OWNER - s4cruiser

[s4cruiser]

VIN = WDBEA36E6PB982931

I'm estatic now that I can call myself a Mercedes 500E owner, after lusting over these cars for a decade or so. While still a moderately "low mileage" example (87,700 miles), my new to me 1993 500E has seen it's share of previous owners and I'm the 5th.

This car was originally from the ATL area then made it's way into FL, OH and then to NC. It's also seen it's fair share of 'enhancements' and maintenance throughout its life.

Previous owner work includes:

• Suspension was fully rebuilt (~75kmi) with New Bilstein struts/shocks and front H&R springs and custom rate H&R Rear springs. Custom rear lower control arms were fabricated to assure proper comfort and riding height, yet the car still maintains the factory self-level system.
• Front end has been updated to later model. It was done by a professional auto body shop and appears to have been done well.
• 18" AMG monoblocks
• Black Alcantara headliner and b pillar covers to replace sagging headliner and vinyl b pillar covers that were coming off
• Upper and lower wiring harnesses replaced
• All center console wood trim has been restored by Madera Concepts. There are no cracks in the other wood trim pieces
• A/C system had a small leak, that has been fixed and the system recharged
• Complete new sound system, Pioneer DEH-80PRS head unit with bluetooth streaming audio and phone capability. 2 new amps, 6 new speakers and complete new wiring. Tweeters in the dash, 2 mid range speakers in the doors, 2 in the rear and a 10 inch sub in the trunk with holes ported behind the back headrests
• G Wagon "V8" shift knob
• Wood sport steering wheel
• Spare Sportline steering wheel
• 1992 LH WOT Enrichment module included -purchased from Dave M
• 334mm front/300mm rear Brembo brake calipers purchased from Dave M, with Silver Arrow Calipers, cross drilled rotors and new pads
• Custom diamond stitched Recaro Classic C seats full power and heat

I plan to continue work improving on what the previous owners have done. A couple items that I hope to address soon are (in no particular order)

• Complete detail inside and out (to be done by me)
• Figure out if the current headlights are 500E correct or 400/420E parts and replace as necessary
• Swap in amber turn signal lenses
• Have the rockers repainted and minor body work competed on the rear below the trunk area (not needed but wanted)
• Pick up a pair of stock 500E front seats (to have if I choose to switch back to OEM)
• Replace the mirror rubber molding (the drivers side is fine but the passenger side is starting to show a cuople small cracks forming)
• Re-glue the door pocket vinyl (using the HOW-To thread on this board!)

Other than that, the car needs (needs probably isn't the appropriate word as it's superb as-is) nothing other than to be driven, which I plan to do daily.

Couple links from previous owner's threads:
Second owner and car blogger (who likes to exaggerate his treatment while on this board...but hey it's all for the story hits )
FS thread - http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1584
Car Article/blog post - http://jalopnik.com/here-s-how-i-once-bought-a-rare-mercedes-for-half-its-v-1672812142

Third owner FS thread - http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4122

Fourth owner (whom I purchased from)
FS thread - http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6734
Owner's thread - http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5470

Couple pics from the previous owner (I'll take and post some of my own soon)

 

[Glen]

Re: OWNER - S4cruiser (040)

Looks fantastic, congrats!

Curious about the custom fabricated rear control arms...are they the RDMTek arms or something else?

 

[maw1124]

Re: OWNER - S4cruiser (040)

Jon, congrats on your purchase. I guess now I know how Gerry, DaveM, Klink and a few others must feel -- like you've seen the same car coming and going. When we spoke the other day I didn't know this was the car you had in mind. Enjoy. And I bet you're glad you weren't driving back from Sarasota these last few days...

Cheers,

maw

 

[s4cruiser]

Re: OWNER - S4cruiser (040)

Looks fantastic, congrats!

Curious about the custom fabricated rear control arms...are they the RDMTek arms or something else?

Thanks - I am curious myself as to the LCAs...I will take a look this weekend and report back (I'm assuming they are the RDMTek arms though).

Jon, congrats on your purchase. I guess now I know how Gerry, DaveM, Klink and a few others must feel -- like you've seen the same car coming and going. When we spoke the other day I didn't know this was the car you had in mind. Enjoy. And I bet you're glad you weren't driving back from Sarasota these last few days...

Cheers,

maw

Yes sir, thanks again for your time on the phone the other day.

 

[redred]

Re: OWNER - S4cruiser (040)

The car is gorgeous, but what really sets it apart for me is those custom, diamond pleated recaro classic seats! Those are simply stunning! I have to ask, are they as comfortable as they look??

Congrats!!!! Looks like you got a real winner there!

 

[Roma_500E]

Re: OWNER - S4cruiser (040)

Beautiful car with nice mods (!)

Figure out if the current headlights are 500E correct or 400/420E parts and replace as necessary

Probably you mean E500 correct lights since you have facelifted hood.

In case you need to install correct 036 lights I would go back to prefacelift look and get 500E lights (pre facelift).

Just my 2 cents.

 

[cole67]

Re: OWNER - S4cruiser (040)

Wow great car with some excellent mods to boot. Concur on the Recaro's. Tastefully done! Congrats

 

[s4cruiser]

Re: OWNER - S4cruiser (040)

Beautiful car with nice mods (!)



Probably you mean E500 correct lights since you have facelifted hood.

In case you need to install correct 036 lights I would go back to prefacelift look and get 500E lights (pre facelift).

Just my 2 cents.

Yes, you are correct E500 lights. I know some prefer pre facelift or facelift. I'm kinda on the facelift side but think both look stunning so most likely stay the way it is.

 

[s4cruiser]

Re: OWNER - S4cruiser (040)

The car is gorgeous, but what really sets it apart for me is those custom, diamond pleated recaro classic seats! Those are simply stunning! I have to ask, are they as comfortable as they look??

Congrats!!!! Looks like you got a real winner there!

Thanks, the seats look really nice. They aren't that comfortable...but I've been driving a Chevy duramax truck for a few years and the seats in it are like lazyboy recliners.

 

[8899]

Re: OWNER - S4cruiser (040)

Thanks, the seats look really nice. They aren't that comfortable...but I've been driving a Chevy duramax truck for a few years and the seats in it are like lazyboy recliners.

I'd like to try them out myself. Perhaps you could join the E500E GTG scheduled for this May in the DC area so I can have a try at those seats!

 

[s4cruiser]

Before I get too far into this car, my plans and what I've done over the past 3 weeks, let me share a little history of my car evolution.

I worked for the first 8 years of my professional life for a public accounting firm in their IT Risk and Advisory service line focusing on IT risk and control consulting. This had me traveling 95% of the time, some of which was highway commuting which allowed me to run through cars fairly regularly (and let me justify having multiple vehicles).

I started out being a die hard Audi / VW fan. Starting out with a stock 2001 B5S4 and over the course of a few years it was a Stage3 car that was pretty darn fast.

About the time I got the car where I wanted, I was to the point I didn't want to drive it daily so the search for a new daily was in swing. I ended up with a 1997 Toyota 40th Anniversary Toyota Landcruiser. It was a one owner, never taken off road and in near new condition. While driving it daily, I met some local guys that were very active in a NC Landcruiser club...well one thing led to another and before I new it the S4 was sold and the Toyota became a toy.

I needed a new daily driver and always had an affinity for Avants so after scouring the web and a plane ride I brought this guy home. It was actually a pretty rare car with the combo of options - 2007 A4 Avant with Sline and Titanium package. I drove it for a few months, put 30k miles on it and then sold it for a nice profit to a guy in Canada.

 

[s4cruiser]

This whole time there was an addiction manifesting itself within for older Toyota Landcruisers. I picked up a 1974 FJ40 that was in decent shape and performed a frame on resto-mod to it.








Around this same time, I picked up a MKIV VW R32. It was so fun to drive and sounded so freaking good...it's one that I wish I hadn't sold.


A couple physical moves and career changes (working construction with my uncle), I'm now in Durham, NC working in the IT Security and Data Privacy space. No traveling and a ~5 mile commute led to the opportunity to pick up a E500E as my daily driver.

I've got another FJ40 in storage that's 1/2 way completed to a frame off resto-mod.




Also, over the past year, the wife and I purchased and totally renovated (ourselves) an older house, installed an in-ground pool and are in the process of putting in a garage/shop (with lift). I should then have space to finish the FJ40 above.

 

[s4cruiser]

Now...on to the Mercedes. It's my first and a model that I've always wanted to own, just never pulled the trigger. Having this board as a resource made it much easier for me to commit, knowing that such a great resource is available when needed.

While the car was maintained well and in great cosmetic condition, there are more than just a few items I plan to (or already have) address.

First off, I was noticing a raw gas smell after the car had been sitting for a couple hours after driving. Further looking led me to replace all the fuel hoses in the car along with a new fuel filter. A few had dry rotted and were weeping fuel. I also opted to replace both transmission cooler lines and the lower oil pan gasket as they were leaking.

Other than the items above, from a mechanical standpoint the only other item on my list was to replace the original intake tubes. I've got to do some research to see what's involved here as it seems like a fairly involved job.

Cosmetically, I few things need attention. The car had been face-lifted by a body shop and as such was claimed to have been done correctly. Don't ever trust such a claim...while it looked fine, more than a few of the parts were eBay sourced Chinese made items. Easy fix, though...ordered a new pair of headlight housings and hood star from MB along with a pair of NOS Euro amber lenses in route from a board member.

Also replaced the eBay smoked rear tails with an OEM used set from Gerry (thanks Gerry). Next on the list is to replace the (made of gold and priced accordingly) side mirror rubber boots. Got a new set in hand just need to install them.

While ordering new MB parts, I also picked up a set of rubber mats and front bumper filler plate.

There are a couple of minor body/paint items I plan to have corrected soon (front bumper respray, touch up rockers and fix small area on the rear). Once refreshed, I've got new fog lights to install.

Also plan to dye the grab handles in black to match the recently recovered (in alcantara) headliner and b pillars).

Couple pics...

 

[makemann]

I was next in line to buy this car if you didn't. Great looking car! I'm doing the same alcantara headliner install this summer on mine.

 

[gerryvz]

Jon, the taillight lenses look sharp!

Definitely be wary of that intake tube job. It's not listed in the WIS instructions, or printed service manuals, and I know from talking to Klink that the job has flummoxed more than a few experienced MB mechanics. There is some information on replacing the tubes here on the forum, but it is quite sketchy.

Good stuff and thanks for the updates !

 

[s4cruiser]

Not the best pic but swapped out the clear lenses for OEM Bosch euro ones. I'm digging the look.

 

[s4cruiser]

Nothing major to report, which is good news since I have been driving the car daily for the past week or so (no the weather is better)! It's a great car to drive daily for my leisurely commute.

Shameless pic of semi-clean car included

 

[sheward]

Great looking 500E! If folks have any doubt the license plate will set em straight.

drew

 

[maw1124]

Looking good, Jon. Glad you're finding "stuff to do". The alcantara looks good, befitting the rest of the car.

Cheers,

maw

 

[s4cruiser]

I unfortunately have had much time to tend to the 500E over the past couple months. It's had issues detailed in another thread and hasn't gotten much love until the past few days...I've been busy building a new garage / shop. It's almost completed, lift get's installed today .

Here is my build thread on garagejournal.com --> http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=292990

Very excited for the man space and facilities to perform whatever maintenance is needed.

 

[Glen]

Very nice...very jealous!

 

[nocfn]

who needs Cialis when you got this!

 

[8899]

Excuse me while I wipe the drool off of my keyboard. That is so dope!

 

[captruff]

I like it!!!

 

[s4cruiser]

 

[gsxr]

Thanks a lot, now I have to replace my kybard.

 

[nocfn]

SCHWING!!!!!

 

[gsxr]

SCHWING!!!!!

Hmmm. The Schwing might fit in the garage, but it definitely won't fit in the Bendpak...

 

[s4cruiser]

Does anyone know where the center of gravity is on our cars? I figure it's near the front door handle but am not sure. I do not have ready access to facilities to get each axle weight.

 

[captruff]

Ok now I Love it!!! Nice job!

Jeff

 

[gsxr]

Jon, I don't have data on on CG but I do have axle weight info, see below.

For lifting purposes, this is a non-issue... just get the car centered in the Bendpak where the arms will locate under each rubber jacking pad and it will be fine.

 

[s4cruiser]

Jon, I don't have data on on CG but I do have axle weight info, see below.

For lifting purposes, this is a non-issue... just get the car centered in the Bendpak where the arms will locate under each rubber jacking pad and it will be fine.

Very cool - here is a handy formula (with outdated pic) to calculate CG based on axle weight and wheelbase.

 

[Jim]

I don't have data on on CG but I do have axle weight info, see below.

Using the figures in the picture I got the CoG to be 1.33m behind the front wheels centreline. I ignored the left/right differences. The wheelbase is 2.8 meters.

Jim

 

[s4cruiser]

I recently purchased a Griots DA and after detailing my Duramax pickup first for practice, the 500E was up for some correction.

I hadn't spent much time on the paint since purchasing the car so there were a number of imperfections, swirls and water spotting that needed tending to.

I spent the better part of 3 days working on the car. Washed, dried with a leaf blower and microfiber towel, then proceeded to tape off the entire car; trim, lights, etc. this makes cleanup much easier.

Next up was to clay bar the entire car. Then I compounded using Meguiars Ultimate Compound and a Lake Country white pad (polishing pad with little to no cut). I did a test with a Lake Country orange pad but wasn't happy with the marring left over. The white pads even left some micro swirls...the paint on my car must be fairly soft.

Then I moved to Meguirs Ultimate Polish on a Lake Country Crimson pad (polishing / sealant with no cut). This step did a great job removing the micro swirls leftover from compounding.

Moving on from there was Meguirs NXT 2.0 sealant with a Lake Country blue pad. I really like the look this gives, but it's not super durable on the other cars I've applied it too...so I followed it this time with Collinites 845 Insulator wax. I haven't used this in a long time but remeber it being really durable.

Im fairly happy with the results. Unfortunately the sun escaped behind clouds once I finished this afternoon...so just garage pics.

I plan to pull the wheels later this week for detailing and also clean up the wheel wells.

Before shot of the trunk which was fairly representative of the entire car.




After shots

 

[Glen]

Looks great Jon. Nice job!

 

[KarlC]

Nice work !

 

[s4cruiser]

Looks great Jon. Nice job!

Nice work !

Thanks gentlemen!

I now truly understand why professional detailers charge what they do...it is very time consuming work and products are not cheap! It's a wonder they turn a profit!

 

[s4cruiser]

New wheel and as part of installing it I learned something new about the car...key needs to be turned to the on position for the horn to work

 

[s4cruiser]

Looks like this 500E will have another owner soon...bitter sweet but I'm positive it will be in good hands going forward. Likely getting either a Golf R or M2 as a replacement...I know the horror !!

The part I'll miss the most from owning the 500E is the classic / timeless styling and the group here on this board. Never been a part of an online community that has such knowledge and passion for a specific car! I'll likely be back in the future and maybe even with the same exact car. I'll let the next owner chime in on their own.

 

[portiadog1]

The fat lady hasn't sung yet (money and title transfer), but I will soon be the 4th and 6th owner of this car. I couldn't stay away.

I'm looking forward to getting behind the wheel but also visiting this forum more frequently once again. As Jon said, this group is an absolutely fantastic bunch and a great resource.

 

[gsxr]

SWEET! And welcome back (again).