

I guess that if my ’93 is only a 6 or 7, that would make my ’92 a negative 4. (But at least they are both mechanically a 10.)

Anyways, thanks again for your input, and I’ll post both cars (individually) here and on Craigslist soon!

It's best not to rank your own car on a 1-10 scale....that's way too subjective. Calling it 'very good' or 'above average' is sufficient. A '9 out of 10' to most folks means it's 'near perfect'....which is hard to swallow on a 20+ year car that has been driven that kind of miles and has visible flaws in pictures.

Present the car as it is to buyers...do not try to fool people (not that I am saying you are) into thinking the car is better than it really is.

 

[drunkentrader]

For market value perspectives, here are some Manheim auto auction national transactions(wholesale dealer auction):

1992 model
[TABLE="width: 559"] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]04/07/11[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]ATLANTA[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$8,700[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]90,374[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]GRAY[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]07/26/12[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]CHICAGO[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$5,700[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]143,663[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]GREY[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]08/29/12[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]SF BAY[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$10,000[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]115,153[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]GRAY[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]10/09/12[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]RIVRSIDE[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$9,900[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]98,648[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]Gray[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8CY[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]
1993 models:
[TABLE="width: 559"] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]08/17/11[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]SF BAY[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$9,750[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]120,380[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]STUTTGAR[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

No transactions available for 94 or 95 E500's, but here is some E420 values for comparison:

1994 E420:
[TABLE="width: 559"] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]11/29/12[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]NORTHSTR[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$600[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]162,391[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]BLACK[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]Yes[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]11/29/12[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]CHICAGO[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$850[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]144,255[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]GOL[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]Yes[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]01/09/13[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]FT MYERS[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Lease[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$1,700[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]125,718[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]BLACK[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]Yes
[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]01/15/13[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]STATESVL[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$1,250[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]199,012[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]GOLD[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]Yes
[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]02/05/13[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]RIVRSIDE[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$900[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]166,175[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]GOLD[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]Yes[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #BDFEBE"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]02/27/13
[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]ATLANTA[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$2,200[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]235,188[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Above[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]GREY[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]Yes
[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]
1995 E420:
[TABLE="width: 559"] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]03/08/11[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]MTRO ATL[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$2,000[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]96,388[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]GRN[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]03/16/11[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]SEATTLE[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$4,150[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]133,870[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]GOLD[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]03/23/11[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]SF BAY[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$3,000[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]95,758[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]WHITE[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]03/29/11[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]BALTWASH[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$900[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]179,562[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]BLUE[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]03/31/11[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]LASVEGAS[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$3,500[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]96,944[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]GREEN[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]04/05/11[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]COLORADO[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$1,400[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]132,089[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]SILVER[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]05/04/11[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]CALIFORN[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$1,150[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]173,441[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]WHITE[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]05/18/11[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]CALIFORN[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$1,350[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]173,788[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]WHITE[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]06/14/11[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]STATESVL[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$1,700[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]148,096[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]BLACK[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]06/21/11[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]BALTWASH[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$1,350[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]126,389[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]DK BLUE[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]07/14/11[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]RIVRSIDE[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$4,400[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]74,153[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]RED[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]07/19/11[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]ATLANTA[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$1,550[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]162,267[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]BLACK[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]10/26/11[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]SF BAY[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$2,600[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]109,237[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]BLACK[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]01/24/12[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]NYMETSKY[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$650[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]170,290[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]BLACK[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]03/28/12[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]SF BAY[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Lease[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$3,250[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]153,417[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]BRI SIL[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]04/03/12[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]BALTWASH[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$1,950[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]160,006[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]SILVER[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]04/25/12[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]ATLANTA[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$3,100[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]141,772[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]S SILVER[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]05/08/12[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]NYMETSKY[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$1,500[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]121,613[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]GREEN[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]05/09/12[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]SF BAY[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$1,550[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]141,080[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]SILVER[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]05/10/12[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]FRDKBURG[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$1,450[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]152,430[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]BLACK[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]
[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]05/15/12[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]BALTWASH[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$900[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]169,254[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]BLUE[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]07/17/12[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]BALTWASH[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$1,000[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]169,261[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]DK BLUE[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]07/26/12[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]FRDKBURG[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$1,400[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]169,376[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]GREEN[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]
[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]08/07/12[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]ATLANTA[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$1,500[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]134,767[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]GREEN[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]10/17/12[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]SF BAY[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$2,000[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]129,721[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]GREY[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]10/24/12[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]CEN FLA[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$2,500[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]93,000[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]White[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8CY[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]11/21/12[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]DTNA BCH[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$1,050[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]231,999[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]BLACK[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]02/21/13[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 75px"]CENT CAL[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 60px"]Regular[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 47px"]$600[/TD] [TD="class: textRight, width: 55px"]133,799[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 41px"]Avg[/TD] [TD="class: text, width: 55px"]BLACK[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 29px"]8G[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 30px"]A[/TD] [TD="class: textCenter, width: 59px"]No[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

 

[drunkentrader]

^obviously, these cars have a very wide range of "price discovery".. Seeing as you can confidently advertise the car(s) as a "10" mechanically, id say that puts your 200k car at a price floor of $6k, and $9-10k for the 93.. with a respective ceiling of 8k and 15k, whatever comes in between is a matter of demand.. and timing.. and a tiny bit of salesmanship, good advertising, etc, etc. You will get a much more focused buyer(someone who will invest his time to pay you a visit to check out the car) as a result of the confidence you give a buyer with your diligent history of maintenance on the car.. This factor alone creates demand and value for your car. Ya'see - Value is sometimes more philosophical and systematic than it is subjective or speculative!

personally, i find the $6-9k original paint and body, squeaky clean black interior, sub 160k miles with a stack of records examples to be the most enticing relative to what a "dollar" buys you in a market full of great used specialty cars.. Luckily, here in SOCAL these cars are available every season if you look hard enough.. I'll take mine with a sagging headliner, scuffed bumpers, some original suspension parts in need of refitment(cos i like these parts BRAND NEW anyways), inoperative AC(love this instant $1000 deduct on old german car buys!), so long as the body, paint and interior are original and well preserved..

i can think of a dozen or so "specialty cars"(and sportsbikes for that matter) that have the same "price discovery" and are of the same vintage.. many of which i have already owned in the past.. it basically tells you that there is still a strong interest in these cars, with thin availability that has been favoring the sellers for quite some time(including those that are obviously "trolling" for a homerun sale while listing their cars for absurd premiums).... ONe thing is for sure, this same "dozen" or so cars have reached a value level that probably wont depreciate further.. meanwhile, "newer" specialty cars are depreciating and competing for my interests... Modern Specialty car Deprecation meets Classic specialty car Appreciation in a very interesting Value Arbitrage for car enthusiasts..

 

[runningtoohot]

I just came back to this thread today, and I want to thank everyone – I really appreciate all the helpful the feedback.

I’ve sold two other cars, and now I’m finally biting the bullet and putting the 500’s up for sale. I’m going to start with posting my ’92 daily driver - and then I’ll get the ’93 shined up for pictures next week. I’ll probably let go of whichever sells first, and keep the other one.

The ’93 is SO much nicer to drive in regards to comfort, so it’s my pick for cruising. The ’92 has a suspension kit on it and 17” wheels, so it’s a much stiffer ride, which is great fun in the canyons. I’m going to regret selling either one of them.

I’m kind of smiling & cracking up thinking about what the concours judges will think of my “-4” condition daily driver…

 

[sheward]

I was in a similar position a couple years ago when i chose to sell one of two 500Es. It wasn't easy for me either but you'll still have one! It sounds like someone is going to get a nice car which ever one you sell. These are truely rewarding cars to own.

Keep us posted.

drew

 

[runningtoohot]

I uploaded pictures of my '92 this morning, and I'll post the ad tomorrow here & on Craigslist.

Link: http://imgur.com/a/1xkqH

So.... Let the concours judging begin!

I’ll start the nit-picking with…

The Bad:
Clear coat is bad on hood, roof, & trunk
Road rash everywhere
Cracked headlight door
Some parking lot scratches & dings
Wheels have scratches
Steering wheel needs some black shoe polish
Wood on center console isn’t perfect
Driver’s seat need to be cleaned
Nasty factory phone mount
Non-stock door inserts
Peeling drivers side door pocket vinyl

I’m sure that’s just the tip of the iceberg. However, in my (addled) mind, all that weenie aesthetic stuff is offset by…

The Good:

#1) All mechanical systems fanatically maintained. This car runs & drives like a maniacal scalded cat on meth – as a proper 124.036 should.

#2) (and most importantly) It can actually be ENJOYED, i.e., it can be driven (and left in a parking lot) without having an anxiety attack about what could happen to it.

Said in a effeminate, wimpy testosterone deprived voice: Oh my! A puddle! Slow down or I might get my car dirty! - - - Oh my goodness, a pebble just flew up and chipped my rocker panel! - - - Ooooo! A bird just pooped on my car! The acid is going to stain my paint! - - - OMG – a shopping cart is near my car!!!!

Ahhhhhh…. the unmitigated joys of a “beater” 500e…. Take no prisoners; ask no questions, fear nothing, just DRIVE!


P.S.
Before you guys take me too seriously, I DO have concerns about driving my other 500e because she’s so shiny & pretty. (Even if you think she’s not….)

 

[Trae]

I would think someone on this forum may be interested in your 500s.
Looks and sounds like they are in good condition.
+1 on the drivability factor. I use the 93' as a daily driver and keep the miles off the 92' Renntech.
I know Drew misses being able to drive his anywhere at any time, as he possesses one of those "perfect" 500s.

 

[sheward]

I know Drew misses being able to drive his anywhere at any time, as he possesses one of those "perfect" 500s.

It's not perfect. I agree, Trae, there is another level of enjoyment in using these cars as daily drivers for those that can. I try not to worry about it too much and in fact the car has been to Texas once and Michigan twice.
Maybe it's my computer but those pictures were taking a long time to upload.

drew

 

[runningtoohot]

Trae: We’re mirrored opposites – I drive the ’92 and store my ’93. (but I don’t have a Renntech! )

Per Drew:
"there is another level of enjoyment in using these cars as daily drivers for those that can."

Yes indeed! Another level of enjoyment altogether.

In fact, I still haven’t posted my ’92 yet. I can’t seem to pull the trigger. I’m really leaning towards keeping it and selling the ’93 instead. I’ll get more money in my pocket by selling the trailer queen, and still have a 500e to actually *enjoy*.

 

[runningtoohot]

Alright, I (metaphorically speaking) twisted my own arm and posted my '92 for sale on Craigslist.

I'll go get the '93 spit-shined, and post it later this week.

Here's the link: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/3686771609.html

 

[gsxr]

Update: The 1993 has sold. New owner posted a thread here.

 

[ivanned]

Dave you mentioned refinishing the steering wheel in a post. Could the original shiny/glossy look be maintained? Is there a place that does a good job with these?

 

[gsxr]

That is a good question. I really do not know... I would check with places that specialize in leather refinishing, particularly steering wheel repair. Maybe someone else can recommend a place?

 

[8899]

I haven't used these guys, but someone on this board recommended them:

http://www.aglausa.com/p/home.html

 

[JordiC]

I haven't used these guys, but someone on this board recommended them:

http://www.aglausa.com/p/home.html

Yes, he has done a number of MB wheels on various forums. I spoke to him a few months ago, inquiring about my own wheel, and he was very pleasant and informative.