Hey everyone, if you haven't been following my posts I have been searching heavily for a 500E and I believe I have found the right one. I'm flying this weekend to put a deposit on the car but want to make sure I'm not making a mistake. I figured the best place to check this out is here!

Here is a minor list of problems the car has but some of them are odd which is why I'm asking.

1. Trunk has a small leak in it? Anyone know what could cause this, a bad seal possibly, maybe an accident? Anyone else have this problem?

2. Right Side Valve Cover Gasket Leak? I don't think this is major but a cost estimate would be great.

3. Tandem Pump Leaking. I didn't have a chance to talk to the tech and ask about this so I have no idea what it is and does. Any expertise would be great.

4. The left rear light has water in it. I think this could be minor but worth asking.

Any help would be great and if all goes right this weekend and the dealer has been honest with me I should be joining the club!!

Thanks again for everyones help in the past, its helped me get to where I am now.

__________________
Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

I'll jump in...
1.) I've never had such a problem. Does the trunklid fit nicely relative to the surrounding panels? Is the seal/weatherstrip around the perimeter of the trunk opening intact? If Yes to both of these, beats me what's going on without seeing it
2.) Not a big problem, maybe a 1-2 hr. fix
3.) Tandem pump supplies pressure for your load-leveling rear suspension and your power steering...runs 2 different fluids for these processes. Mine's leaking at the moment, but only very slightly; somewhat common to the breed.
4.) The light assembly needs to be removed and checked out...how did the water get in there? I presume there's a bad weatherstrip in there, but I'm not particularly familiar with this part of the car...others will hopefully chime in.

Keep us posted, and good luck!

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"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

I don't know the 500's at all, but I'd sure wonder if the water in the trunk and rear light might be related. Trunk seal for both issues perhaps?

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Earl McLain
'02 C230 Kompressor
'89 560 SEL "Frau BlueCar" (retired April 2004)

Greetings,

Don't want to seem pessimistic or anything, but I'd say that any owner of a 500e would want to get any of those problems solved quite quickly, and the car being one of Stuggart's finest, I don't really believe in all four problems appearing at the same time. It could mean neglect.

I believe the 500e is too fine of a car for any problem with it not to be solved right away...

Ever seen a Ferrari with a dent?

just an idea.

Drive Safe

Manu

Manu,

I wish what you say was true, I feel the same way that a car with this type of history surely would be properly cared for and maintained.

But the sad truth is that I have seen some very poor low mileage examples (under 85K miles). They look very tired either in their appearance or in the mechanicals OR BOTH!

I'm of the oppinnion that at least here in the US there will eventually be very few original condition or close to original condition cars left and those that remain should start increasing in value.

As far as the Ferrari example this will make you cry. I have seen some very rare Ferrari's that have had the interior completely destroyed because the owner took their 200lb German Sheppard for joy rides in it. Sooo Sad.

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I'm checking into the possibility of the light allowing water into the trunk or vice versa. Let me know if you have any other oppinnions, I do value them.

__________________
Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

Hey Plac. Ok so what kinda smell exactly. Like a mildew or water absorb into the trunk liner carpet. I believe the trunk seal may be the culprite causing it to leaking into the tail light assemlies Just an Idea. As for the oil leaks its not too major. I mean think about it. If you can find a clean 500E. meaning no accident or rust or frame damage. Don't sweat the small stuff. The main thing is you own one of the rare breeds. If your 500E your going to buy has 80k+ miles, I rec a new timing chain and rails.
I just did mine on my 500E. Thats very critical when it comes to these babies. Due to heat and stress. The design of the engine was shoehorned into the engine compartment not giving it enough breathing room. So they tend to run on the warm side therefore cooking plastic parts in the engine system.
Read my post in hot rod forum and look at the pics not a pretty site. Could of been far worse. Check the AC system out, if it blows not so cold. try smelling the air coming out of the vents.
If you smell a mildewy kinda scent,it will need a overhauling of the ac system. Try to talk the seller down a $1,000 if you can.


Goodluck.

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500E Sold
2006 Mini Cooper S
Modified,pulley,injectors,suspension
2009 E350 Sport AMG package

Everyone,

Thank You!!

I saw the car yesterday and everything is great!!

Guido, the AC wasn't blowing too cold but it didn't have the mildewy smell your talking about so I think it just needs a recharge. I do remember seeing on the PPI that the compressor clutch was blocked? I don't know if this is an easy or expensive fix so if anyone knows would be great.

The car has 55k miles and has had three major services with fresh fluids throughout except for the tranny which was done only twice. Everything else on the car worked and the amazing thing is that the car is completely original. No paintwork at all and the interior was perfect, I couldn't have asked for better.

The car needs some minor details, nothing I can't repair myself and pick up from Fastlane.

Thanks again everyone.

__________________
Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

Well, did you buy it?????

You didn't give any details about color, condition, etc....

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Suginami,

The deposit is in so if all goes well with the loan I will pick up the car at the end of the month.

Its a Pearl Black with Black (MY FIRST CHOICE!!) 92 500E and the exterior is in good shape. Some rock chips here and there especially on the fender flares but otherwise excellent. Both front lighting assemblies need to be replaced, I'm still not sure if I want Euro's or the originals (I want to keep the wipers). The wheels are chromed and are perfect except for some peeling on the center caps so I'll need to find those. The inside is mint!!. Very little wear on the drivers seat bolster and everything else is perfect.

I already have a permagrin from this car.

__________________
Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

I don't think wheels came chromed from the factory, but I could be wrong.

Let us know when / if you get the car. I'm enjoying your purchase vicariously...

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Did you buy it? The chrome center caps are cheap dealer items. I suggest taking the car to a body shop to check out the leaking trunk. Remember that in that respect, this car is the same as a 300E. A Mercedes specialist body shop will be able to diagnose that real fast.

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Mark Stetson
1995 E320 Wagon Moonstone Grey/Parchment 106K mi.
2007 E63 AMG Graphite/designo 75K mi

Mark,


I'm very close to getting the loan that I want but I don't want to jinx myself.

I have been doing research on the items the car needs and I figure that about $1000 will get it it nearly perfect.

I think first and most important will be replacing the headlights with the 94 E500 lights. Both lights are cracked and yellowed. The rest is minor. The trunk was actually dry when I saw it and I'm thinking that the dealership used a crazy pressure washer and blasted through the rear light and caused the moisture. There wasn't any evidence of past leaks.

I won't jump on anything until the car is in my hands (can't count your chickens...you know) Anyways look for a post at the end of the month.

__________________
Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

Placo- looking forward to hearing that your 500e is in your possession!

If you're interested, I have a set of E500 OEM Bosch Headlight units in mint condition for sale.

-fad

fad,

I certainly would be interested.

Most importantly I searched past threads to try and determine if any modifications are required to a 92 500E. I didn't have any luck with the search so if you know of an existing thread it would be helpful.

I don't want to re-wire, drill holes, or make any headlight wiper modifications. (Thats why I have ruled out the Euro's) If these are a direct fitment let me know what your asking and if you haven't sold them by next month I'll surely contact you.

Thanks for the support everyone.

__________________
Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

I must say that I'm really enjoying reading about your experience buying this car and fixing it up.

Do you plan on doing any of the other exterior updates that were on the 94-95 models, like the new hood with recessed grill, trunk lid with the chrome strip beneath the star in place of the black plastic strip, new clear / amber corners, new rear tail lights that are red and clear, etc. ?

I'm not sure what wheels came on the 92 500E's (or any of the 500E / E500's for that matter). You said they are chromed, but are the the ubiquitous 15 hole wheels, or the more modern 8 hole rims?
Or, do you plan on changing the wheels?

I think you are envy of the whole forum. I don't think there is a guy out there who doesn't crave a 500E....

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".