|
|
|
|
|
#1
05-02-2003, 03:38 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
My new 500E
Hello all,
I am a new owner of a 500E that finally passed the California smog inspection…..this is significant as I will explain later. First, about the car. It’s a 92’ European specification 500E, “Federalized” in 2000 with 45k miles. Its is the ubiquitous black pearl on black. As far as I can tell car is stock, with the exception of a newer style front grill. Overall the car exterior is in great condition (no dings, dent etc.). It has been painted, although it was very good job. Interior is excellent with a few minor issues. About its “Europeaness”: It has the fire extinguisher attached to the front seat, automatic climate control calibrated in deg C, vacuum (I think) in-car adjustable headlights (of course the headlights are European style), oil cooler, first gear start switch and I am not sure the about horsepower ratings…..I believe they are a little different. Interestingly, the engine bay carried the manufacturer’s sticker indicating compliance with California’s emission requirements. The only problem I had was the absence of a “check engine” light. I ended up going to a CARB referee where they pointed out a note in one of their books that says something like “On some Mercedes cars equipped with traction control, the traction control light is also acts as the system malfunction light” and so it passed. Initial driving impressions: For reference, I have owned or driven extensively the following cars: 2001 MB E 320 1992 BMW 850i (6-speed) 1996 Porsche 993 Carerra S 1992 MB 420 SE In short, the more I drive it the more I like it. Instead of finding limitations and weaknesses I am constantly surprised by its competence in a wide variety of real-world circumstances . It is a awesome blend of utility, comfort and performance. Lastly, I would like to congratulate this board (Sponsors and participants). It is great resource am sure will enhance my ownership experience. I look forward on contributing in the future. As soon as I can I will get some pictures posted..... Thanks, Gavin
__________________
Gavin 92 Euro 500E (45k) 
|
|
#3
05-02-2003, 09:06 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
European-ness
Gavin, fill us all in on how you acquired the car. We have all seen what appear to be great deals in Europe on 500E's, but I think the federalization aspect causes us to shy away from seriously considering doing it. From what I've read, it seems like about $10K in federalizing costs plus the transport, which eats up the cost advantage of the cheaper purchase overseas.
Did you do the import and federalizing yourself? Sounds like it if you had a go with the "referee". We'd like to hear your story, at least I would ! Rgds, Chris W. '93 500E
|
|
#5
05-03-2003, 12:32 PM
|
|||
|
|||
Welcome and Congrats.
|
|
#6
05-03-2003, 12:38 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Congratulations, the effort was definitely worth it as your already finding out.
As Norm mentioned hopefully you can make it to a big 500E GTG. Next one's in June near San Louis Obispo.
__________________
Afshin Current: 02 C32 AMG Previous: 92 500E 84 190E 2.3 5 Spd
|
|
#7
05-03-2003, 01:42 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
I did not import the car myself. The PO acquired it from a company in Florida that dit it. My understanding is that importing yourself is very difficult and the best option is to find a company that does this for a living ( they specializes in BMWs but there should be someone who does MB).
The GTG sounds interesting, I graduated from Cal Poly. Are there any details?
__________________
Gavin 92 Euro 500E (45k)
|
|
#8
05-03-2003, 10:23 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Welcome, Gavin. This is the best resource for 500E owners.
I negotiated briefly last year for a Federalized 500E (many more miles). One thing I've beeen told is thaat almosst all Euro cars have been smokers' cars! In CA not even smokers want a smokerr's car. However, someone who importss cars from Europe told mee that there is a polyeurthane spray that is used ion the interior that locks the odor in. Bizarre. Hope to see you ijn SLO. Tom 92 500E 115,000 miles and climbing (everyday car), and running perfectly again!
|
|
#10
05-05-2003, 03:05 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
welcome to the fold.
__________________
'94 W124.036 249/040 leder; 8.25x17 EvoIIs '93 W124.036 199/040 leder; 8.25x17 EvoIIs, up in flames...LITERALLY! '93 W124.036 481/040 leder; euro delivery; 8.25x17 EvoIIs '88 R107.048 441/409 leder; Euro lights '87 W201.034 199/040 leder; Euro lights; EvoII brakes; 8x16 EvoIs - soon: 500E rear brakes '70 R113.044 050/526; factory alloys; Euro lights
|
|
#12
05-05-2003, 06:42 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Quote:
__________________
'94 W124.036 249/040 leder; 8.25x17 EvoIIs '93 W124.036 199/040 leder; 8.25x17 EvoIIs, up in flames...LITERALLY! '93 W124.036 481/040 leder; euro delivery; 8.25x17 EvoIIs '88 R107.048 441/409 leder; Euro lights '87 W201.034 199/040 leder; Euro lights; EvoII brakes; 8x16 EvoIs - soon: 500E rear brakes '70 R113.044 050/526; factory alloys; Euro lights
|
|
#13
05-05-2003, 08:19 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Welcome and congratulations to a good choice.
What can i say: The cars are better here in Europe. Can tell you guys that the cars here in Europe have 326hp. Don´t no how much the engines in U.S leaves.
__________________
I live my life a quarter a mile at the time "the hardest cars to chase are german cars" - L.A. police department MB E500, 320CE Corvette C4 93, C5 -01 Toyota Celica x2 Yamaha R1,
|
 |
| Bookmarks |
|
|
Linear Mode
