WANTED WTB first 93/94 500e new member from Chicago

[Benz]

Hello,

My name is Mark and I from Chicago. I have been a Mercedes enthusiast ever since my father purchased his 1999 Mercedes c230 Kompressor. Just last week I sold my beloved 1967 w108 250s Off White with black interior. I did a lot of things to that vehicle myself. I currently have 2002 w210 E55 AMG Black on Black which is for sale if anyone is interested send me a pm. The w210 has been one of my favorite cars I have owned. The power, and comfort of this car are amazing.

I have always been a fan of rare items whether it was a limited number production watch or something that not everyone knew about, I had to have it . I always loved the w124 designs and when I discovered the story behind the 500e I was immediately hooked. Such a cool piece of Mercedes and Automotive history. I have been looking for a 93 to 94 500e for a couple of months now. I would like a car that is a driver and not necessarily a garage queen. Being from Chicago I hate rust ! I am hoping you guys can help me find a nice example of a 500e. My price range is 10 to 13k . I have seen a lot of these cars for very different prices .

I am not afraid to tackle some diy as I am mechanically inclined and love to bring neglected things back to life. I saw a very nice white 500e that sold recently with some renntech mods I wish I saw it sooner !

I am currently speaking to a gentleman in washington that knows someone with a black 500e with a mystery swapped interior. http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6561
I have been waiting on the owner to respond for a month now and I don't even know if the car is in good shape so I am just going to keep looking.

Your help is greatly appreciated !

https://www.dropbox.com/s/pohzf88697vh2uj/DSC_1254.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/rljd2bymy8i82yo/DSC_1269.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/mx8fppp7h3bxyp7/DSC_1709.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/q4qxmddsco894cc/DSC_1715.JPG?dl=0

 

[ZombieBranz]

Hi Mark,

welcome and good luck! I am new too and just went thru the buying process and located a 500E here in the last couple weeks.

I read thru many ads and made some calls and finally was contacted thru a member here who had a 500E that I ended up buying. So hopefully someone here has a car you might like.

my experience with price points is that 10-13k is going to probably be a fairly rough car with a lot of deferred maintenace and maybe some other potential issues like bad paint/bad repaint, accident history, bad body work, rust, etc. But if you want that type of project they are out there!

Here is the general prices points and differences I saw when I was looking last couple weeks:

Up to about $15k very rough, several major issues. Not for the faint of heart. Be prepared to have to address the whole car from paint to engine to interior/electronics. No or minimal records. Might be able to trade better condition for accident history. Either rough paint or bad repaint or bad touch ups. Rough interior or wrong parts, rips in seat especially driver side bolster. No recent service history.very high miles and/or very rough shape.

$15-20k diamonds in the rough, will have lots of miles but can be brought up to a better level with a elbow grease and money. May have decent amount of deffered service but if you do the service the car will be improved. Has mostly original parts but some of those parts may be severely worn. Will mostly likely have to address several major systems to improve the functional level to bring those up to good/great condition.

$20-25k this is a nice driver. has significant and recent maintenance records, good paint, major systems in working order, nice interior, mostly original, could have tasteful or easily reversible mods. Good solid driver car that looks good and runs good. Owner has kept the car in solid working order. Doesn't need immediate attention but there are probably a list of things that will need addressing sometime in the future. Miles over 150k.

$25-35k this would be a turn key nice car, an A driver, would win local car shows, all records, great paint, miles around 120k or less. Might have one or two very minimal things to address.

$35k+ you are talking the best cars, original, show quality, miles well under 100k. All maintenance done, all records/history from new, needs nothing other than some OCD level care to keep it at current level.

This is just a generalization based on what I came across....I hope you find a car that meets or exceeds you expectations at a great price. You came to the right place. Good luck!

 

[gsxr]

Your best bet is to search the forum classified section, and make sure to go back a long ways. There have been a few fixxer-upper types in your price range. You will need to search nationwide as the chances of finding something locally is not good. For example, I'd take a really hard look at this silver 93 in SoCal... I'm surprised it hasn't sold yet, you could get it delivered to Chicago for under $10k:

http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10612

BTW, welcome to the forum!

 

[Dario]

Your best bet is to search the forum classified section, and make sure to go back a long ways. There have been a few fixxer-upper types in your price range. You will need to search nationwide as the chances of finding something locally is not good. For example, I'd take a really hard look at this silver 93 in SoCal... I'm surprised it hasn't sold yet, you could get it delivered to Chicago for under $10k:

http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10612

BTW, welcome to the forum!

If it is not sold you better get on it NOW

 

[Benz]

Hi Mark,

welcome and good luck! I am new too and just went thru the buying process and located a 500E here in the last couple weeks.

I read thru many ads and made some calls and finally was contacted thru a member here who had a 500E that I ended up buying. So hopefully someone here has a car you might like.

my experience with price points is that 10-13k is going to probably be a fairly rough car with a lot of deferred maintenace and maybe some other potential issues like bad paint/bad repaint, accident history, bad body work, rust, etc. But if you want that type of project they are out there!

Here is the general prices points and differences I saw when I was looking last couple weeks:

Up to about $15k very rough, several major issues. Not for the faint of heart. Be prepared to have to address the whole car from paint to engine to interior/electronics. No or minimal records. Might be able to trade better condition for accident history. Either rough paint or bad repaint or bad touch ups. Rough interior or wrong parts, rips in seat especially driver side bolster. No recent service history.very high miles and/or very rough shape.

$15-20k diamonds in the rough, will have lots of miles but can be brought up to a better level with a elbow grease and money. May have decent amount of deffered service but if you do the service the car will be improved. Has mostly original parts but some of those parts may be severely worn. Will mostly likely have to address several major systems to improve the functional level to bring those up to good/great condition.

$20-25k this is a nice driver. has significant and recent maintenance records, good paint, major systems in working order, nice interior, mostly original, could have tasteful or easily reversible mods. Good solid driver car that looks good and runs good. Owner has kept the car in solid working order. Doesn't need immediate attention but there are probably a list of things that will need addressing sometime in the future. Miles over 150k.

$25-35k this would be a turn key nice car, an A driver, would win local car shows, all records, great paint, miles around 120k or less. Might have one or two very minimal things to address.

$35k+ you are talking the best cars, original, show quality, miles well under 100k. All maintenance done, all records/history from new, needs nothing other than some OCD level care to keep it at current level.

This is just a generalization based on what I came across....I hope you find a car that meets or exceeds you expectations at a great price. You came to the right place. Good luck!

Thank you for the input ! Ya it is tough there will always be something that needs to be addressed regardless. Still waiting on the right one for me to come around !

Which one and how much did you end up spending ?

 

[Benz]

i have looked at that one and it needs rather a lot. the clear coat is faded on the hood, the driver rear door has been repainted, under the rear tail light there is a huge ding, looks like the door has also been keyed. I think I can find something a little better than this one.

 

[Benz]

Thank you and glad to be here !!

 

[Dario]

For $8000 those flaws are minor.

 

[maw1124]

i have looked at that one and it needs rather a lot. the clear coat is faded on the hood, the driver rear door has been repainted, under the rear tail light there is a huge ding, looks like the door has also been keyed. I think I can find something a little better than this one.

You must have the patience of Job. And here, that trait won't help you much. Time is not your friend. That car is underpriced, even at 6-year ago numbers. With those miles, and the things you point out being fixed, it's a $20k car. So if you can get it to you for under $10k and get it to where you want it for another $10k, you're still in a good place. Just my opinion.

Either way, good luck.

maw

 

[gsxr]

i have looked at that one and it needs rather a lot. the clear coat is faded on the hood, the driver rear door has been repainted, under the rear tail light there is a huge ding, looks like the door has also been keyed. I think I can find something a little better than this one.

You can find a LOT better than this, but not for $8k. Your target budget is going to limit you to cars that need quite a bit of investment. If there's any way you can spend closer to $20k, you'll have quite a bit more to choose from, in nicer condition.

The high-miler which just appeared in Chicago (price unknown, but probably in your budget) needs a complete re-paint and probably a whole bunch of mechanical stuff too.

 

[ZombieBranz]

Thank you for the input ! Ya it is tough there will always be something that needs to be addressed regardless. Still waiting on the right one for me to come around !

Which one and how much did you end up spending ?

I did exactly what you did, I came here and started reading up and also made a post saying I was new and looking for a 500E. Got great advice and realized my price point was low for what I was wanting. I started calling on some of the ads here but hadn't found a car. They are rare cars and the condtions vary widely. I was lucky and found one quickly and hope you do too but might take some time....but everyone here will steer you right and help you get the right car.

I then got a pm from a member here regarding a car that had never been listed for sale here. It was a better condition car and more than my expected price range but the car presented amazing and I felt it was smarter to spend up for what presented as a great car solid history and knowledgeable owner with fairly low miles.

1993 500E Brilliant Silver Metallic with black interior, 59.6k miles, Owner had all docs from new and just did a full service at MB. There is a pic in my sig and a couple pics in my WTB thread.

The car is actually in transit, should arrive mon or tues so I can't give a definitive final rating untilI see it but it should be in the top 2 ranges I described. I'll post more photos once it gets here.

The car was never advertised so I feel to respect the owner I don't really want to put the exact selling price here. But it was within those price ranges for the top 2 conditions. PM me if you want more detail.

 

[600Eric]

i have looked at that one and it needs rather a lot. the clear coat is faded on the hood, the driver rear door has been repainted, under the rear tail light there is a huge ding, looks like the door has also been keyed. I think I can find something a little better than this one.

Mark first and foremost welcome to the board. As I'm sure you have already figured out you wont find a more knowledgeable, passionate and often very entertaining group of enthusiast then you will here. With regards for your desire to get into a 500E although they are still very affordable by most standards your timing is just a bit behind the market. If you have not figured out already the value of these cars has consistently been on the rise for about 4 to 5 years now. At one time $10 - $13K could buy you a fairly decent example.

However given that we have recently seen a number of insurance auctions for wrecked examples with salvage titles selling in the $10K +/- range I think for the most part finding a decent no story car in the price range you are looking for is going to be a pretty tall order at least without a fair amount of luck involved (i.e. right place / time type deal). I also think that ZombieBranz's post #2 is pretty much in the ball park of what one can reasonable expect given the current market.

So although you think the car GSXR & Dario mentioned their posts #3 & #4 needs quite a lot that is bar none the best deal on the market right now and I too am very surprised it is still available. At 157K miles it is right about on par for most of the cars out there but that one has some very big plus's. It has been a California car since new, has a clean title and no accidents. Also although color and wheels are a personal preference you can't go wrong with the latter with this one as AMG Monoblock II's are highly regarded by most 500E enthusiast thus are worth $800 - $1000 alone.

Lastly and also very important the seller's listing is very honest and straight forward about the car's pro's and con's which to me says a lot especially when you contrast that with the seller of the 33K Mile / $60K Florida car being discussed right now who's listing has grossly overstated it's condition (Chapter 1 of the Used Car Dealer Handbook). All that said I wish you the best of luck in finding a car and before you write off that Glendale / Burbank car you might take a second look as at that price it would get you in the game with solid example and with some money to spare. Again welcome to the forum.

 

[Benz]

very usefull information ! The seller mentions smoke upon startup does anyone know if that is an easy fix diy ?

(snip)... Lastly and also very important the seller's listing is very honest and straight forward about the car's pro's and con's which to me says a lot especially when you contrast that with the seller of the 33K Mile / $60K Florida car being discussed right now who's listing has grossly overstated it's condition (Chapter 1 of the Used Car Dealer Handbook). All that said I wish you the best of luck in finding a car and before you write off that Glendale / Burbank car you might take a second look as at that price it would get you in the game with solid example and with some money to spare. Again welcome to the forum.

 

[Benz]

Has anyone seen this car in person ?

 

[Benz]

Thats awesome news your going to be stoked when it arrives ! no worries about the exact price. Looking forward to seeing some pictures of it ! Ideally I would want to have a black interior but you cant be picky with these cars unless you have big cash.

I did exactly what you did, I came here and started reading up and also made a post saying I was new and looking for a 500E. Got great advice and realized my price point was low for what I was wanting. I started calling on some of the ads here but hadn't found a car. They are rare cars and the condtions vary widely. I was lucky and found one quickly and hope you do too but might take some time....but everyone here will steer you right and help you get the right car.

I then got a pm from a member here regarding a car that had never been listed for sale here. It was a better condition car and more than my expected price range but the car presented amazing and I felt it was smarter to spend up for what presented as a great car solid history and knowledgeable owner with fairly low miles.

1993 500E Brilliant Silver Metallic with black interior, 59.6k miles, Owner had all docs from new and just did a full service at MB. There is a pic in my sig and a couple pics in my WTB thread.

The car is actually in transit, should arrive mon or tues so I can't give a definitive final rating untilI see it but it should be in the top 2 ranges I described. I'll post more photos once it gets here.

The car was never advertised so I feel to respect the owner I don't really want to put the exact selling price here. But it was within those price ranges for the top 2 conditions. PM me if you want more detail.

 

[Benz]

You have a very valid point, I wish the interior was black but beggars can't be choosers haha. Let me know if any other cars catch your eye on here that may be a good buy

You must have the patience of Job. And here, that trait won't help you much. Time is not your friend. That car is underpriced, even at 6-year ago numbers. With those miles, and the things you point out being fixed, it's a $20k car. So if you can get it to you for under $10k and get it to where you want it for another $10k, you're still in a good place. Just my opinion.

Either way, good luck.

maw

 

[Benz]

Agreed !

For $8000 those flaws are minor.

 

[Benz]

Unfortunately I cannot increase my budget so I guess I cannot be too picky.
Ya I saw that one but a full respray done properly would cost too much money.

You can find a LOT better than this, but not for $8k. Your target budget is going to limit you to cars that need quite a bit of investment. If there's any way you can spend closer to $20k, you'll have quite a bit more to choose from, in nicer condition.

The high-miler which just appeared in Chicago (price unknown, but probably in your budget) needs a complete re-paint and probably a whole bunch of mechanical stuff too.

 

[gsxr]

very usefull information ! The seller mentions smoke upon startup does anyone know if that is an easy fix diy ?

That was the one item of concern. It depends on the type/color of smoke (oil or coolant?) along with quantity, and if it's only at startup. If oil consumption rate is very low (3000 miles per quart or better) it may be a non-issue. Worst case, you can get a replacement used engine for <$2k with some patience.

I don't think anyone on the forum has gone to see this car in person, but there may be someone close enough to check it out for you.

 

[Benz]

Right because I purchased a 190e with smoke and it was bad news oil in the coolant reservoir and was way more than I bargained for. It would be great if someone checks this thing out in person.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Benz]

Just spoke to the buyer he claims the valve cover on the passenger side was causing smoke he has driven it and smoke has gone away it is only there when car sits . He was very honest and straight forward . I am considering flying out checking it out and having it shipped. Hood and fender clear coat issue. He said when he was in traffic during summer the temp would go past half then when driving normally down to half. Is this common, I know my e55 is always past half. Other issues accumulators, bushings.

He stated trans is great no jerking and very smooth.

Thoughts ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[8899]

I currently have 2002 w210 E55 AMG Black on Black which is for sale if anyone is interested send me a pm. The w210 has been one of my favorite cars I have owned. The power, and comfort of this car are amazing.

Oh yea, I recognize it...it's currently listed on eBay! Looks nice...a tad low for me, but shouldn't be a deal-breaker for anyone. GLWS!

 

[Benz]

Oh yea, I recognize it...it's currently listed on eBay! Looks nice...a tad low for me, but shouldn't be a deal-breaker for anyone. GLWS!

I have the original springs to go with it and I could even put them in if your interested



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Benz]

Spoke to a forum member in cali about a spruce green 500 but he decided not to sell so the search is still on. It was in better shape than the silver one in cali.
If anyone knows of another one let me know im ready to buy.

Thanks.

 

[ZombieBranz]

Have you seen this one in sacramento?

had a rear end accident in 2012 but under 100k miles. Looks pretty complete. Was bid up to 9k on a previous ebay auction and didn't sell...has a buy it now of 17k but maybe if you could get him down closer to your range considering the accident...haven't seen the car in person so can't comment beyond the ad.

http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10614

 

[Benz]

Funny you mention this one I was just looking at it. Ive been going through old posts like a madman haha.
My least favorite color but its a thought.

 

[gsxr]

Spoke to a forum member in cali about a spruce green 500 but he decided not to sell so the search is still on.

Stevester?

 

[Benz]

Stevester?

His name is Erich



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Benz]

Still searching ready to buy =)

 

[Benz]

Any new leads ?

 

[maw1124]

I looked at a car in Chicago in 2011 when I was searching for mine. Great owner. Had 2 at the time, plus a W124 Cabrio. The one I wanted, he sold before I got there. If you want, I'll reach out and see if he still has the other one. I think it was Pearl Black over Grey, and had about 145k on it at the time. This was "his" car; the other (Smoke Silver over Mushroom) was the one I wanted at the time. PM me if interested.

maw

 

[Benz]

Back to the drawing board.