I typically leave all things Benz to my peers here at GCFSB. It’s not that I don’t like them, I am quite smitten in fact. It’s just that they are all so damn knowledgeable I figure it best to leave these cars to the pros.
However, for every rule there is an exception. The Mercedes 500e “Hammer” is the exception to that rule. Built as a joint venture between Mercedes and Porsche this partnership involved shipping these cars back and forth between factories during each 18 day build.
The result was a world class sedan powered by 5.0 liter V8 capable of 0-60 sprints in the 6 second range. That is so very quick for a car that weighs almost 3,800 pounds. Here is an excellent two owner example for your viewing pleasure.
1993 Mercedes Benz 500E Hammer:
More about this car –
“This auction is for a beautiful 1993 Mercedes Benz 500E HAMMER. It has 105k original miles on it.
Clean Title * CarFax Certified * 2 OWNER CAR!!!
This 500E is in excellent condition. All of the electronics work correctly.
THIS IS THE ULTIMATE CLASSIC MERCEDES – LESS THAN 1600 MADE IN 1993 – VERY FEW OF THEM WERE WHITE
The suspension feels tight, the motor and transmission run very strong, and the car drives perfectly.
This Mercedes has been meticulously maintained. I have most of the Service History
FIRST OWNER KEPT THE CAR IN A HEATED GARAGE.
STUNNING CONDITION – YOU CAN TELL ITS AN ENTHUSIAST’S CAR
I KEPT IT IN THE GARAGE AS WELL
CLEAN CONDITION – BEST COLOR COMBINATION AVAILABLE!!!
The paint color is Bright White and is in excellent condition. The interior is Light Grey Leather.
EXCELLENT CONDITION WOOD TRIMMED INTERIOR – NO CRACKS OR BROKEN PIECES – STILL VERY GLOSSY
The interior shows very little to almost no wear.
LAST YEAR OF PRE-FACELIFT W124
NO ACCIDENTS – NO DAMAGE.”
This looks like a fantastic example. The exterior still shines like new and the interior looks like a car half its age. Bidding currently sits at $13.1k with the reserve not yet met. The seller has it listed for $17k elsewhere so I have to think $15.5k could get it done. That is a lot of German engineering for the dollar. I will be curious to see where this one lands.
~Aaron.
A friend and I were discussing this car a couple of days ago. He is an independent dealer (very small) and was considering buying this car as his toy. That is, until he saw the Exempt status of the title. As a dealer, he says that Exempt kills the value of the car for him.
My question to the group: does Exempt status on the title make a difference as to how you value a vehicle?
As for this particular car, it looks to be in very good condition and I see no indication that the stated miles are not correct. But as my friend pointed out, how can you know for sure?
One small anal-retentive point. This isn’t a Hammer. The Hammer was the AMG version of the W124 300E and had very little similarity to this thing. Prices have really bottomed out on the 500E’s a year or so ago cars like this weren’t even getting close to 15k on ebay. Critical things to check before you buy: the wiring harness, the throttle body actuators, suspension components, and the ABS/ASR system. This is not the car to own unless you’re willing to budget around $5k a year for upkeep but as a former owner on one I will say that they’re great fun to drive.
@Kevin, I would not sweat the “exempt” status if there is supporting documentation to verify what the seller is claiming.
@Chanifin, this is why I stay away from Mercs. I am just not as familiar. I appreciate your thorough post though.
A.
One more thing. The wood interior trim should also be carefully inspected. These pieces crack when you breath on them as they get older. Some people don’t care but they’re very expensive to replace.
I’m goin 2 Disneyland..ok mayb not but what a great stable 4 a real car person 500E Mini S2 Mercedes 2.3 16v throw in a RS4 & your covered 4 year round shenanigans….probably only cost you $50g’ s total that’s a steal for all those..down side is all the maintenance involved with owning a cool stable of cars..I had 6 running rides for a while its so great changing rides every couple days…..I miss it & @the same time I don’t ..down to 3 now more time 2 mod …
Sold for $16.1k.