High mileage 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E project

The product of a collaboration between Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, the W124 500E was a worthy competitor to the E34 BMW M5. Powered by a 5.0 liter V8 motor generating 322 hp and equipped with beefed-up suspension and brakes, these stealthy Q-cars have languished on the used market until relatively recently. Finally receiving the attention they deserve, over the last decade values have steadily risen, with mint condition examples now commanding $30k price tags. Cars at that end of the market will likely stay tucked away behind closed doors. But what if you want to just drive a 500E, and not worry about every ding or scrape it gets in the parking lot? The courageous and open-minded might want to take a look at this forlorn-looking example. With a bit of attention and light restoration, this could turn out to be a steal. Or a money pit. Only the brave need apply…

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E on eBay

Year: 1992
Model: 500E
Engine: 5.0 liter V8
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: 264,600 mi
Price: No reserve auction

THE OVERVIEW
Offered for an appreciating new owner at NO RESERVE is this classic 1992 MERCEDES BENZ 500E SEDAN!
Finished in garnet red metallic over tan leather, this unique classic W124 Benz has been driven about 11,000 miles per year [just over 264,600 miles total] since new! It sports a great running original Porsche-collaboration 322 horsepower V8 engine mated to the 4 speed automatic transmission, COLD A/C, electric windows and sunroof, electric leather seats, chromed factory alloy wheels with excellent rubber and newer cd stereo.It is being sold with clean and clear title, accident-free Carfax report and April 2017 registration.

THE BODY AND TRIM
The exterior of this car is in fair condition cosmetically. The good news is that it is 99.9% dry rust-free! The not-so-good, as clearly seen, is that the paint is a bit of a hot mess. Lots of fading, clear-coat failure, nicks, scratches and mismatching. There is also one cracked front light lense and some pitting on the chrome wheels. Drive as is, paint it or I have a great idea for an “art car” with the license plate reading “BRK HAUS”. Yes, I am open to discussing that treatment for the new owner!

THE INTERIOR
As I hope is articulated in the photos here, the interior of this non-smoker ’92 Benz is in quite good VERY original condition overall with no check engine lights and most ALL systems in excellent working order…..including COLD A/C and HOT heated seats! Imperfections inside the car include headliner sections sagging, seam splitting and wear specifically on driver seat, weak stereo reception due to inop antenna.

THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
This 1992 Benz starts and runs VERY well with excellent torquey acceleration, taut and solid suspension, excellent steering and braking and quiet exhaust. There is a bit of typical transmission thunk but overall this 25 year-old Benz is a still VERY satisfying car to drive!

THE DETAILS AND $$$$
1. This 1992 Benz is being sold with clear and clear California title. IT WILL BE SOLD “AS IS”, “WHERE IS”. I invite and very much welcome prospective new owners to come see, and inspect this car in person.
NOTE: There will be no post-sale inspections to determine whether you actually want to purchase this car. So, PLEASE bid thoughtfully
2. Zero feedback bidders please contact me prior to bidding or bids will be cancelled immediately. This car is also being advertised in other venues and I reserve the right to end auction at any time at my discretion.
3. I will assist with shipping arrangements [buyer pays costs]. I recommend Chris at Kelly’s Auto Transport at 951-845-6224
4. Winning bidder please call 650-350-8828 and/or email me thru ebay within 24 hours of auction close.
5. A $500 non-refundable down payment via Paypal w/in 2 days of auction close.
6. Balance of purchase due via CASH in person, bank wire transfer or certified funds within 5 days of auction close thank you.

AND…..,,,,.PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO PHONE ME, EVAN AT 650-350-8828 TO REQUEST ADDITIONAL PHOTOS, TEST DRIVE VIDEO OR TO SCHEDULE IN-PERSON VIEWINGS AND/OR MECHANICAL INSPECTIONS.

Yes, it’s rough looking. The garnet red paint is shot and needs to be completely redone, the chrome wheels are pitted, the leather interior has splits and the headliner is sagging. On the other hand, the seller says that the mechanicals are ok (with the exception of a transmission “thunk”) and that the car starts and runs well.

Of course, potential buyers would want to investigate the car thoroughly to see what’s what. At 264k miles, it wouldn’t surprise me if it needs some work. You have to wonder, for example, how the suspension is doing at this grand old age. Unfortunately, no maintenance history is listed in the ad so it’s impossible to tell what has been attended to and what hasn’t.

But if it is truly running ok, then the cosmetic issues can be dealt with fairly easily. Or not at all: this could make one hell of a beater. Pull up at the lights and no-one would ever suspect that underneath the dingy exterior lies the heart of a monster.

– Craig