This 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC began life as a U.S. market example finished in Champagne Metallic (473) paint over Brazil Leather (273) and was exported from the United States in 2024 for the current owner who resides in Germany. The seller of the car is noted to be the owner’s brother-in-law who has also overseen the customization and modification of this 500SEC. Shown in factory colors, this example features a swapped 5.4L M113k Supercharged V8 paired to a 6-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels via a 2.47 rear end. Notable features include an AMG-style body kit, custom 17” Penta wheels in matching Champagne Metallic (473), a Ceika big brake kit, custom exhaust with catalytic converters in place, Bilstein B12 Pro suspension, and much more. Additionally, the seller has provided a substantial list of new and rebuilt parts contributing to the overall build of this custom 500SEC. It’s currently offered for sale by the owner and represented by the builder in Slovakia with previous import paperwork and a clean German title in the owner’s name.
Finished in the original Champagne Metallic (473) color, the car notably received a repaint when it was in the United States although it wasn’t documented. The seller indicates that paint meter readings give uniform numbers across the body. A tribute-style AMG body kit is featured and includes front and rear bumpers along with side skirts. The U.S. market headlamps remain in place. The seller notes minor flaws in the paint including small rock chips in the nose of the car and some anodized areas on the aluminum window trim along the side window sills. One previous paint repair mark is noted where the rear left wheel arch meets the “Sacco panel.” Detailed photos of the exterior can be found in the gallery and the included video.
Custom 17” Penta wheels are mounted and finished in Champagne Metallic (473) across the spokes and outer barrel. New Toyo tires are mounted and measure 225/50 and 255/45 respectively to the front and rear wheels. The tires show 2023 date codes. Tucked behind the front wheels are 4-piston Ceika brakes finished in red paint. The rear brake calipers remain stock and have been rebuilt along with receiving new rotors and pads. The seller notes a new emergency brake pad was also installed. A Bilstein B12 Pro suspension kit has replaced all stock suspension with detailed underbody photos noted in the gallery.
The cabin remains largely original trimmed in Brazil Leather (273) across the seats, door cards, center console, and dashboard. Matching Brazil carpets are shown throughout with matching floor mats included. Burl wood veneer is featured on the doors and dashboard while a custom Burl veneer shift knob displays the Mercedes-Benz laurel. Interior features include power windows, a power sunroof, an OEM Becker head unit, new JBL speakers in factory sizes, and automatic climate control. Currently the power antenna extends 3/4's it's total length. The seller has agreed to replace the antenna prior to delivery.
The original airbag steering wheel frames a custom gauge cluster displaying a 300km/h speedometer, otherwise factory dials, deep orange needles, and chrome trim rings. The cluster is noted to be fully operational post-swap and function as intended. The odometer shows 223,599km (~138k miles).
The seller notes that if the auction winner desires any upfitted parts like Euro-market headlamps, a new head unit, or converting the cluster to MPH, the work can be facilitated prior to delivery at the buyer's expense. A Carfax report is included in the sale showing some history for the 500SEC until 2024 when it was exported to Germany. It’s currently offered for sale by the owner and represented by the builder in Slovakia with previous import paperwork and a clean German title in the owner’s name.
Open Transit:
Enclosed Transit:
The winning bidder will receive an email with the quote and option to proceed with shipping.
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44 Comments
Surprised the reserve wasnt met@swissbliss It didnt sell DougWOWZA! Strong result @seller - I am so curious, as an SEC owner preparing for engine/trans swap, about pricing (what you have into it pre-swap, cost of swap, etc.) - I would be so thankful if you sent me a DM on BenzWorld, (same username) so that I can pick your brain and swap stories.$59,000 bid placed by @HumbleFarmer
$58,000 bid placed by @MrNobody
$57,000 bid placed by @HumbleFarmer
$56,000 bid placed by @MrNobody
$54,000 bid placed by @HumbleFarmer
$52,500 bid placed by @MrNobody
$50,000 bid placed by @USI_Cars
$46,000 bid placed by @HumbleFarmer
$45,000 bid placed by @Beckermachine
$44,000 bid placed by @HumbleFarmer
$40,000 bid placed by @Beckermachine
$39,000 bid placed by @HumbleFarmer
$37,500 bid placed by @USI_Cars
@ClayMan Open diff. But can replace it with LSD if buyer chooses so$35,000 bid placed by @MrNobody
Is the 2.47 an open diff or LSD?@ClayMan Difficult to say, cluster was innoperational when we got it. Engine/gearbox was chosen based on the best overall condition, so again mileage unknown. Either way, most wear items were replaced on all of these, so it shouldn't have issues any time soonWhat is the mileage of the motor / transmission and chassis? According to the CarFax it was last recorded at 169K-miles in 2009.$30,000 bid placed by @AUS_Benz
$26,000 bid placed by @Beckermachine
@DoctorEurocar The NA version is definitely much easier to swap, plus you don't need as strong clutch/gearbox/driveshaft etc@Pmarsico9 Sure does, tho not as cold as with OE R12 system. Thanks to all others for wonderful comments!This restomod is sickThis Is incredible build. I am powering all my classics with 5.4 AMG NA motors and 6 speeds...Buying up slk320/6 speed and crossfires....Looking at this gives me motivation to start my w124 5.4/6 speed swap in 2026 if God spares. Great build, Whoever buys will get one of Mercedes Best looking coupes with their best v8 engine.@V_for_Jackhammer great work on the car, looks very cool (except the color, but that's a taste thing) I do see that you've added AMG front and back US bumper skirts (lip, apron), any help to fellow enthusiast as where to source those from? Thank you and good luck with your sale!Does the AC blow cold?No answer for me ?$25,000 bid placed by @MrNobody
@V_for_Jackhammer Thanks for the reply. I have something in mind for the future and I would like to ask if you could leave me a phone number or email address. +40726444594@DanS That company is me hehe. You can contact me with a message here. Thanks to other commenters on your wonderful feedback!How can I get in touch with the company that made these wonderful changes?I have a 560 SEC that I want to do this conversion but with the 113k Automatic . Can you give any advice on making this conversion?Some people are hung up about originality. I got Some grief for what I did to make my Euro W116 350SE a better more usable car. Nothing as incredibly cool as this car but recaro front seats, H&R springs, R134 AC conversion with rotary compressor and special fan slaved to the compressor switch. Guess what the car never overheated on brisk Texas summer road trip. This car will last forever mechanically and looks original. I admire It a lot. The new owner will be very lucky.This Is So (expletive) Cool.... GLWTA!!!$20,000 bid placed by @pillestein
Thank you for feedback.@antonvt Dear potential buyer, This radiator is only 5% smaller than the stock CLS/E55 kompressor one. Plus has split cooling for intercooler, oil cooler, and powerful ECU PWM controlled fan. So there are no overheating issues. Car was driven during this summer to confirm all is good.Dear seller, thank you for feedback. I have a question: did you make any research/math into the cooling of the engine? If I’m not mistaken I see the old 126 radiator, but M117 does need much more cooling…@antonvt 2 sets of keys@DanS Old parts are not part of the deal, but if the buyer wishes old engine/gearbox instead of M113k, I will swap it back. I don't know about regulations in Romania.Dear seller, how many keys are included in the sale?@V_for_Jackhammer two mor questions I have:one=the old parts are part of the deal (the old engine and all the other attachments, the gear box and so on) and two,=if you know in Romania whether it follows the example of Poland or Germany. Regards@DanS Depends what country you're from. Poland, Netherlands and few nordic states should have no problem, as far as I know. For Germany it needs power reduction and different front brakes. Best to ask your local authority. I still have original M117 engine and gearbox, which can be swapped back, but that would defeat entire purpose of this build. There is a reserve price, which is not disclosed to bidders. Good luck!I ask because it is extremely risky and difficult to homologate the car in Europe with these new specifications. I don't even know if it can be homologated and what the costs and duration of such homologation are. In any case, it cannot be classified as a historic car in any way, so you cannot benefit from reduced taxes.@V_for_Jackhammer Hello, I'm new here and I don't really understand how these auctions work. I wanted to know if there is a reserved selling price for the car, a minimum price. I ask because it is extremely risky and difficult to homologate the car in Europe with these new specifications. I don't even know if it can be homologated and what the costs and duration of such homologation are. In any case, it cannot be classified as a historic car in any way, so you cannot benefit from reduced taxes.@DanS Haha no problem with the gearbox. That is me regulating the gas, so I don't spin out during hard acceleration. No TCS, like on the OEM M113k cars. All gears work perfectly fineIn the video showing the car's operation/acceleration, it seems like there is a gap in first gear that doesn't synchronize with the acceleration. Can you tell me what the problem is with first gear that initially pulls and then "misses" the acceleration? Just before the shift to 2nd gear.It feels like it is slipping and losing speed before shifting into 2nd gear.In the video showing the car's operation/acceleration, it seems like there is a gap in first gear that doesn't synchronize with the acceleration. Can you tell me what the problem is with first gear that initially pulls and then "misses" the acceleration?Just before the shift to 2nd gear.That is one fantastic build. Not my taste in color but it's so bold that it works with this truly bold build. Although it REALLY needs Euro lamps. And Recaro seats (or at least Gen II refresh seats). I drive a black on black Euro 500 SEC here in the states and love it, but I am sure I'd be left in the dust by this beast. Good luck!@DanS Not at the moment. It's possible, but engine power will have to be limited to 420 hp (Power can be 40% greater than the strongest model available, which was 300hp), unless TÜV would accept AMG as the strongest version, in that case, it will not need to be reduced. Front brakes will also have to be changed to 300mm 2 piston caliper ones to meet TÜV. I will do these modifications if the buyer is from Germany. Some countries don't require these changes, so I haven't done them. Depending on the buyer's location, I agree to do (to some extent) modifications necessary so it's road legal in their countryThe changes of engine and gear box are registered in the german title?@Mgtotheb Transport of the car would cost a few thousand, depending on shipping company. Tax is 2.5%. The only issue might be EPA. EPA states cars over 25 years old can be imported if they have original, or same like original engine, or have engine which meets Emission standards for the given year (1985) or better. Engine is 20 years newer, has stock power and stock cats, so I would guess it meets the EPA standards for the 1985 year, but I don't know for sure Would be best to contact EPA directly and ask. Engine power can also be reduced, if needed to pass itWhat is the cost to import and ship to Boston, MA, USA? And will the car meet US reg’s to be driven?Wow!! More cars like this please! I wish there were W140 listings with M113K. 😎@Kfossum Thank you! I must admit, it attracts so much attention, maybe too much@D2_S8_Daily Thanks! Gearbox is the strongest passenger 'box available, NSG510Nice dragstrip through nice countryside -- good luck!I just want to say that is the coolest thing I’ve seen all day. Even though it’s a bit far away, this is an absolute gem. Well, done to ever put this together.This is super cool - what transmission did you use to pair with the M113k? GWLTA.