Hello. I am new to this forum and new to the 500E. A co-worker opened my eyes to the 500E and I am greatful he did. This car has seen it's last owner! I just pickup a 1992 500E German spec (American living in Germany), black metallic, gray leather, 85000 km (52,000 miles), 18" Lorinser, H&R springs, new Pilot Sports, new front rotors, Becker radio navigation, 6cd changer, 300W ampilfier, and one year warranty (piece of mind).

Word to describe this car.....WOW! I am in love. It feels like I'm cheating on my wife everytime I take a ride! The original owner purchased the car at the age of 82 year old and had it until last year. There was only 5000 km (3100 miles) the last three years he owned it. Interior is very very clean except it smells of smoke (not a fan of that). At first inspection there was alittle too much play in the front wheel bearings but the mechanic adjusted that. I was surprised to see how that adjustment can be really fine tuned. The steering was alittle tight but I didn't think anything of it. It was a 2 hour drive back home from where I purchased the car and after reading the posts on overheating I had my eyes glued on the temperature gauge. It never broke 98 C with AC on low but it wasn't a hot day and I wasn't driving hard. I have yet to see it hit 100 but I havn't been stuck in traffic on a hot day either.

I just changed the oil, using synthetic Castrol 5W50 and she seems to like it. I wanted to use Mobile1 but I could only get it in 10W40 and I didn't want to use that flavor. The other option was to spend $17 a liter on the German economy....not an option either! While I had the car up on the rack I took a closer look and noticed the power steering pump leaking fluid and with the steering tight I guess the PS pump is going bad.

I found myself on a open streach of Autobahn the other day(getting to be a rarity but a nice perk of living here) and decided to put some distance between me and the 7series BMW in the rear view mirror. I was running at 230 km/h (143 mph) with pedal and torque to spare before I had to slow down. Amazing car!

Only complaint with the car is the top of the steering wheel blocks my view of the gauges no matter how I adjust the seat........but it's so much fun, who cares!

Does anyone have any advice/comments on PS pump or keyless entry? Also, has anyone been through the process of coverting a German spec 500E to US specifications? I have contacted a few registered importer and they want between 5-8K to convert but they will not tell me exactly what they do for that money.

Pictures to follow when I get them under 66k in size.

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1992 500E Black Pearl/Gray Leather