I am considering selling my brilliant silver over gray 1992 500E with 107,000 miles. I am the second owner of this California car. The only mods are (1) first gear start, (2) chip, and (3) a modern Mercedes/Becker CD player head unit (#6402), not the ridiculously bad unit that came with the car. No scratches, no dents, all original paint.

Recent work includes a new wiring harness, new power steering pump, and new serpentine belt and tensioner (there's lots more, those are the biggies). It's been a great car, but I'm getting a 911. The car is in the San Francisco Bay Area. How much should I ask if I want to sell it in the next 60 days?

-- John

Yeah right - like anyone would accept that.

My friend just bought a 1993 500E that needs a bit of paint work (close-up defects - looks fine at 5 feet or so). He paid $23k. It had 67,000 miles on it.

Given your 60 day criteria, I'd suggest around $22K to give you some bargaining room. The car will draw interest on its own - and everyone likes to feel that they've talked down a seller.

Hope this helps.

Troy
1995 E420 85k

I think you will need to be around $12,000 to $15,000 to sell it quickly. Autotrader.com has 14 500E's for less than $20,000 and 7 for less than $18,000. The 500E is a special car but it may take a long time to find the special buyer who will pay $20,000 or higher.

http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/results.jtmpl?model=500E&start_year=1992&end_year=1994&min_price=&max_price=35000&distance=any&certified=n&advanced=y&advcd_on=n&make=MB&address=32503&search_type=used&x=30&y=10

Here are some 500E's:

http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/results.jtmpl?model=E500&start_year=1992&end_year=1994&min_price=&max_price=35000&distance=any&certified=n&advanced=y&advcd_on=n&make=MB&address=32503&search_type=used&x=35&y=6

I have a 93 500E with 53K on it. I am asking 24K and have had some interest, but no one has actually looked at the car. I think mine is priced on the higher side, but when you factor in the condition, upgrades, and the updates, I think the price is fair. I am not in a hurry to sell, so I guess for you the biggest factor is how quickly do you need to sell it. If you are in a big hurry, e-bay is the answer, although I don't believe that the prices paid on e-bay are indicative of the market for these cars. Just my $.02

Ashirji, your car is fairly priced. Given the very low miles, I am stunned it has not sold.

I do not think mods are worth a dime in the resale market today. As these cars move more toward classic status, things like original paint and originality in general are going to be what separate the valuable cars from the others. I think color makes a huge difference. There are tons of black pearl cars.

I'm asking $19,000 for a two owner California car with no accidents ever. I know who I bought my car from -- a true enthusiast -- and I know how he treated the car. I know and can prove how I have treated the car. Anyone who buys on ebay cannot possibly expect that depth of knowledge. The people who value these things will find the right sellers and get what they care about because they are willing to pay for it -- just as I was!

I agree Viva La Silver Of course I might be biased. But the purchase of an e- bay car at a low price can at first seem attractive. A wiring harness, radaitor, rear shocks and timing chain later, it can seem like a nightmare. Good luck to you in your sale.