KingKitty said:
No undercarriage pictures = big roll of the dice. The seller’s reluctance to provide even phone pictures of the underside for a car that has clearly lived in the Rust Belt is concerning.
@cm3esquirePeople who buy these cars then gut the various systems on them should be strung up, period. Neither AirMatic nor ABC, both of which I’ve had or currently own cars with, are easily diagnosed and repaired with the proper tools or competent service provider. Many of the issues on AirMatic systems are typically minor ones and not expensive repairs. Ignorance fuels the approach of replacing the systems as a whole. It compromises the driving experience and changes the car’s performance in negative ways. It makes me sad to see a well designed system gutted by some “well meaning” owner or mechanic because they’re too lazy or incompetent to properly troubleshoot the issue and repair it. I rank those folks right up with the W123/W126 hood stack crowd. There is no such thing as a cheap Mercedes.
Agree on the undercarriage photos if it matters. Coilovers? Nope, game over, move on, there's nothing to see here...
Badges may very well still be available from Mercedes. It's going to need all new suspension rubber by now, what I could see is pretty well shot. Are the ortho seats still working?
Hah! I prefer "unhinged troll", thank you. If I was your buyer I would not be happy after reading your comments and paying $8k for a $5k car. This was quite the clown show.
The market has spoken! Pretty much a stripper with nothing more than heated seats, add in the accident damage, and it's a $5,000 car on a good day. Third time's a charm?
@Mshim516That's concerning if they dealt with issues this way. I wonder how many other things they put screws in rather than fix properly?
@KingKittyI would add that the bladders for the multi contour seats are all NLA (no longer available) so there's really no repair option.
@Mshim516Multicontour seats are likely toast - the bladders in these become brittle and crack/leak which cause the PSE pump to time out. It's got other issues if the PSE pump is bad.
@Mshim516And what about the multi contour seat functions? DO they work? Does the lumbar feature work?
"The car is said to run and drive as is." Not sure how to interpret this statement.
Do all of the convenience features function properly? That is, the seat heaters, multi contour seat backs, door soft close, etc.? Also, any chance you have the original wheels and mirror covers?
Wow! The undercarriage on this car is scary. Not sure if it's from the fabricator or just wear and tear/age, but note that a lot of the body plugs are missing, which is not good. I also like the fact that the coach builder (and I use that term loosely based on what I can see in the pictures) didn't bother with changing springs for the added load, but put spacers in them. ?!?!?!? I also like the loose wires/hoses and broad use of tie wraps to try and keep things anchored and off the ground. Project is a good word here, but there appears to be some serious issues with the undercarriage. Stretching a car is not just a matter of a Sawzall and a welder, there are considerations for the geometry of the chassis as well as the integrity of the structure. Not sure those were taken into account with this build. GLWA!
Why not remove the tires, since they're really too old to be safely used, which would also reduce the shipping costs for a buyer? I certainly wouldn't put a 7 or 8 year old tire on my car regardless of condition.
Textbook example of how a couple of goofy bidders, serious or not, can derail an auction. Too bad, looks like a really nice example.
Nice Facebook flip from Augusta!
You never responded to the question about the Dorman parts. What's up with them?
@KingKitty If it has a "14" or "15" head (the second to the last pair of numbers in the casting number - 603 016 (15) 01 ) it has not been changed/updated and is prone to leakage.
@zoccierampqtThe casting number is located above the #2/#3 injector recesses. More on this number and it's location here: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/289965-om602-om603-cyl-head-revision-reference.html
@zoccierampqtI'm not in the immediate area, so that's not an option. Please identify the head casting number if you would.
Lots of little details suggest this car hasn't been well maintained. More importantly, what's the oil consumption like and what is the casting number on the cylinder head?
@MBTech96ASR light appears to be disabled, ABS light comes on at startup, SRS light is probably disabled as there is no driver airbag. Quoting from an eBay listing of this car verified by VIN number in 2021: "The mileage is not a typo it really has over 500 thousand miles."
@gsxrProbably because the car has over 500k on the clock based on it's internet sales history?
The big question people are waiting to address is the balance shaft issue. At 18k it's unlikely to be an issue, but how much longer can you drive the car before the engine grenades? Or do you just roll the dice and drive it until it happens, then walk away?
@JdmAutoShopWhy not just post them here so everyone can see them? Thanks!
Better verify those engine specs. The 602.912 is 90 HP @ 114 lb-ft according to factory specifications. Doesn't anyone check this sort of stuff before the auction goes up?
Darn! I was looking for a manual, and this one is an automatic. Oh, well...
Beautiful example, knowledgeable and honest seller. GLWA!
Oops! Was this a no reserve? I didn't see that if it was
Having these come up for auction. "You'd better bid to win on this one, because it won't happen again..."
Guess it might happen again...
One question: Why?
@UI_ClassicsTrue, but much of the value is in the low mileage. If there is a discrepancy in the mileage, this is quite a substantial one, and despite the "restoration" having been done there are many areas where you have no insight into whatsoever that are not only critical but a major part of the car, e.g., engine, transmission, etc. If the engine and drive train have 160k kilometers on them, well, that's got to affect the value significantly as well. And not to pick nits, but fasteners were not galvanized, they were zinc plated typically. This is a textbook example of how important it is to employ trusted resources for pre-purchase inspections. Or just have the folks on the 500eboard go over it!
VIN tags as shown are for U.S. spec cars only, and reproductions are readily available for purchase. If this car was originally sold in the EU, it wouldn't have a VIN tag such as the one on a U.S. car. Provenance for the vehicle prior to the November 2021 title in AZ would be a requirement if I was considering this car for purchase.
E500 specific headlights and lenses are NLA, Euro and US spec.
Duplicate comment, sorry.
This car appears to have been restored in the Netherlands prior to shipment to the US based on the following information at the 500E board: https://www.500eboard.co/forums/threads/1994-e500-limited-sapphire-black-gray-16kkm-tmu-mbm-auction-scottsdale-az.18025/ There appears to be a substantial discrepancy in the mileage as a result, too.
@Masondixoncraig- Just to clarify (again): Was the damage they reported to the guide itself, or were they talking about it needing bushings? For what it's worth, picture #150 is the transverse control arm (front), not the rear suspension. I've been under hundreds of these cars, and from what I can see in the picture (146) without the cover off, nothing is amiss with either rear guide (they're not called "swing arms"). I suspect the suggestion regarding wear pertained to the condition of the bushings.
Can you clarify where the damage is on the right rear swing arm? I don't see it in the pictures, or if it's there, I'm not seeing it. Thanks!
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NO RESERVE: 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500 4Matic Wagon
KingKitty said:
No undercarriage pictures = big roll of the dice. The seller’s reluctance to provide even phone pictures of the underside for a car that has clearly lived in the Rust Belt is concerning.NO RESERVE: 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500 4Matic Wagon
KingKitty said:
@cm3esquirePeople who buy these cars then gut the various systems on them should be strung up, period. Neither AirMatic nor ABC, both of which I’ve had or currently own cars with, are easily diagnosed and repaired with the proper tools or competent service provider. Many of the issues on AirMatic systems are typically minor ones and not expensive repairs. Ignorance fuels the approach of replacing the systems as a whole. It compromises the driving experience and changes the car’s performance in negative ways. It makes me sad to see a well designed system gutted by some “well meaning” owner or mechanic because they’re too lazy or incompetent to properly troubleshoot the issue and repair it. I rank those folks right up with the W123/W126 hood stack crowd. There is no such thing as a cheap Mercedes.NO RESERVE: 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500 4Matic Wagon
KingKitty said:
Agree on the undercarriage photos if it matters. Coilovers? Nope, game over, move on, there's nothing to see here...1999 Mercedes-Benz CL600
KingKitty said:
Badges may very well still be available from Mercedes. It's going to need all new suspension rubber by now, what I could see is pretty well shot. Are the ortho seats still working?2000 Mercedes-Benz E430
KingKitty said:
Hah! I prefer "unhinged troll", thank you. If I was your buyer I would not be happy after reading your comments and paying $8k for a $5k car. This was quite the clown show.2000 Mercedes-Benz E430
KingKitty said:
The market has spoken! Pretty much a stripper with nothing more than heated seats, add in the accident damage, and it's a $5,000 car on a good day. Third time's a charm?1999 Mercedes-Benz S500 w/48k Miles
KingKitty said:
@Mshim516That's concerning if they dealt with issues this way. I wonder how many other things they put screws in rather than fix properly?1999 Mercedes-Benz S500 w/48k Miles
KingKitty said:
@KingKittyI would add that the bladders for the multi contour seats are all NLA (no longer available) so there's really no repair option.1999 Mercedes-Benz S500 w/48k Miles
KingKitty said:
@Mshim516Multicontour seats are likely toast - the bladders in these become brittle and crack/leak which cause the PSE pump to time out. It's got other issues if the PSE pump is bad.1999 Mercedes-Benz S500 w/48k Miles
KingKitty said:
@Mshim516And what about the multi contour seat functions? DO they work? Does the lumbar feature work?NO RESERVE: 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380SEL Limousine Project
KingKitty said:
"The car is said to run and drive as is." Not sure how to interpret this statement.1999 Mercedes-Benz S500 w/48k Miles
KingKitty said:
Do all of the convenience features function properly? That is, the seat heaters, multi contour seat backs, door soft close, etc.? Also, any chance you have the original wheels and mirror covers?NO RESERVE: 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380SEL Limousine Project
KingKitty said:
Wow! The undercarriage on this car is scary. Not sure if it's from the fabricator or just wear and tear/age, but note that a lot of the body plugs are missing, which is not good. I also like the fact that the coach builder (and I use that term loosely based on what I can see in the pictures) didn't bother with changing springs for the added load, but put spacers in them. ?!?!?!? I also like the loose wires/hoses and broad use of tie wraps to try and keep things anchored and off the ground. Project is a good word here, but there appears to be some serious issues with the undercarriage. Stretching a car is not just a matter of a Sawzall and a welder, there are considerations for the geometry of the chassis as well as the integrity of the structure. Not sure those were taken into account with this build. GLWA!NO RESERVE: 18" Staggered W220/W215 AMG Wheels & Tires
KingKitty said:
Why not remove the tires, since they're really too old to be safely used, which would also reduce the shipping costs for a buyer? I certainly wouldn't put a 7 or 8 year old tire on my car regardless of condition.2000 Mercedes-Benz E430
KingKitty said:
Textbook example of how a couple of goofy bidders, serious or not, can derail an auction. Too bad, looks like a really nice example.1999 Mercedes-Benz CL500
KingKitty said:
Nice Facebook flip from Augusta!1997 Mercedes-Benz E420 Sport w/77k Miles
KingKitty said:
You never responded to the question about the Dorman parts. What's up with them?1987 Mercedes-Benz 300SDL
KingKitty said:
@KingKitty If it has a "14" or "15" head (the second to the last pair of numbers in the casting number - 603 016 (15) 01 ) it has not been changed/updated and is prone to leakage.1987 Mercedes-Benz 300SDL
KingKitty said:
@zoccierampqtThe casting number is located above the #2/#3 injector recesses. More on this number and it's location here: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/289965-om602-om603-cyl-head-revision-reference.html1987 Mercedes-Benz 300SDL
KingKitty said:
@zoccierampqtI'm not in the immediate area, so that's not an option. Please identify the head casting number if you would.1987 Mercedes-Benz 300SDL
KingKitty said:
Lots of little details suggest this car hasn't been well maintained. More importantly, what's the oil consumption like and what is the casting number on the cylinder head?1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E
KingKitty said:
@MBTech96ASR light appears to be disabled, ABS light comes on at startup, SRS light is probably disabled as there is no driver airbag. Quoting from an eBay listing of this car verified by VIN number in 2021: "The mileage is not a typo it really has over 500 thousand miles."1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E
KingKitty said:
@gsxrProbably because the car has over 500k on the clock based on it's internet sales history?18k-Mile 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Wagon
KingKitty said:
The big question people are waiting to address is the balance shaft issue. At 18k it's unlikely to be an issue, but how much longer can you drive the car before the engine grenades? Or do you just roll the dice and drive it until it happens, then walk away?Euro 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E
KingKitty said:
@JdmAutoShopWhy not just post them here so everyone can see them? Thanks!NO RESERVE: 1991 Mercedes-Benz 250TD Wagon 5-Speed w/79k Miles
KingKitty said:
Better verify those engine specs. The 602.912 is 90 HP @ 114 lb-ft according to factory specifications. Doesn't anyone check this sort of stuff before the auction goes up?Vintage Mercedes-Benz Sign
KingKitty said:
Darn! I was looking for a manual, and this one is an automatic. Oh, well...1995 Mercedes-Benz E420
KingKitty said:
Beautiful example, knowledgeable and honest seller. GLWA!NOS, OEM Mercedes-Benz W124 E500/500E Fender & Body Parts Package
KingKitty said:
Oops! Was this a no reserve? I didn't see that if it wasNOS, OEM Mercedes-Benz W124 E500/500E Fender & Body Parts Package
KingKitty said:
Having these come up for auction. "You'd better bid to win on this one, because it won't happen again..."NOS, OEM Mercedes-Benz W124 E500/500E Fender & Body Parts Package
KingKitty said:
Guess it might happen again...Dealer Memorabilia: Mercedes-Benz Product Line Touchscreen Showroom Display
KingKitty said:
One question: Why?1994 Mercedes-Benz E500 Limited
KingKitty said:
@UI_ClassicsTrue, but much of the value is in the low mileage. If there is a discrepancy in the mileage, this is quite a substantial one, and despite the "restoration" having been done there are many areas where you have no insight into whatsoever that are not only critical but a major part of the car, e.g., engine, transmission, etc. If the engine and drive train have 160k kilometers on them, well, that's got to affect the value significantly as well. And not to pick nits, but fasteners were not galvanized, they were zinc plated typically. This is a textbook example of how important it is to employ trusted resources for pre-purchase inspections. Or just have the folks on the 500eboard go over it!1994 Mercedes-Benz E500 Limited
KingKitty said:
VIN tags as shown are for U.S. spec cars only, and reproductions are readily available for purchase. If this car was originally sold in the EU, it wouldn't have a VIN tag such as the one on a U.S. car. Provenance for the vehicle prior to the November 2021 title in AZ would be a requirement if I was considering this car for purchase.1994 Mercedes-Benz E500 Limited
KingKitty said:
E500 specific headlights and lenses are NLA, Euro and US spec.1994 Mercedes-Benz E500 Limited
KingKitty said:
Duplicate comment, sorry.1994 Mercedes-Benz E500 Limited
KingKitty said:
This car appears to have been restored in the Netherlands prior to shipment to the US based on the following information at the 500E board: https://www.500eboard.co/forums/threads/1994-e500-limited-sapphire-black-gray-16kkm-tmu-mbm-auction-scottsdale-az.18025/ There appears to be a substantial discrepancy in the mileage as a result, too.2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Wagon
KingKitty said:
@Masondixoncraig- Just to clarify (again): Was the damage they reported to the guide itself, or were they talking about it needing bushings? For what it's worth, picture #150 is the transverse control arm (front), not the rear suspension. I've been under hundreds of these cars, and from what I can see in the picture (146) without the cover off, nothing is amiss with either rear guide (they're not called "swing arms"). I suspect the suggestion regarding wear pertained to the condition of the bushings.2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Wagon
KingKitty said:
Can you clarify where the damage is on the right rear swing arm? I don't see it in the pictures, or if it's there, I'm not seeing it. Thanks!