500E - 1993 Model - Collision and Repair

[charnett]

I've got 140,000 miles on this 93' 500E and was using it as a daily driver until it sustained a front end collision, that stopped short of the engine. To assess the repairs, the body shop removed the radiator, fan/clutch, hood, headlights, bumper, etc. and put a transmission cooler tube in line with the transmission. The air cleaner is in place, with just the forward tubes removed. The serpentine belt is on and powering all the externals up forward. For the past 2 weeks the shop then drove it 100' into and out of the shop, for security reasons at night, while the insurance company tried to figure out whether it was a total or could be repaired for less than value. A day or two ago, I started the engine and noticed it runs extremely roughly and virtually all of the warning lights on the dash are on. Would anyone know whether this would be a result of the shop daily starting and stopping of the engine without warming it up, i.e., fuel fowling, or instead a disconnect of something affecting the computer, or whatever? The reason I ask is that this may be another area of controversy with my insurance company, and of course I'm worried whether further damage has been caused.

Secondly, all the 500E's I've heard of have low mileage for their age. My current plan is to have it fixed and to just keep driving, because I like it. So I'm wondering how anyone is doing with them when they get up to the 200,000 - 250,000 mile range, since the only ones I see around have very low mileage. Again, projecting into the future, when this engine gets to a point of tiredness, can it be swapped with a low mileage a 500SL engine out of a wreck (i.e., keeping the items that are different like the extended intake manifold), which would be a lot cheaper than a full rebuild, or are there unique computer or other features that would prohibit this?

My automotive technical skills did not advance past the technology of the 70's, when we didn't worry about electronics and sophisticated smog devices, etc., so pardon my ignorance, as I try to make some decisions as to what to do. Any responses deeply appreciated.

Chris Harnett

[8Bucksagallon]

Chris, sorry to hear about your E500. I just drove a much used and abused E500 with 300,000 KM on the clock. Much used and abused, but pretty ok really... Just needed time and TLC, oh, and maybe a little money. In your post you mention E500's for sale with low mileage, I am looking to buy one, but here in the UK, they all have the kind of mileage that would indicat they have been to Saturn and back. If you have the time, could you please post a couple of links so perhaps I could track one down? Best regards, and good luck with your car.
Nick

[charnett]

Nick: Try the web site for autotrader.com which has been listing some here in California with mileage reported between 85,000 and 115,000 roughly speaking. I have not looked since about 4 days ago, but saw 3-5 listed. Good luck!

[tom woolner]

Chris,
Sorry to hear about your accident. I live in the Bay Area, also (Marin).
My experience has been that from 100,000 to 170,000 miles I have put $20,000 into my car. At 170,000 miles, I thought I was finally finished, that nothing else could go, but even after spending $2,000 on the A/C last year, it looks like it will get another $3000 to stay cool this summer.
With so much money in this car I can't justify selling it, but it makes me crazy.

Tom
92 500E, 170,000 miles

[tkd_M119]

Tom - why do you need to spend another $3000 on AC related items? I'm contemplating keeping my 92 400e (just over 100K) but am concerned w/expensive repairs.

[AS Design]

sorry to hear abt the car. I have the fenders if interested? you can check out my site @ www.SoCalCarbon.com & for more 500E/E500's try: www.500ecstasy.com it's a w124 500E site.


Albert S.