E500 what to look for - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

J. M. van Swaay · #1 05-02-2007, 10:13 PM

I'm considering buying a 94 E500. I currently have two e320's, a 94 wagon and 95 sedan, and am pretty familiar with them. (head gaskets, ac evap, blower motor, nitro speres, wire harness, radiator, aux fans, throttle actuator....all DIY)

I've spent the last few hours reading E500 search results. It sounds like the E500 shares some of the same issues as the E320's--wire harness, ASR, throttle actuator, ac evap.....

Any other issues specific to the E500? What else should I look for.

I'll probably have a pre purchase inspection done because I don't know this car very well. Anything specific I should be concerned about?

Also, are parts specific to the "porsche 124 body" readily available?

Thanks in advance.

J. M. van Swaay.

deanyel · #2 05-03-2007, 12:04 AM

How many miles on it? You want to take care of the chain. A 94 likely has plastic oil tubes. ASR will at some point be an enigma. But parts are readily available, slightly higher prices on a few things. Porsche had little to do with the car - they assembled it largely because they weren't selling very many of their own at the time.

Tomguy · #3 05-03-2007, 12:27 AM

IMO, the E500/500E is "Overvalued" in that they are rare and sellers ask quite a bit for them. A much newer S430 can be had for less. For example, an 8 year newer S430 is in my local ads for $13,500. Which is what most people ask for E500s. I'd rather have the S myself...

J. M. van Swaay · #4 05-03-2007, 05:15 AM

Thanks for the comments.

140,000 miles. No accidents, dealer maintained since new, all records. Spoke with service advisor at dealership--he gave an overall positive impression.

Needs front bumper cover, leather is showing some signs of wear....seller advised steering gearbox has seepage. Wire harness is original. Throttle actuator replaced last year.

I will probably go look. Any feel for what a fair price might be?

Thanks,

J. M. van Swaay

mbdoc · #5 05-03-2007, 08:19 AM

The 500E/E500 is one of the FEW 90's MB worth owning!

You already know the cost of MB ownership..

Pre-purchase inspection should help with the decision.

POS · #6 05-03-2007, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomguy

IMO, the E500/500E is "Overvalued" in that they are rare and sellers ask quite a bit for them. A much newer S430 can be had for less. For example, an 8 year newer S430 is in my local ads for $13,500. Which is what most people ask for E500s. I'd rather have the S myself...

I gotta believe you're way off base. (1) I'd take an e500 over an s430 anyday, as most enthusiasts would, (2) I see s430s everyday, I don't see e500s, and (3) the e500 will appreciate and the s430 will depreciate.

My point? You can't compare the two because they're very different machines for very different purposes. I think, and many others, that a good e500 is such an amazing MB machine that it's undervalued.

Tomguy · #7 05-03-2007, 09:17 AM

Yes, the S will depreciate more than the E. The E's been around for 15 years and hasn't gone down much in value in the last 5. It's because they are so uncommon that people like them

I would love to have a 500, don't get me wrong, I just don't think I would pay over $7500 for a 15 year-old car. Of course, if I happened to see one on a local lot that might change

Falsapartenza85 · #8 05-03-2007, 12:16 PM

Well, i must say the S430 is a very "down to earth" kind of vehicle, especially when the AirMatic goes on it... But thats another story...

The S430 and E500 are no comparison. The E500 is a TRUE Benz and I would challenge anyone to that comment. The S430 is an obnoxious, over-priced, understyled, over-plastic, chunk of overbudgeted crap.

I have driven the neighbors (that has had it towed out of the driveway twice for AirMatic problems) and it feels like a soft Japanese car. Thank God! Benz busted a true S-Class for 2007!!!!

The E500 is by far one of the most coveted models by collectors. The fit and finish of the E500 is magnificent and to drive one is but amazement at its engineering and carefully thought-out build. The car is a masterpiece and will only appreciate. The S430- god knows if it will hold-up to ever reach collector status. I put the W220's right up there with Volvo S80 quality... JUNK!

Falsapartenza85 · #9 05-03-2007, 12:46 PM

Oh and if you need any more reassurance about a W220, read this:
transmission not shifting from park

J. M. van Swaay · #10 05-04-2007, 10:14 AM

In preparation of making what I hope will be a "fair" offer, I called the service advisor at the MB dealership to get some more information and also schedule a pre purchase inspection. I asked what the approximate cost would be if the wiring harness needs to be replaced. He responded with "for a car that old and with that many miles, it would not be uncommon for the wire harness to be worn out" I guess a wiring harness is now considered a consummable just like brake pads..... Also, he asked me to prepare a list of what I wanted them to check during the inspection. I thought that was their job. Should I try to find someone else to do the inspection?

Jim's500E · #11 05-04-2007, 12:56 PM

The upper harness is about $500...lower one is about 150$....due to the excessive heat the motor generates and the 'biodegradable' wiring its a sure bet if it hasn't been replaced, it should by now. Another problem, I think for all the M119s, is that lately it seems the Throttle Actuators have been problematic, sometimes cleaning them works, most times another $1500 for a new one is in order.

Bumper covers are $1500+ new ...I have a used one if you want to make an offer, but yes, much of the car, except for interior stuff , is still available and working on the car is not really any harder than any other W124...and shares many, many parts with regular 201s, 140s, and other 124s.

The T-chain should be good up to 200K+ if the maint and oil changes have been done accordingly, the chain tensioner is what needs to be checked/replaced between 100-150K. Not a big deal...yes, the 94' have plastic oil tubes which could be a problem, unfortunately the metal ones from the earlier models are not avaialble. I wouldn't worry about that tho...

The car is sure to be a collectors choice and will, hopefully, not depreciate any more and go up in some value in the future...if one cares about that stuff. Its a blast to drive fast but 1/4 throttle around town it does just as well. But, like any other 140K mile car....you best have an open wallet policy and not cut corners on service or parts IMO.

1994 E500...1 of what was 374 cars in the country and scores of them are dead in MB heaven now. Get one and enjoy one of the best built and looking cars from the 90s.!!

J. M. van Swaay · #12 05-04-2007, 02:40 PM

Thanks for all the replies.

Jim, any idea what a fair price for this car might be?

J. M. van Swaay · #13 05-04-2007, 02:41 PM

By the way, where exactly are these "plastic" oil tubes?

Arthur Dalton · #14 05-04-2007, 03:13 PM

On top of the heads..under valve cover..valve train lube.
Notorious faulty part.
There is an article on the Forum diy section.

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/M119OilGuides

Falsapartenza85 · #15 05-04-2007, 05:06 PM

Im excited for you on the possibility of a 500E!!!!

With 140,000 miles, I would not pay more than $10,000.00- and only an emotional push could make me pay that. I would offer $7,000 and go from there. The car realistically could be worth $8,000 even $10,000- but at $10,000- it would have to be PERFECT and never in an accident. Over time, this is a car that can only appreciate, you cannot go wrong!

All the Best!!!!!