1992 Mercedes 500E (built 5/92)
127,832 miles
WDBEA36E8NB775955
This is a 1992 Mercedes 500E in very nice driver quality. I say driver quality because it's mechanically been redone (engine out) so it runs and drives extremely well, he interior is in very good shape and that's where you spend your time, ut while the exterior looks very good, here are a few blemishes which means if someone door dings the car, ou won't freak out. All of this while being much cheaper than the perfect low-mileage 500Es.
Mechanically, he timing chain and guides were replaced, t has a new water pump, new motor mounts, new cap/rotor, ll new fluids, new engine seals. New steering box ($$) has been installed. New alternator bracket ($). The self-leveling hydraulic rear suspension has been redone. Brakes are good. Driving this car (which I have done enough of) will illustrate three things: (1) It needs new tires. The suspension/tires are smooth as silk on broken roads and at 50mph and less, ut get it above 65 and the little vibrations start. I know it needs tires but people are picky about brands; plan for new tires upon purchase. (2) It drives so well. Straight, mooth, nd perfectly set up. Tight and quiet. (3) Holy crap how fast this car is. A friend had a 1993 500E and for some reason this car would kill it in a race. Perhaps because it's a 1992, nd perhaps because all the engine work was recently done. Seriously fast; very addicting and fun.
All of the replaced mechanical stuff are Mercedes parts - no cheap aftermarket. And if you know much about Mercedes (I hope you do if you're looking at a 500E!), ou usually only replace these things once.
The interior is clean and non-smelling. That includes the vile musk of a failing evaporator - none of that. The original dash doesn't have any cracks. All the electrical stuff works except the sunroof tilt function - it opens and closes, ut it doesn't tilt upwards. The wood hasn't faded, ut it does have some minor cracking below the surface (see pics). The AC is cold - no leaks as per the sniffer. Headliner perfect. Even though it's a 23-year old car, he interior is tight and quiet - no squeaks or rattles - it's amazing build quality these w124s had.
The body is what makes this a great driver. No, he body isn't crap - the original VIN tags are on the hood, he bumpers, nd the rear deck lid proving that this car has never had those items replaced due to an accident. There is no rust on the body. The paint was thin in places so the glass was removed, he top and trunk were repainted to a very high quality (not the hood - it is still original and excellent). The front and rear glass were replaced with new glass while they were out. The steering wheel leather was dry, o that was recovered by a shop in Dallas. The body still has a few scratches and dings (see pics), ut overall the car looks very good. The paint job was not a cheapo job - it was a quality job done by a quality shop; note the lower panel on passenger rear door.The carlooks very nice, ut it isn't so mind-blowing original that bird poop will send you to the detailer. I find that aspect wonderful.
Current and future needs: As mentioned, new tires are a must. The sunroof tilt-up function doesn't work (it does open and close and was recently greased). The exhaust has some surface rust (see pics), ut it doesn't have any leaks - this is something that'll need to be done in a year or two. No other needs - buy it and haul ass. It's a great car that has aged remarkably well.
I won't divulge the reserve, ut the reserve price is very reasonable. The car needs to be sold. Clear title; car is on west side of Houston. Email me with questions, f you have any.