OWNER - Maui

[Maui]

I purchased the car through this forum. The car passed Oregon smog test with flying colors and she is now registered to me.

I bought this car sight unseen other than pictures on this forum (admin edit: click here), pics and video from the seller and local inspection of the car.

My first impressions are that the condition matches the seller's descriptions and conversation we had about the car. The car looks very good for a 20 year old car with 123,000 miles. I have to admit I have never owned a car with that many miles. The car was owned by the seller's father and based on the condition and all the paperwork that came with the car pride of ownership abounds. Tons of paperwork including all the original books, manuals, bill of sale, multiple 500E articles, maintenance records, maintenance notations in the maintenance booklet, printed ads from when the car was originally sought out and a few letters between the owner and the MBUSA club. The car also has a blue ribbon from MBUSA from a concourse event in 2011. I don't put much in the ribbon, but nice none the less.

The car is far from perfect with dirt and grime and few paint imperfections. I found nothing that I was not expecting and overall the car is in better condition than I expected.

Everything works on the car. I've tested all the knobs, buttons, etc and everything works as it should. The motor purrs quietly and the car shifts very nicely. I have been surprised at how quickly and effortlessly the car speeds up. It is so quiet and smooth that I don't even realize how fast I'm going. I've got to watch that. The oil pressure appears to be right where it should be at idle, accelerating and driving. The driving temp is perfect. No idiot lights. It is missing the tool it and first aid kit. Not that I need them, but I want them.

I purchased this model because it is unique and I wanted something I would not be afraid to drive. I have a 2003 SL500 with 37,000 miles on it. I have been reluctant to pile miles on the SL, so the 500E will provide my Merc fix without aging my SL. One thing I love about this model is that most people don't even know what it is. Unless you are an aficionado you just think it's a '90's Merc. I absolutely love my SL, but people think it's a $100,000 car (which was close when new), but now it is what I consider an affordable, fun to drive car.

I will make this site a daily place to learn and converse with more experienced owners than me.

My first question is about the adjustable steering wheel. I see that it extends and retracts, but does it tilt? I've noticed that I can't see the top of the gauges while driving. I have to duck a to see the top of the speedo under the top of the steering wheel.

Upgrades since ownership:

Installed AMG wheels and Conti DWS tires (Sept. '13)
Installed Euro headlights with Osram bulbs (Sept. '13)
Installed late model LCA's (Oct '13)
Oil Change (Oct '13)
Transmission fluid change (Oct '13)
Trans cooler line (Oct. '13)
Rearend fluid change (Oct '13)
Replaced all fuses (Nov. '13)
Replaced factory first aid and tool kit (Nov. 13)
Replaced front seat cushions and driver's back cushion (Dec. '13)
Installed '92 LH Module (Nov. '13)
Replaced upper engine harness (Jan. '14)
Oil and filter change Motul 5-40w (Jan. '14)
Installed Silver Arrow brake kit (Feb. '14)
Installed new window switches and mirror switch (Feb. 14)
Four wheel alignment at the Mercedes dealer (Feb. 14)
Replaced distributor caps and rotors (Mar. '14)
Detailed at MB (April '14)
Oil and filter change Motul 5-40w (July '16) Mileage 72,241

 

[8899]

Re: My 1993 500E

My first question is about the adjustable steering wheel. I see that it extends and retracts, but does it tilt? I've noticed that I can't see the top of the gauges while driving. I have to crutch a little to see the top of the speedo under the top of the steering wheel.

It does not tilt. See this thread and scroll down:

http://www.500eboard.com/forums/sho...dislike-about-your-124-036&highlight=Dislikes

 

[gsxr]

Re: My 1993 500E

My first question is about the adjustable steering wheel. I see that it extends and retracts, but does it tilt? I've noticed that I can't see the top of the gauges while driving. I have to crutch a little to see the top of the speedo under the top of the steering wheel.

Congrats! Car sounds very nice. Sorry, no tilt function. Visibility of the top of the speedo is a known issue - not much can be done about it. Tilt didn't show up on the E-class until the W210 chassis.

 

[Maui]

Re: My 1993 500E

Germans must have been shorter in 1993.

 

[szvook]

Re: My 1993 500E

Germans must have been shorter in 1993.

 

[Maui]

As I was going through all the paperwork today I came across a list of apparent upgrades with dates that the PO had completed. I noticed First gear start on the list. While driving around I am noting three distinct gear changes. The first gear change occurs at about 10-12 mph. I have no experience with these cars, so I don't know when I should notice gear changes. Definitely feel three gear changes.

 

[gsxr]

As I was going through all the paperwork today I came across a list of apparent upgrades with dates that the PO had completed. I noticed First gear start on the list. While driving around I am noting three distinct gear changes. The first gear change occurs at about 10-12 mph. I have no experience with these cars, so I don't know when I should notice gear changes. Definitely feel three gear changes.

Yep, sounds like you have FGS of some sort. Stock trannies start in 2nd and you'd only feel two upshifts at light throttle.

 

[bing]

Congratulations!! Is this the first time you've driven a 500E ? Surprisingly quick ,ha? Especially between 60 - 120mph, and quite raw by Merc standards in that era and todays (aside from AMG variants)

 

[KarlC]

Maui, no need to apologize, we all enjoy good car stories.

Here is one that you may enjoy if you have not seen it yet ...... http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?990-My-first-test-drive-ever-in-a-500E

 

[Maui]

Maui, no need to apologize, we all enjoy good car stories.

Here is one that you may enjoy if you have not seen it yet ...... http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?990-My-first-test-drive-ever-in-a-500E

That is a great story, thanks for directing me to it.

 

[Maui]

Congratulations!! Is this the first time you've driven a 500E ? Surprisingly quick ,ha? Especially between 60 - 120mph, and quite raw by Merc standards in that era and todays (aside from AMG variants)

I haven't pushed it yet. Pretty much babying it until I feel comfortable romping on it. My first impressions were that my 2003 SL500 was quicker and felt more torque. The SL feels a little more raw than the 500E and more like a slingshot than the E. The E feels more like a gentleman's car.

 

[bing]

I haven't pushed it yet.

Then you need to! Full WOT of the mark (in a straight line if you're not comfy) and you'll soon realise and appreciate it even more.

 

[Maui]

The more I drive the car the more I understand the affection its owner's have and appreciate even more. It is a really nice cruiser, quiet and likes to get up and go. I'm looking for reasons to drive it. Generally when my wife needs something like a carton of milk or whatever I have to admit I am not the first to volunteer. Now I jump at the opportunity just to drive it a few blocks. I love this car! I never drive my SL in the rain but this one I'm right out the door then when I return I spend the next 10 minutes drying if off and admiring the beautiful looks and stance. I don't want to leave my shop!

 

[Maui]

New shoes for my 500E. AMG II's with new Continental Extreme Contact DWS 18's. 275/35/18 rear and 245/40/18 front. I love the look and the tires are extremely quiet. The way this car should have come from the factory. Thanks to 2phast for sourcing the wheels. Sorry for the crapy photo quality. I almost hate to admit it, but I think this car is more fun to drive than my SL......

 

[ClassicCarsAllDay]

Looking good! I am interested in how the Conti's hold up.

 

[Maui]

Looking good! I am interested in how the Conti's hold up.

Not a daily driver, but I'll certainly post any issues I have them.

 

[2phast]

Damn sexing looking ;-)

 

[szvook]

I almost hate to admit it, but I think this car is more fun to drive than my SL......

Yep, that's pretty much the impact these "flared bricks" have, once you get behind the wheel of one for longer than a test drive and it doesn't take long before all you want to do is drive the damn thing. I still remember when I drove my newly purchased 500E to my service mechanic and him telling me "Once you drive these cars, you will not want to drive anything else".

Have you taken it up to 80mph and floored it?

Disclaimer - I'm not advocating speeding...just saying.

 

[Maui]

Yep, that's pretty much the impact these "flared bricks" have, once you get behind the wheel of one for longer than a test drive and it doesn't take long before all you want to do is drive the damn thing. I still remember when I drove my newly purchased 500E to my service mechanic and him telling me "Once you drive these cars, you will not want to drive anything else".

Have you taken it up to 80mph and floored it?

Disclaimer - I'm not advocating speeding...just saying.

I am addicted. Have not hit 80 yet but pretty close. These new tires are really, really nice. There's pretty good stretch of I-205 where they used a large aggregate in asphalt and it is usually noisier than hell. I could hardly hear it the new Conti's. I feel like a kid again...I just want to drive this car! I can see why there are so many with high mileage. It's addictive. The local MB club is doing a winery tour next weekend and I can't wait just to take it on a nice cruise in country.

 

[gerryvz]

Have not hit 80 yet but pretty close.

Wait until you hit 135-140 on the freeway...I was forced to do this back in May in Alabama, following Jono driving his Hammerwagen that was loaded with four big dudes.

 

[Maui]

Wait until you hit 135-140 on the freeway...I was forced to do this back in May in Alabama, following Jono driving his Hammerwagen that was loaded with four big dudes.

You go straight to jail for that here in Orygone. I do a lot of work in The Dalles so I cruise I-84 about once a week. There are a few spots out in the Columbia gorge where you can see for miles. Good place to open it up, but I have yet to drive the 500E out there. I have this problem, it's called a company vehicle.

 

[gerryvz]

When I first installed my nitrous system, I used to take it for late-night high-speed test runs on Highway 14, on the Washington side of the river. Too much chance of getting busted on the Oregon side of the river, and there was an "automatic jail + impound vehicle" rule in Oregon for getting caught going 100 MPH or above. Washington didn't have that rule, at least at that time.

I used to firmly attach my fuel pressure gauge to the windshield to test reserve fuel pressure, to see whether I had enough to up the NOS shot from a 100HP shot to a 125HP shot. While I did have the reserve pressure to do this (not all 500Es do), and I purchased the nozzle, I never updated the system. I did install a bit of rice-bling to the NOS system for PIR race nights ... a lighted purge valve.

You should have seen how the chicks would flock when you'd fart a nice big pink cloud of nitrous-oxide above the E500's windshield while in the PIR staging lanes. Best bling....ever !!

[youtube]yrsRrWRmIBM[/youtube]

 

[gsxr]

I hope to be testing that 125 shot thingy in the near future...

 

[Maui]

And I thought it was just rumor that chicks dig pink farts. If one hangs out here long enough you will definitely learn what chicks dig.

I took my C6 out with local group of vette owners on a cruise out to Maryhill Winery a few years back. We crossed over to the Washington side at the Bridge of the Gods. Once we got up just passed Dallesport (across the river The Dalles) we were all cruising about 110 mph in a nice line. It was a beautiful thing to see about ten vettes all cruising the twisties breaking the century mark.

 

[gerryvz]

Yep, my country house is about 20 minutes drive from Bridge of the Gods. Man, I *HATED* crossing that bridge on my motorcycle, what with the metal grate roadway and all. Used to be 50 cents, then I think they started charging 75 cents. How much is it now?

Used to do the brunch all the time at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, WA, yummy! If you haven't checked it out, stop by the Walking Man Brewery in Stevenson to quaff a few pints. Tiny but stellar brewery !!

Speaking of lines of cars, here's a day drive we did back in 2003 or so with the Portland 126 coupes group.... on a lonely February day up on Mt. St. Helens..... These high speed runs were over 100MPH on the bridge, as well.

The red coupe is Barry Corno, whose car was the cover car in an issue of the MBCA Star earlier this year. I was bringing up the rear in all of the fly-bys.... communicated with the camera crew with walkie-talkies.

[youtube]crtk6nQNSVA[/youtube]

 

[gerryvz]

I hope to be testing that 125 shot thingy in the near future...

Wet or dry? If dry, make sure ya got enough fuel pressure !!

 

[Maui]

Nice and I bet the chicks dig the 007 music.

I don't know how many are still left in the Portland area.

$1 to cross the bridge now. The bridge I hate is the bridge at Hood River. It's about 20' wide and has a constant row of semi's. Scared the sheet out of me every time I've crossed it.

My wife and I do the Skamania brunch a couple times a year and my company has had our christmas party there a couple times. The co bought rooms for everybody both times. Nice place but over priced.

 

[Roma_500E]

New shoes for my 500E. AMG II's with new Continental Extreme Contact DWS 18's. 275/35/18 rear and 245/40/18 front. I love the look and the tires are extremely quiet. The way this car should have come from the factory. Thanks to 2phast for sourcing the wheels. Sorry for the crapy photo quality. I almost hate to admit it, but I think this car is more fun to drive than my SL......

Even more fun that SL55 , trust me on that

I have to admit these are the best wheels . The rear ones are super cool , they have to be 10'' wide which is very cool.

How much did you pay for them ?

 

[8899]

If one hangs out here long enough you will definitely learn what chicks dig.

I think if you read through all of Gerry's posts you could learn exactly what chicks dig.

 

[gsxr]

Wet or dry? If dry, make sure ya got enough fuel pressure !!

Dry. I've got the external gauge setup to verify, plus I intend to also have a wideband AFR gauge as well. The goal is to hit 150. I'll likely end up installing Walbro pump(s).

 

[gerryvz]

Is this a surplus Bergwerks or workalike system?

 

[Maui]

Nice little Mercedes event today cruising around Oregon wine country.

 

[Maui]

This car continues to impress me. I had a meeting at the Oregon coast yesterday and decided to drive the 500E instead of my company car. The E was a joy and way more comfortable than the Chevy Colorado pickup truck. 200 mile round trip used about a half a tank of gas.

 

[Maui]

Now that the shifting is back to normal I just can't say how much I enjoy driving this car.

Planning to start my SA brake upgrade in December. I was wondering where I could find the torque specs and maybe a little DIY info?

 

[Maui]

I'm sure you're all sick of hearing it, but I just can't help saying again and again how much I love this car. I've owned at least 50 cars in my life and this one ranks right at the top if not the top. Every time I look at it I'm impressed with the styling. It is a work of automotive art. Not a rocket ship, but never feels under powered. I'm also amazed that a car with 124,000 miles does not leak a drop of oil, trannie fluid, etc. My garage floor is completely spotless under the car. I think I got a good deal and a keeper.

 

[gerryvz]

I'm sure you're all sick of hearing it, but I just can't help saying again and again how much I love this car. I've owned at least 50 cars in my life and this one ranks right at the top if not the top. Every time I look at it I'm impressed with the styling. It is a work of automotive art. Not a rocket ship, but never feels under powered. I'm also amazed that a car with 124,000 miles does not leak a drop of oil, trannie fluid, etc. My garage floor is completely spotless under the car. I think I got a good deal and a keeper.

Love hearing that. Sounds like you got a real keeper/sweetheart of an example.

 

[Maui]

Had the local indi (MBI Motors Inc.) install the new LCA's, replace the drag link and full alignment today. They installed the LCA's for $285, which to me was a great deal and saved me from having to buy a spring compressor and do the work on jack stands. Front end feels real tight and goes straight down the road. It was pretty decent to begin with but feels really good now. Branden, the shop guy, told me a I had a special car, which is always nice to hear. They even gave me a free 300E loaner while they did the work and they had a $50 off coupon on their website. I think they've lived up to Gerry's recommendation.

To top off the evening my wife bought tickets to the Blazer/Pacers game. Portland ended the Pacers twelve game winning streak. RIP CITY!

I feel like a kid on Christmas morning every time I drive this car and it just keeps getting better.

Next on the list will be to find a good upholstery shop to replace the front seat cushions. The leather is damn near perfect but I can tell 124,000 miles have flattened the cushions a little. Gerry, any suggestions in Portland? I don't want some flunky to screw up the nice leather. Need to find a shop that will allow me to provide the real MB cushions.

 

[Roma_500E]

Had the local indi (MBI Motors Inc.) install the new LCA's, replace the drag link and full alignment today. They installed the LCA's for $285, which to me was a great deal and saved me from having to buy a spring compressor and do the work on jack stands. Front end feels real tight and goes straight down the road. It was pretty decent to begin with but feels really good now. Branden, the shop guy, told me a I had a special car, which is always nice to hear. They even gave me a free 300E loaner while they did the work and they had a $50 off coupon on their website. I think they've lived up to Gerry's recommendation.

To top off the evening my wife bought tickets to the Blazer/Pacers game. Portland ended the Pacers twelve game winning streak. RIP CITY!

I feel like a kid on Christmas morning every time I drive this car and it just keeps getting better.

Next on the list will be to find a good upholstery shop to replace the front seat cushions. The leather is damn near perfect but I can tell 124,000 miles have flattened the cushions a little. Gerry, any suggestions in Portland? I don't want some flunky to screw up the nice leather. Need to find a shop that will allow me to provide the real MB cushions.

Good news, after I replaced the whole front suspension I really feel the difference . It goes so tight now , so I know what you re talking . I would replace upper strut mounts too....

For the upholstery there was thread somewhere and couple of members got leather from them. I called them as well and they offer decent price and couple of options for re-upholstery.

 

[gerryvz]

Brandon started there about a year before I moved to Houston. He's pretty good, I think he used to work at Rasmussen. He came in as Sig was starting to wind down, and has been taking over more and more from Sig and Rich Helzer.

For your seat work, hands down I'd talk to Guy's Interior Restorations. It's up on NE Alberta (used to be near Powell's downtown, years ago) and Guy Recordon is the owner. I used to know Guy pretty well, but haven't spoken to him in years -- he and I hosted a technical session on 6.3/6.9 interiors at his shop when I hosted the M-100 Meet in Portland back in 2001.

Guy's Interior Restorations
2016 NE Alberta St.
Portland, OR 97211
(503) 224-8657

He will take care of you. Not cheap, but the work will be stellar and he stands behind it.

I had a new soft top and new GAHH front seat covers put on my 560SL by another shop, just a short drive from MBI, called Bright Auto Upholstery.
MBI recommends both them and Guy's.

Bright did a good job on my SL work, I was happy, and it was reasonably priced. However, IIRC I had some sort of a beef with them at the conclusion of the job (I forget what it was not) and got very pissed off at them. Not the quality of their work, I think it was that they took like 2 weeks longer to do the job than they said they would. So I swore I'd never go back. And I ended up moving like 18 months later, so never needed to go back. But they are also an option.

Bright Auto Upholstery
1611 SE 6th Ave.
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 231-6055
www.brightautoupholstery.com

Hope these recommendations help. I've been gone from Portland so long now, that I'm starting to get rusty on things..... or out of touch with the "Scene". LOL !

Cheers,
Gerry

Had the local indi (MBI Motors Inc.) install the new LCA's, replace the drag link and full alignment today. They installed the LCA's for $285, which to me was a great deal and saved me from having to buy a spring compressor and do the work on jack stands. Front end feels real tight and goes straight down the road. It was pretty decent to begin with but feels really good now. Branden, the shop guy, told me a I had a special car, which is always nice to hear. They even gave me a free 300E loaner while they did the work and they had a $50 off coupon on their website. I think they've lived up to Gerry's recommendation.

Next on the list will be to find a good upholstery shop to replace the front seat cushions. The leather is damn near perfect but I can tell 124,000 miles have flattened the cushions a little. Gerry, any suggestions in Portland? I don't want some flunky to screw up the nice leather. Need to find a shop that will allow me to provide the real MB cushions.

 

[Maui]

Don't need leather just seat cushions.


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[gerryvz]

Go visit both and see what you think.

 

[Maui]

Stopped at guy's today. Very unasuming from the street. They were working on some really nice stuff. He remembered you. Quoted me $250 to recushion the front sests if I supply the factory parts. I'll check out bright later this week.


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[gerryvz]

Nice! If you go back tell him I said hello and that I'm in Houston. That's one thing I really miss about Portland -- I knew the MB scene there pretty well, all the shop owners, all the top notch Benz collectors and aficionados, etc.

PDX was a small enough town that you could do that. There's no way you can do that in Houston.... at 6.5 million in the metro area (as compared to 2.2 in the PDX-Vancouver metro area) it's just too large/dense/diverse....

 

[Maui]

Stopped at Bright Upholstery today and Mike Weiler quoted me $200 more than Guy. Mike knew what a 500E was.

I have the parts ordered, so I think I'll go to Guy. I could use the $200 for some other stuff or maybe get some lions monogrammed on the seats.

 

[szvook]

or maybe get some lions monogrammed on the seats.

Ooh, get this one...

 

[gerryvz]

I would have recommended you go with Guy anyway. You'll get some very good work done.

While up on Alberta, watch out for stray gunshots and don't get car-jacked. That's the old 'hood up there. By Houston standards, it would be concealed-carry territory. Although Alberta has gotten quite a bit better in the past 15 years. A bit further north on Killingsworth is where you REALLY have to watch your a$$. A lot of the thugs have been pushed eastward, out to Gresham.

 

[Maui]

Yeah, not a part of town I frequent very often, but I will take the Khar.

 

[Maui]

What can you guys tell me about the 300TE 4matic wagons? I've seen a few for sale that look tempting. There's a two owner charcoal with beige interior for sale locally. What would a 91 with leather interior be worth?

 

[KarlC]

What can you guys tell me about the 300TE 4matic wagons? I've seen a few for sale that look tempting. There's a two owner charcoal with beige interior for sale locally. What would a 91 with leather interior be worth?

Here's a nice wagon .....

https://palmsprings.craigslist.org/cto/4159533082.html

 

[gerryvz]

What can you guys tell me about the 300TE 4matic wagons? I've seen a few for sale that look tempting. There's a two owner charcoal with beige interior for sale locally. What would a 91 with leather interior be worth?

In short ... The 4-matic systems on the 124s are troublesome. Far better to buy a 1993-1995 wagon with the M104 & ASR. Repairing a 4MATIC transfer case is thou$and$.


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