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1994 Mercedes-Benz E500

The W124 Mercedes-Benz 500E/E500 needs no introduction here at GCFSB. These brutes rounded out the German super saloon triumvirate, along with the BMW E34 M5 and Audi C4 S4/S6. They are also the exception to the rule that says Mercedes-Benz coupes and convertibles hold resale values stronger than sedans. Clean, unmolested examples are highly prized and this example for sale in California strikes a good balance between low mileage garage queen and clapped out, high mileage runner.

1994 Mercedes-Benz on eBay

1994 Mercedes 500E the original Autobahn Stealthwagon. In 1991 Mercedes introduced the high-performance 500E (W124.036) Designed and jointly built with Porsche, each 500E being hand-built by Porsche, and transported between the Mercedes plant and Porsche’s factory in Zuffenhausen over and 18 day build cycle. In 1994 the 500E was mildly face-lifted and the brakes were improved and re-badged the E500. Production totaled 10470 cars and concluded in 1995.

The 500E had a naturally aspirated 32 valve 5.0 liter V8 engine producing 322 hp and 354 ft lbs of torque which delivered performance of 5.5 seconds to 60 MPH. This sports car acceleration and its handling and braking prowess so impressed the automotive press they labeled the 500E a “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.” Because of its wide track and subtle flairs, limited production, hand-built construction, and joint provenance with Porsche; the 500E is already considered a “classic.”

The particular 500E has under 75k miles, and is a local SF Bay Area car from new, no accidents, clean CarFax and never smoked inside. Cosmetics are very nice and the car is all original; no performance or cosmetic enhancements. It has the heated seats. Tires are Michelin Pilot Sports and brakes are quite new. If you are looking for a really nice “classic” that you can drive comfortably daily and that hides its skills in a subtle looks; this is your 500E.

If you can find one with under 50,000 miles on the clock, these 500E/E500 sedans can usually command prices in the $25,000 to $35,000 range. Those cars with around 75,000 to 100,000 miles are still in demand, as these are Mercedes-Benzes that were engineered to a point, not a price. With no reserve, we’ll probably see this car sell anywhere in the $14,000 to $20,000 range; more than likely bringing a figure between $16,000 and $17,000. Smoke silver is a tame color for this fast Benz, but it’s not a hue that offends. That might hold back bidding just a bit.

-Paul

6 Comments

  1. chanifin
    chanifin May 9, 2012

    This is very close to me. If anyone is interested I can point you to a good local shop for a PPI that I have used to work on my 500E (when I had one). The smoke silver may be tame but it is pretty uncommon and I think that this color combo is both nice and rare.

  2. Harrison
    Harrison May 10, 2012

    Clean car but hasn’t seen a dealer since 1998. Too bad the color is Old Man Tan.

    Good for Palms Springs Weekends.

  3. Larry
    Larry May 10, 2012

    Spinning it the other way, this “smoke silver” will fly all day and not attract attention to itself.

    Mileage is still reasonable, and condition looks good. A nice find, and fortunately, a few thousand too many miles away for me to seriously consider it.

    Also of note – there are very, very few nearly two decade old cars out there that are still considered fast by today’s standards. Impressive!

  4. CindyAnn
    CindyAnn June 5, 2012

    I’m looking at a 1994 E500 that has over 315,000 on it they say that most is highway mileage. Should I be concerned?
    Thanks
    C

  5. Paul
    Paul June 5, 2012

    Cindy Ann,

    While Mercedes-Benzes are durable, any high-peformance car like this should be looked over by a trained technician and thoroughly. With mileage that high, a full service record is a must, or else you might be facing thousands of dollars in repairs. Certain things like a compression test, full check of the wiring harness for any breakdown and an examination of the rear main seal for any major leaks are a few things that should be eyed up off the top of my head.

    -Paul

  6. CindyAnn
    CindyAnn June 5, 2012

    Thank you Paul for the advise I will:)

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