Opinions on this 500E, please (pics) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pentoman · #1 01-18-2003, 07:06 AM

Hi,

I'm interested in this '91 or '92 500E (mainly because it's at the low end of the price range) - could you guys give any opinions? I only have these pics so far. It has 150,000km (93,000 miles) and apparently has just had it's service at that point.

What's this colour? It's not terribly nice

You can see the km/h speedo here, which means it's an import, not official UK car

Seems not tooo dirty in here

In the back. Doesn't seem pristine exactly, but not poor condition either. Oh and I REALLY, REALLY H-A-T-E that interior. What were Mercedes thinking?? It's a crime. Black leather would be fine, white even better, but I think this is enough to stop me buying the car.

anyway, all opinions/advice appreciated

Russ

E DREAM · #2 01-18-2003, 08:44 AM

Buy my light grey leather interior and replace that plaid look

Michael · #3 01-18-2003, 08:59 AM

I LOVE cloth - too bad that particular pattern's a bit dated. One option to is to replace just those cloth pieces with either Black leather, another colour of leather (AMG-style light gray?), or E500Limited pieces. I'm quite sure the door inserts would be available at the dealer, and the seats could be done for a few hundred Euros I'd think. Maybe 1,100 Euros total? That's a WAG (Wild-Ass Guess) on my part, but that's how I'd look at it.

That's a very early car, and the hoses haven't been replaced (that top hose style hasn't been available for 5+ yrs). Does it have a rear sunshade? Must fly - and would look much better with 17" or 18" wheels - would really improve its looks IMHO(but mitigates stealth factor)

Good luck with your decision!

renyf1 · #4 01-18-2003, 11:51 AM

i really like the interior....makes it look the early benz race cars with the plaid interior

but i only like it on the seats not in on the doors and headrest

Holson Adi · #5 01-18-2003, 12:31 PM

I love the color! Anthracite Gray!

It's not exactly the right color for a 500E. I think Silver 500Es look the meanest. However the Anthracite definitely gives it that "grandpa's 200E look"

I really like it. The interior isn't that clean. However I'm sure cleaned up it would look good!

Just take it for a PPI if you are serious about it. If such a car was available for me I'd probably get it

I like the color, not too big a fan of the interior but that can be taken care of later.

No Automatic Climate Control!!! I like that!

placo1 · #6 01-18-2003, 03:18 PM

Ahh yes Battleship Grey Exterior, that is how Automobile Magazine described in their review back in '91. I've actually never seen one with this color combination and I'm sure that interior was only available in Europe.

I like the interior, it's what they used in the EVOI and I believe EVOII 190E back in the day.

If you like the colors go through the standard procedures listed here many times before. Definitely have a trusted mechanic check out the car to insure it's been maintained. Look for any signs of major bodywork.

I agree with Michael, a new set of wheels will definitely update the exterior.

If the car checks out and you like the colors then go for it!

tom woolner · #7 01-18-2003, 05:10 PM

I'm surprised that the owner didn't vacuum the interior before taking the photos!
I'm convinced that photos are an unreliable way to tell much about a car, except the very obvious.
If you can live with the inrterior, (frankly, I couldn't, but that's personal) get a PPI, look at the records. If they work out, you could make a low offer based on the interior. 93,000 miles is not a lot.
Do you really want a 500E enough to drive a left hand drive car? I would not purchase a right hand car in the States - it would take too much of the fun out of driving, especially at high speeds.

Tom
92 500E

Holson Adi · #8 01-19-2003, 12:07 AM

I notice that the carpets of the European cars are different to the US cars (even for the older ones). I remember seeing the same carpets in my dad's W123 280E.

ke6dcj · #9 01-19-2003, 12:22 PM

From what I can see, it looks like the tranny doesn't have the "B" selector, but it does have the E/S (1st/2nd start) switch.

Did you check the VIN# to see if it is a TRUE 500E?

:-) neil

tom woolner · #10 01-20-2003, 01:32 AM

Good point, Neil. Also, given that it does not have Automatic Climate Control, and it DOES have that horrendous interior, I'm suspicious.

Tom
92 500E

pentoman · #11 01-20-2003, 05:35 AM

Thanks very much everyone

If I do think about buying this car, I will check it's a genuine 500E. From this enlargement of the gear selector, I think it does have 2 <> B as well as the E/S switch. Incidentally - do 500E's first gear start? Seems a bit silly if not.. this *is* a performance car..

I completely didn't notice the lack of ACC - thanks for pointing that out.

And the more I look at the car, the more I like its interior... though I would still prefer leather.

thanks again, I'll consider it a while longer..

Holson Adi · #12 01-20-2003, 11:15 AM

I do think that only US-bound 500E's came with ACC as a standard equipment. Because I remember seeing 500E's without it

here it is:
http://www.500e.de/bildergalerie/galerie.htm

and also another one with the checkered flag interior + an automatic climate control.

If i'm not wrong all euro 500E's have that 1st gear start switch by default. Though not callled so.

Some Euro 500E's even have something called a trip computer that the US models never had.

Bob C. · #13 01-20-2003, 02:27 PM

I happen to like the exterior color (see signature below!)

I think Mercedes called it Anthracite Silver (not grey). Its an interesting color to look at: In the sunlight, somewhat gold, in the shade, rather silver. It's also rare.

Tom W., is that a service sticker on the driver's door? (First photo). The car may have been properly serviced. Of course only a capable PPI will provide sufficient data.

E DREAM · #14 01-20-2003, 03:26 PM

I too am a fan of the atypical Mercedes colors. My 500E is Imperial Grey Pearl. It is a pewter silver color that takes on the character of its sorroundings, like a chamelion almost. Very difficult to photograph. This color was featured on the centerfold picture of the 500E in the Fire and Silk brochure ( German Edition )
When I first started looking for a 500E, I wanted a silver one. When that did not pan out, I found the one IM currently driving.
My 500E is ONE RARE BIRD

yhliem · #15 01-20-2003, 04:35 PM

I actually quite like the pictured car and if it proves to be in good mechanical condition, i wouldn't think twice about purchasing it if it weren't for the fact that the car's in the UK, I'm in canada and we don't really need a 3rd 500E