Owner - darek_u

[darek_u]

Long time lurker but it's finally time to introduce myself as I recently become an owner of 500E. Long story short I'm coming from Porsche world but, as time passes by, I started to think about something more comfortable and easy to drive... Sooo I decided to acquire best of both world - Porsche assembled Merc It's 1992 500E, Euro spec, 270 kkm on the clock but in really good condition. Previous owner added some aftermarked goodies as you can see on the pics but I'm going back stock. These wheels are beautiful but ride quality is horrible, especially that car has also H&R springs and it sits as low as my Turbo. Also the performance exhaust is going to be replaced with something more quiet (stock again). It is top shelf quality made by one of the best sport exhaust makers in Poland but it just doesn't fit this type of the car...
So far I just did some basic and quick fixes like leaky cam magnets, some minor electrical issues with radio and lights and just enjoy the ride! Well, in fact my wife does as I'm away now. Anyway, here are some pics made by PO for me just before purchase.

 

[gsxr]

 

[wf758]

Nice! Love that interior.


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[Rouven036]

Ah what a beauty, with the nice "sportkaro" "teilleder" seats! Photos of this very car gave me the final push to go back to pre face lift look.
Are there more info about the wheels? Original le mans, size etc? Like them...

 

[500AMM]

Congrats with your new ride!

That Karo interior looks fantastic!

I would have kept both the wheels and exhaust, but that's just me.

Good luck and keep it in good shape!

 

[kubasz]

Super nice one. Congratulations

Ps i did upper wiring harness for this car long time ago ️

 

[darek_u]

Thank you guys for your kind words! The interior is indeed nice however when looking closer it shows its age, I don't mean there are breaks, rips or tears, it just needs deep cleaning and refreshing. That's the plan for this coming winter - full interior refresh, including front seats rebuild and de-junking electrical installation from all the "mods" and doubtful upgrades POs did. Frankly speaking I didn't like the combination of fabric and leather, I preferred the full leather option as it fits Benz better in my opinion but now I love it. It's rare as well.
Wheels - these are beautiful original BBS Le Mans, 19x11" rear and 19x9" front but mated with H&R springs make ride quite rough. On top of that I need to be super careful on bumps and any holes in the road. I already have set of 17" Izar Evo II rims. Stock uber alles!
Kuba your post would explain why the sticker on the harness looked quite weird, just 2014 date, not Delphi numbers etc. Now I know! I hope this particular one was one of your best jobs

 

[kubasz]

Dont worry i always pay special attention to 500E harnesses bc its a special model for me.

 

[KoLoS]

Hello Darek it's nice to see next person from Poland
Nice car, interior looks very nice and its rare.

BTW
I heard a lot of good opinions about Kamylek and his work.

 

[jnes]

Hello Darek! And welcome to forum.

Very nice car! Interior is awesome! I have also think that maybe I should go back to pre-facelift look, your car looks so clean..

What ET are BBS wheels? Do you have spacers on them? If you decide to sell BBS, I might be intrested.

 

[J-Sauce]

Beautiful car! Yes, the interior is awesome in its uniqueness. I showed it to the woman and she asked "Is he going on a picnic?"

Women just dont understand!

 

[darek_u]

Women just dont understand!

Well said, I can't agree more...

I heard a lot of good opinions about Kamylek and his work.

Thanks for your input, I made up my mind pretty much to send my car to his shop, I just need to discuss the dates etc.

What ET are BBS wheels? Do you have spacers on them? If you decide to sell BBS, I might be intrested.

Honestly I don't know the ET. It should be given on BBS web page? They are still on the car so I can't read it off the rim. I think PO mentioned spacers on rear axle but I don't know the thickness of them. I didn't pay too much attention to them as I was planning on selling them anyway. So yes, they are for sale. Oh and the center hole is 70mm with reducing ring fitted so they can be basically used on any MB, Audi or BMW.

 

[sheward]

BMW uses a different wheel bolt pattern. 5x114 and 5x120.

Your 036 is quite nice. I also like the interior. Incidentally, I also owned a 944t at one time. Great driving car.

 

[jnes]

There are so many BBS LM's versions available since they first were available. If the wheels are almost new then ET can be seen on website. As far as I know 11" wide LM's are not available anymore at bolt pattern size 5x112

Is the bolt pattern 5x112?

Can you post pictures when you take them off the car?

Regards
Joonas

 

[darek_u]

BMW uses a different wheel bolt pattern. 5x114 and 5x120.

Oh, I didn't realize that... My bad.
Re: wheels. These are 5x112mm bolt pattern. 70mm center hole with reduction to match MB size (66mm?). As far as I know straight and true, no previous damages (to be confirmed when removed). Cosmetically they are perfect - last year refurbished by Authentic Cars (http://www.authenticcars.pl/), top wheels specialists in PL, they have customers from all over the EU. I will post pics when removed along with info about ET, spacer size etc. but it won't happen before 5th of June due to other commitments. Stay tuned...

 

[darek_u]

Today I refilled the tank for the first time after regular everyday drive - in my case it's 70% of urban/30% suburban driving. I was more than happy to see that the average consumption is 15.1 l/100km - I was expecting more like 18-19 l/100km. I also changed wheels to EVO II and adjusted ride height close to stock - pictures to follow soon.

 

[RicardoD]

Love the interior on your car. I also came into my E500 after spending a while daily driving my 1991 Carrera 2. Was looking for something a bit more comfortable and absolutely love my E500. It actually has grown on me since the first purchase as its such a great all around car for me. The group here is incredible and will help you maintain and get the most out of your 500E.

 

[500AMM]

Today I refilled the tank for the first time after regular everyday drive - in my case it's 70% of urban/30% suburban driving. I was more than happy to see that the average consumption is 15.1 l/100km - I was expecting more like 18-19 l/100km. I also changed wheels to EVO II and adjusted ride height close to stock - pictures to follow soon.

That is pretty close to the consumption on mye '94, although it's minor different engine specs on post- and pre-facelift models. On a long drive with 2+2 and stuffed luggage boot, mostly steady driving with some passings now and then, I was even down to 1,12 L/100km.

 

[gerryvz]

I was even down to 1,12 L/100km.

Wow! That has to be world-record fuel consumption, especially for a V-8 engine. Tell us how you got that number? Were you outside the car and pushing it along the roadway?

 

[Benz]

What a great car I love that interior ! Welcome to the club and enjoy these cars a excellent all around .


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[darek_u]

Here is the family picture New wheels already in place.

 

[jnes]

Did you remember to took some fotos from BBS's? Or have you already sold ithe wheels?

 

[darek_u]

Yes I have the photos. Give me few days - I'm on holiday now, I'll post them next week. They are still for sale as my local buyer bought some other BBS wheels in the mean time.
BTW they are 9.5 and 11", not 9" like I said before.

 

[darek_u]

OK, here are the pictures, as promised. Wheels are straight and true, in very good condition - fronts are spotless with a very few minor imperfections on the edge of the lip - I don't know if you can see them on the pictures. ETs are as follow: front 9.5" ET 32, rear 1" ET 40. They come with aluminum spacers front 20mm, rear 5mm. Center hole diameter 82mm, bolt pattern 5x112 obviously. Spacers reduce center hole to fit MB standard. They also come with set of bolts (cone shaped opposed to factory ball shaped). Like I stated earlier these were refurbished by Authentic Cars in Poland a year and a half ago, one of the best wheel specialist I know.
I have few more photos if anybody is interested in.

 

[jnes]

PM sent.

 

[darek_u]

I thought I'll post a quick update. Car has done maybe 1000 km since my last post and I really love the way it drives and handles. Completely different to my Porsche. Anyway, more I drive more and more flaws I pick up... Suspension, especially rear, needs attention. I'm not 100% sure but Nivo will need some overhaul as well, at least hydraulic reservoirs in the trunk - besides obvious loose bushings rear feels stiff. I believe it means the reservoirs are shot? The plan is to deliver the car to the reputable shop in September and do the following:
- pull the engine and replace timing chain, refresh heads, replace gaskets and seals all around while in there
- rebuild all pumps, AC compressor, starter, alternator etc.
- drop down the WHOLE suspension, rebuild/replace worn out parts, media blast the bottom of the car, address any rust issues and protect it with fresh coating
This should address most of the issues car has and provide stress and trouble free 20 years of use... At least I hope so.

 

[gsxr]

Failed rear nitrogen cells/spheres results in a rock-hard ride, often with the rear ride height above normal. If all the suspension parts are 25 years old, replacing all or most of it is not a bad idea.

 

[darek_u]

I've already addressed some issues that were relatively easy to fix and not time consuming:
- fixed the stock audio, now I have radio in car! Still battling with CD changer but I'll make it working, it's just a matter of time
- rebuild from the scratch the antenna and radio installation - PO (or rather his electrician) butchered it to the extent that there was no point to repair, better start from the scratch. In fact I repaired butchered wires in many places - lights, under the fuse box, blinkers etc. etc. I would chop off this fellows hands for doing all this damage if I only could...
- fixed annoying erratic fuel reading below 50% of tank capacity
- refreshed the interior a bit but this will be bigger project - pull the whole interior out, clean, refresh, rebuild seats etc. I leave it for the winter or next year.
- fixed leaking sprinkler system, power steering, cam magnets, trunk gasket and tons of other small stuff that brings the car closer to stock and 100% operational condition.

What was really annoying was an erratic idle after the car warmed up. It used to go away after 30 mins of driving - idle was smooth again. It was most noticeable when car sat for a few days in a garage. Knowing that PO replaced the usual suspects (wires, spark plugs, caps and rotors) less than 10 kkm ago I suspected some moisture inside the caps. I was right! The inside of the covers was covered with small droplets of water. Cleaned everything thoroughly and repainted the covers with clear lacquer. I also did a little mod to the caps themselves - I hope it will help with air circulation. So far so good - idle is smooth all the time.

 

[darek_u]

I wouldn't call it rock-hard ride but definitely hard. It is most noticeable when driving through bumps - front passes nice but rear bumps like a ball. I guess it is just age that takes it's toll on all of the components.

 

[darek_u]

Time for a quick update. Car has been away for over 2 months now in a trusted shop. Engine is out and pretty much stripped down. What was found so far:

All bearings for auxiliary equipment shot - alternator, vacuum pump, AC, water pump, tandem pump
Water pump on it's last legs, thermostat faulty
Engine mounts disintegrated
Lower harness disintegrated
Now the best part - cam chain had 10 degrees stretch.

Yes, TEN degrees and car was still running fine despite this and all other faults mentioned above. It's incredible how durable and bulletproof these cars are... Anyway, everything will be fixed and bring back to the shiny condition. Heads are already being refreshed, so is auxiliary equipment. Each gasket and other sealing material will be replaced with new one. Luckily gearbox is in pretty good condition - it turned out that it was replaced with new one some time ago down the road by German dealership, it's relatively new. It still needs refreshing and adjusting though.

In the mean time I'm looking for a set of good aluminum oiler tubes, mine are plastic and mechanic strongly recommends replacing them with metal ones. If you have one - shoot me a PM please.
The other thing I'm looking for now is a set of Lemforder engine mounts. I'm not going with MB OE due to price, I was told that Lem is as good as OE. The best offer I found so far is approx. $325 delivered to my door - bear in mind shipping to Poland. If any of you folks from Europe know a better deal - let me know please, I'll really appreciate.

Here are few shots from the workshop:

 

[gsxr]

Now the best part - cam chain had 10 degrees stretch. ... Yes, TEN degrees and car was still running fine despite this and all other faults mentioned above. It's incredible how durable and bulletproof these cars are...

If the chain rails at the inside of the heads, below the intake sprockets, were broken... that is probably part of the reason it was measuring so much stretch. With new chain rails, the old chain may measure quite a bit less total stretch. However since you're already doing a lot of other major work, rolling in a new chain is the easy part!

 

[darek_u]

My mechanic never mentioned any plastic parts inside the oil pan but it's possible they were there. Anyway, all rails will be replaced along with the chain.

 

[darek_u]

Snatched a set of oiler tubes from eBay for $160. In fact I paid only $136 delivered to my friend's door in SC as I used eBay promo code. I consider it a good deal
I'm still searching for the best deal with Lemforder engine mounts.

 

[gsxr]

I'm still searching for the best deal with Lemforder engine mounts.

If you find any, let us know... last I checked, the Lemforder V8 engine mounts were NLA from pretty much every vendor.

 

[darek_u]

Hmmm, how about this offer https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-W124-R129-400E-E420-500E-E500-OEM-LEMFOERDER-Front-Engine-Mount-NEW/352093343041?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Not sure if I can post links to commercial offers but I have no affiliation with the seller. It says Lemforder in the description, not sure how true it is.
I found something else while digging through internet - Rein Automotive mounts. Rein has a great opinion in Porsche world, they do very good quality hydraulic engine mounts for 944 and 911, I think at some stage Rein was an OE supplier for Porsche. How about MB mounts? Are they decent or junk? Any experience?

 

[gsxr]

Rein is a reboxer, same as Febi... might be OEM in the box, might be Chinese junk. No way to tell until you buy them.

I tried Corteco a couple years ago and they were (IMO) junk... photos here.

 

[bb1]

Buy the „Febi Bilstein“ ones... lemfoerder Inside!

 

[darek_u]

OK, thank you for the info, I'll stay away from Rein. What do you think about this Lemforder offer from ebay? Quality or junk? It's really hard to say for me, description looks ok but I have no experience with buying Lemforder parts... It would have to be trial and error in my case...

 

[darek_u]

Buy the „Febi Bilstein“ ones... lemfoerder Inside!

Hmmm, everybody says Febi has a questionable quality... If Febi is a reboxer I may as well find Made in China junk unless there is a confirmed supplier who sells Febi with Lemforder mounds inside the box???

 

[gsxr]

What do you think about this Lemforder offer from ebay? Quality or junk? It's really hard to say for me, description looks ok but I have no experience with buying Lemforder parts...

Lemforder had always been good stuff, but in the last year or two they have been moving production to different countries (Turkey, Brazil, some China, etc). There's not any feedback yet on the 'new' stuff to determine if there was any reduction in quality or not. For the moment, I generally still trust Lemforder, especially for any of their parts which are still made in Germany.

For the eBay seller, assuming they are genuine Lemforder parts, they should be reboxed OEM Boge mounts. It seems the Lemforder M119 mounts are sold out everywhere else and this particular vendor happens to have a few left. Only one way to find out...

 

[Trae]

Have a set of Corteco accumulators in the trunk of the Jonomobile that I am about to install.
The price was right compared to OE.

Let you know what I find.

 

[gsxr]

Have a set of Corteco accumulators in the trunk of the Jonomobile that I am about to install.
The price was right compared to OE. Let you know what I find.

I believe Corteco is OEM for the accumulators / spheres, those should be fine. Corteco is also the OEM for some W210 engine mounts. But for the M119 mounts, nope. IMO, Corteco is also on the "crapshoot" list.

It's getting harder and harder to buy known-OEM aftermarket parts to save a few bucks. *sigh*

 

[darek_u]

For the eBay seller, assuming they are genuine Lemforder parts, they should be reboxed OEM Boge mounts. It seems the Lemforder M119 mounts are sold out everywhere else and this particular vendor happens to have a few left. Only one way to find out...

I just attempted to buy these - but now seller doesn't offer international shipping... He did offer it few days back when I spotted this listing for the first time. Well, if you see good deal don't think too much - very true!

 

[gsxr]

I just attempted to buy these - but now seller doesn't offer international shipping... He did offer it few days back when I spotted this listing for the first time. Well, if you see good deal don't think too much - very true!

D'oh!

I'd message the seller and ask if he would ship to Poland. These are not particularly heavy at ~10 lbs for the pair, but shipping could be ~$100 USD for two of 'em.

 

[darek_u]

I've already sent him an email. Shipping was $110 incl. import duties and taxes, not supercheap but acceptable.

 

[darek_u]

I got a response from the seller today. Apparently eBay is having some problems with Global Shipping Program and a lot more items and vendors are affected - seller can see on his end that worldwide shipping is available but buyer cannot... They are working on it. I keep my fingers crossed.
In the mean time I've been looking for other options. If I put aside obvious junk like Topran, URO, questionable Febi - I have only SWAG option left. It is priced pretty much the same as Lemforder but widely available in Europe. Does anybody have any experience with SWAG hydro mounts p/n 10 13 0041? This would be very convenient solution but I'm not sure about quality.

 

[captruff]

I got a response from the seller today. Apparently eBay is having some problems with Global Shipping Program and a lot more items and vendors are affected - seller can see on his end that worldwide shipping is available but buyer cannot... They are working on it. I keep my fingers crossed.
In the mean time I've been looking for other options. If I put aside obvious junk like Topran, URO, questionable Febi - I have only SWAG option left. It is priced pretty much the same as Lemforder but widely available in Europe. Does anybody have any experience with SWAG hydro mounts p/n 10 13 0041? This would be very convenient solution but I'm not sure about quality.

+1 As a seller here in the US a buyer in the Netherlands was not able to use the Buy it Now price. I was able to revise the item as a best offer format for which my buyer tendered an offer and I accepted, but there still looks to be an issue with the invoicing of the invoice.

Jeff

 

[darek_u]

I have some time now so decided to do a quick update. Engine is still out however it should slowly start coming back together. New timing chain along with associated parts, heads rebuild, injectors professionally cleaned, orings and pintle caps replaced, all aux equipment bearings replaced, alternator and starter rebuild. Block should be soda blasted, all detachable aluminum parts bead blasted, pulleys and dipstick pipes sand blasted and powder coated. A LOT is going on... I keep my fingers crossed for the final effect. In the mean time I did some minor work myself - rebuild lower harness along with knock sensors harness:



Refreshed exhaust headers. I'm really pleased with the final product:



Those were sand blasted and painted with high temp paint. It was a b*** to do it properly, the paint was more like water and I had to spray them more than 10 times... It seems to be some kind of "powder coating in spray" (I know it sounds ridiculous) - after baking in oven in 160 deg. it turned rock hard, just like powder coat. We will see how it keeps up with heat.
I also zinc coated most of the engine hardware and small parts, I'm really pleased how they turned out. Pictures may not justify but zinc is really bright and yellow, not green, red and such like it happens sometimes. It took some time to fully disassembly everything and then put back together but I believe it was worth of. Some examples of before and after shots:

 

[gsxr]

That appears to be a custom modified knock sensor harness... did you change the ends to the .98x style with replaceable sensors??



View attachment 73381

 

[darek_u]

did you change the ends to the .98x style with replaceable sensors??

Yes I did. New JPTII plugs and Bosch 0261231045 knock sensors. In fact I used VW part, I trust more few years old VW knock sensors rather than "BOSCH Germany" sensors purchased off the web. Original sensors were all cracked and trashed.