E500 what to look for

[J. M. van Swaay]

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]

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]

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]

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

[POS]

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]

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]

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]

Oh and if you need any more reassurance about a W220, read this:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=173504

[mbdoc]

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.

[J. M. van Swaay]

Update:

Had a purchase agreement contingent on inspection. Inside lower part of doors had rust so I didn't buy it. I did drive it--what a ride! Still looking for one. Thanks to all who posted.

J. M. van Swaay