Well, I'm about to join a select group -- the owners of E500/500Es. Within the week I'll acquire a "silver" over "silver," one owner, impecably maintained '94 E500 with 75K miles, driven solely in Southern California. (The seller is replacing it with a '00 E55.) My main concern is staying ahead of the maintenance curve. What preventative measures are most important? What are some major concerns for this type/age of car? Any tips on choosing a mechanic? What price do you think is fair for a car like this? Thanks in advance for your help. I look forward to hearing from this knowledgable group.

Seattle--recently there was a 94 500E with 39000 miles in perfect shape offered for $39000. I don't know what the car sold for, but I'm guessing it could have been had for $37000. Hop[e this helps.

Congratulations!

Look forward to re-sealing the power steering pump.. I just did mine at 90K... mechanic says this is very common. He also said he is seeing some potential problems with the timing chain on the 119's... nothing however that he sees a definate pattern... Anyone else had a timing chain replacement on the 119?

My '93 had the difficulty with the power steering pump. My dealer told me that the factory had a bad batch at one point in time; I managed to go through three in 18 months, but haven't had the problem in quite a while. The car's a brute; I love it.

Wow, another 94 E500 to talk about! I've only had mine for less than a year and it's a lower mileage car (under 70k kms.) but the air recirculation pump is noisey at start-up and I've been told this is a common malady. In Canada, emissions warranties extend 5 years but after that there is no requirement to maintain exhaust standards. Even so, the dealer offered to go 50/50 on the parts and labour for a new pump (tells me they know of the problem too).

The biggest difficulty I've had with the car (or myself) is resisting the urge to fiddle with this and that. It is a collectable and will be a classic...the more you modify from stock the less it will be worth.

Dean
94 E500, beryl/parchment

I don't think there are many typical probs with these cars...they may be hybrids, but the parts are all fairly common. I've done little beyond routine maintenance. Best of luck with your new car...you're in for a wild ride!!

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Best regards, Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE

The 500E's did have occasional problems with a couple things but as long as you follow the service book and maybe even did "in-between" oil changes you are doing all you can. The combo of lots of torque, high curb weight, and the sheer potential of the chassis suspension can be hard on tires but....

Cracked wiring harness, aluminum calipers, PS fluid leaks, check timing chain past 100K miles, but really not much given the greatness of the rest of the package. They all run "hot" and power is ambient and engine temp dependent. That is about the only "bad" habit 500E's have.

They are truly special machines, if you are lucky enough to obtain one, treasure it. You can do all the mods you want, but just make sure they can be reversed at resale time. I'd tell you to have fun, but that will take care of itself quite nicely on its own.

Enjoy....Lee

I've got it! Just picked the E500 up yesterday and I'm speechless. The car has such good looks and power; both seem endless. Imagine guys, I went from a 12-year old Taurus Wagon (mechanically sound and well maintained, mind you) to this! I just don't think words can adequately describe the experience. I even had a strong urge to sleep in the garage last night (much to my wife's chagrin.) Thanks for all of your input here. I'll register soon and stay in touch. Oh, by the way, when I looked under the hood (an awesome experience in itself), I noticed a "RENNtech" badge across the top of the engine. Your thoughts on this discovery?

1. The previous owner got those on to look cool....

2. You lucky guy, and may have a well tuned beast in your garage right now.....

Enjoy the E500

P.S. You guys are making me jealouse....

Happy Motoring....
Andy Kuo

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• 1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
  
• Moonstone Grey/Black Leather
  
• Blue/Red Headlights
  
• Xenon-Look Foglights
  

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