VIN decode for options list: 1992 400E

[olddaddy63]

Hello all,

I've been following posts fairly often behind the scene for the past 2 to 3 years...have wanted to find a nice 400/420 in the SE US to start a first time MB ownership experience (have followed/owned/tinkered with 80's era BMWs since the late 1990s). I follow a couple of other German car boards, and must say that this one is certainly top notch in terms of knowledge, member assistance, and decorum.

I was hoping to make the following request, if a newcomer such as myself is allowed and could impose: does anyone have the ability to run an options list decode for the following 1992 400e VIN:

WDBEA34E9NB838709

Additionally, any MB dealer system records that can be found/located/absconded would be greatly appreciated and a true delight indeed. Feel free to post or PM to me as you feel is best.

I have to say that the online part's/component cost estimates I've seen for basic stuff such as water pumps, a/c compressors, alternator's, etc., have kept me on the sidelines...it seems crazy to pay $400-600 for basic mechanical parts (prior to labor charges) on a 4-digit car, but I continue to be seduced by these 80's era vehicles, as I have been by their BMW & Porsche cousins for the past 20 some odd years.

Anyway, I've run across this aforementioned southern car with approx. 90K on the clock, and what appears to be excellent cosmetics in and out. The car is reported to have no prior paint or body work and truly appears to be a beautiful example. However, major system mechanicals are all likely still original as I've been unable to locate anything indicating anything other than routine maintenance has ever been performed on the car (i.e., hoses, belts, fluids/filters). no records on wiring harness or throttle actuator r&r, so I'm assuming they are still original as well.

I know the 100K mile mark on 80s bmws typically began the refurbishment cycle on most major systems, such as suspension, a/c, and some hard components (water pumps and such), so I anticipate that the next owner could quickly be significantly upside down market-value wise as they begin regular use of the car (and 22 yr old parts begin to fail en masse). The car is priced at the top of the market (6.5K) in my opinion, but it sure is pretty to look at.

Any info or words of advice, caution, or other insightful thoughts will be appreciated. ;-)

thanks in advance....

with regards to all,

Jeff in Bham, AL (aka, olddaddy63)

 

[gerryvz]

Hello all,

I've been following posts fairly often behind the scene for the past 2 to 3 years...have wanted to find a nice 400/420 in the SE US to start a first time MB ownership experience (have followed/owned/tinkered with 80's era BMWs since the late 1990s). I follow a couple of other German car boards, and must say that this one is certainly top notch in terms of knowledge, member assistance, and decorum.

I was hoping to make the following request, if a newcomer such as myself is allowed and could impose: does anyone have the ability to run an options list decode for the following 1992 400e VIN:

WDBEA34E9NB838709

Additionally, any MB dealer system records that can be found/located/absconded would be greatly appreciated and a true delight indeed. Feel free to post or PM to me as you feel is best.

I have to say that the online part's/component cost estimates I've seen for basic stuff such as water pumps, a/c compressors, alternator's, etc., have kept me on the sidelines...it seems crazy to pay $400-600 for basic mechanical parts (prior to labor charges) on a 4-digit car, but I continue to be seduced by these 80's era vehicles, as I have been by their BMW & Porsche cousins for the past 20 some odd years.

Anyway, I've run across this aforementioned southern car with approx. 90K on the clock, and what appears to be excellent cosmetics in and out. The car is reported to have no prior paint or body work and truly appears to be a beautiful example. However, major system mechanicals are all likely still original as I've been unable to locate anything indicating anything other than routine maintenance has ever been performed on the car (i.e., hoses, belts, fluids/filters). no records on wiring harness or throttle actuator r&r, so I'm assuming they are still original as well.

I know the 100K mile mark on 80s bmws typically began the refurbishment cycle on most major systems, such as suspension, a/c, and some hard components (water pumps and such), so I anticipate that the next owner could quickly be significantly upside down market-value wise as they begin regular use of the car (and 22 yr old parts begin to fail en masse). The car is priced at the top of the market (6.5K) in my opinion, but it sure is pretty to look at.

Any info or words of advice, caution, or other insightful thoughts will be appreciated. ;-)

thanks in advance....

with regards to all,

Jeff in Bham, AL (aka, olddaddy63)

Here you go.....

I have to say I don't see huge prices like that for things like water pumps, compressors, alternators, and so forth. Maybe MB list price, but quality aftermarket OEM and rebuilt OEM parts such as the above are actually quite reasonable. I often do "spot checks" of common MB replacement parts against quality domestic, Japanese and other European marques and I find that the prices that I am able to obtain quality OEM MB parts for are generally quite reasonable. I think you just have to know where to go to source the best parts.

There are certainly plenty of parts that are also only available from MB, such as the wiring harnesses. Those too can be purchased at steep discounts <25% off of MB MSRP prices. The common sources are documented here on the site.

Every tried comparing MB parts prices to Volkswagen and many BMW prices? Ooh !!

$6.5K is near top of the mark for an E420/400E and at that price it should have been very well maintained. A good PPI from a quality indy shop or dealer in your area should help you determine any major needs. From there, you just negotiate off the price with the seller.

 

[gsxr]

WDBEA34E9NB838709 appears to have zero options, a base model. Also, the 1992 has lower compression and a bit less power/MPG potential compared to 93-up. In general I'd recommend looking for a 94-95 E420, unless you find an absolute cream puff 1992 (or 93) at a price you can't refuse...

 

[olddaddy63]

Thanks for the feedback guys...glad to hear that part availability and prices are better than I thought. The seller of the car mentioned hasn't owned it long. It was purchased by current owner for his retired father who I was told died after only a short period of ownership. I get the feeling the current owner over paid quite a bit and can't understand realistic valuation or the defer mantainence liabilities assoc w the car...sounds like it would be best to pass on this one.

The search continues...