how much is 92 500E worth? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

amg280 · #1 10-21-2002, 08:21 PM

Hello. I looked at a 92 500E today. It has 112,000 miles. Has all service records since new. All scheduled maintainance was followed. The car mechanically is in good shape. Has a new radiator, throttle actuator, front calipers, etc. The repairs bills for the last 3 years were over $8,000!! OUCH! Cosemetically, it is in ok condition. Has a few dings, the interior is good except for the center console is cracked. The rear bumper is tweeked a little bit, seems like he drove over something and pulled out the bottom valence and broke the screw.

I have a 400E, and when I first put my foot down in this car, I was in love. This thing is like a gocart. point and shoot. Now my car doesnt feel fast anymore

The front light lens's have some age on them, and are kinda faded. Also, the car sits really low. I know the 500E's are supposed to sit low, but is it possible these springs are fatigued? I notice that the ride is real bouncy, especially in the back. Could this be a malfunction in the hydraulic system? I know that is probably big money to fix. Any input from 500E owners is greatly appreciated.

Anyone want to buy a mint 92 400E (black/black)??

What is a ball park figure you would offer for this car?

Thanks alot.

-Andy

-fad · #2 10-21-2002, 08:28 PM

...I've heard 100k North America 500e's being purchased around the US in the $19k-$25k range (with more or less range depending on mint condition vs. trashed to the ground)

Sounds like springs may have been altered, replaced, or cut (bouncy and low ride height)

Rear suspension gets super hard if hydraulic nitro balls get soaked, but prob softer of when worn rear shocks ($$$) hit.

Cosmetic repairs also cost $$$ if you are going to shoot for the factory quality restorations

Wood console pieces are expensive but not priced in the platinum range per pound....

Get a Master Vehicle Inquiry on the car from the dealer (current owner must get it) and review its history of repairs...Carfax, and independent PPI- well worth it!

A correct running 500e will feel like a brutal beast let loose when opened up- - brutal acceleration, brutal braking, gentlemanly smooth ride and handling, stealth till ya call on it!

-fad

Jim's500E · #3 10-28-2002, 05:14 PM

Offer him $17,500...Timing chain been done? How do the wiring harnesses look?

New2Mercedes · #4 11-01-2002, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by -fad
Sounds like springs may have been altered, replaced, or cut (bouncy and low ride height)

Rear suspension gets super hard if hydraulic nitro balls get soaked, but prob softer of when worn rear shocks ($$$) hit.

-fad

-fad,

Caught my attention here as I was tryin to diagnose possibly the same condition on my 500e. Its butt bounces over a bump to the point of seeming like its riding harshly. I was attributing that to the stiffer springs. I know the springs have been changed to Lorinsers all around but car only has 37k on it can the nitro cells go bad on such low mileage? Is it a function of use given this was likely a "garage queen/king"?

My understanding is the nitro cells are expensive to replace, parts arent bad but labor is high.

Thanks in advance...

Michael · #5 11-01-2002, 03:03 PM

Mark,

They look quite easy to do - very easily accessible. I just did them on my wagon and they are considerably more difficult to get to in that application. I'd think a reasonably intelligent chap like yourself could do it in a few hours.

And they are assuredly what ails you - my car bounces once over a bump, period. Yours are likely bad BECAUSE your car used to sit around a lot, apparently. So get some new cells in there and drive that beautiful car!

New2Mercedes · #6 11-04-2002, 03:36 PM

Muchas Gracia Miguel

I could not remember who provided me with that at that same expert diagnosis at the GTG. Thanks. I will pour through the manual to determine my ability to handle this fix besides I have the winter to recover IF I was to inadvertantly FUBAR this effort. I have yet to fix the tensioner and belt too

-fad · #7 11-04-2002, 07:23 PM

Hi mark- just spied your inquiry- - as usual- Mike is accurate with info.

Sure- the garage queen syndrome can pre-maturely wear the old nitro spheres. Mine were replaced early this year at about 38k on the odo. I have 42.2k as of this weekend.

I try to take the E500 out at least once a month now to burn through a tank of gas, and use the a/c once a month as well...just to keep it lubed up nicely.

I change oil & filter (Penzoil Long Life 15W-40) at 1500 mile intervals as well as having 3 electronic rodent zappers in the garage ( a Mission Impossible task for the pests to start snacking on my wiring insulation).

The nitro spheres are like $75-90/ea and labor shouldn't be more than a couple of shop hour charge (+/- .5 hour) including flushing the hydro system and filling.

It will ride like a magic carpet when functioning properly. Incidentially, I'd suggest getting the spheres done asap- - since yo don't want to pop one of those expensive rear shocks!

best regards- and let us know what turns out!
-fad

New2Mercedes · #8 11-05-2002, 01:25 PM

fad/Michael ~

Thanks for the quick replies. I have made an appointment for the work to be done next week. I found a good Indy who comes highly recommended and will let you know the verdict.

Thanks again!

New2Mercedes · #9 11-13-2002, 09:11 AM

fad/Michael ~

As usual u were both 100% correct. We replaced the spheres and a bunch of other things that I had stockpiled in the garage to do. I figured while he's got the hood up....but that one improvement made ALL the difference in the world, car rides like a dream. This guy was great and VERY reasonable priced for all the work he did. Somehow he also fit in a vehicle check for me as well and gave me a resounding "thumbs-up"...YEAH...Also, thanks to EDream/Jim for providing me this contact.

Michael · #10 11-13-2002, 01:15 PM

Good news - glad things worked out!

Enjoy the ride....

-fad · #11 11-13-2002, 08:19 PM

Super to hear all turned out just perfect!

A ride now like night and day (vs. prior to the nitro cell replacement- no?)

Cheers and congrats again on owning one of those garage queens!

best regards
-fad

hedpe · #12 11-13-2002, 10:20 PM

it's a very expensive car to maintain, reallllyyy expensive

i've had it for under a year, and theres already been over $3,000 in matinance...

for my 1992 500E, in BEAUTIFUL cosmetic appearance, completely beautiful, taken care of perfectly, nothing wrong with it, 71,000 miles on it, in pennsylvania.

$24,000

New2Mercedes · #13 11-14-2002, 09:22 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by -fad

A ride now like night and day (vs. prior to the nitro cell replacement- no?)

fad ~ OH YEAHHHH...

Amazing I only feel the bump...Once...I was starting to think I was in one of those ghetto cruisers...lol

hedpe - I have only had mine since Aug and looking into a aftermarket warranty. I got a quote of $1600 for like 3 yrs/36k with option to renew after the term. Thats with a ZERO deductible. Seems like a str8 up company too.

Also I did not know u were in PA, sorry we didn't see you at our NE GTG in Sept in CT...maybe next time around

Peace ~

tom woolner · #14 11-24-2002, 09:13 PM

Hedpe,
Did you buy your 500E from an attorney in Pittsburgh? Was the car on Autotrader around the beginning of the year?
Tom
92 500E