Bid for your chance to win this 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG only on The MB Market! This rare AMG is finished in Anthracite Gray Metallic (172) over Black Leather (251) and powered by an AMG Affalterbach-built 5.4-liter V8 mated to a four-speed. Records, Provenance, History, Service, & more!
Bid for your chance to own these AMG M117 Cylinder Heads, AMG 50.1 Cams, & Solid Lifters only on The MB Market! These pre-merger AMG parts. The seller has ensured a bolt-on application with parts for completion. These rare AMG engine parts are located out of Marietta, Georgia.
AMG5pt4 said:
Never seen OZ Racing AMG wheels that did not have the AMG part #'s (C7400175 for the 8.5x17 fronts and C7400146 rears), offset (ET18 for the fronts and ET17 for the rears), and wheel size (8.5J x 17 and 10J x 17) stamped on the underside of the center piece). I have owned several sets of these wheels. The other stamps are correct. Was there so much paint slathered on the bottom side of the center that these stamps are covered over? This question is of some importance to the rear wheels - AMG had OZ Racing make rear 10x17's with an offset of ET5 specifically for SEC widebody fitment. These WB wheels are ultra rare, but with no stampings visible, hard to know. This could affect fitment (rubbing fender openings) if by some rare chance these are ET5 wheels. Do you have pics of these wheel centers before you had them refinished to further verify there are no lug hole cracks that have been covered by heavy paint? Link to a set of similar wheels I sold years ago showing the missing/covered stamps: https://www.benzworld.org/threads/fs-amg-oz-3-piece-wheels-staggered-show-quality.1623430/?post_id=5004809#post-5004809 BTW, I had a set of these wheels mounted to my ex-R129 1996 SL320 with no fitments issues or rubbing - direct bolt on. However, I did not lower the car, so that may cause rubbing or require rolling the rear fenders.
So, the front fenders and the front bumper are molded together. Thinking out loud - this must have been done after the front fenders were bolted to the front cowl. In the horrible case of a front end accident requiring the replacement of a fender, this would be a real challenge to the paint and body shop! Very cool pre-merger AMG. I am sure this is exceptionally rare and unique.
Looks like the plain center caps are the "cup" style as opposed to the center caps that had a piece of spring steel bolted to the back of the center cap to hold it in place. Nice wheels.
Actually this style wheel for the W124 Hammers were ET28 offset, these are ET11. These are designed to fit W126's and R107's.
I needed a few minutes to accept that my 15-year stewardship of this AMG will move to another owner. Congrats to @MBDriver81! I will be in contact with you to make arrangements. Thanks also to all of the bidders who participated. Highly appreciate your support. Al
Reserve is met. Car will sell to the highest bidder!
Thanks for all the comments and support. If this SEL sells, I will truly miss it, but I know it will make someone else just as proud to be the caretaker as I am. Inside 30 minutes to go!
LOL, love the $126,045 bid. 560SEC anyone?
@LT77 The original block had slight cylinder wall scoring that had to be cleaned up. To do that, the cylinders had to be bored out 0.5mm from 98.5mm to 99.0mm. Once that occurred, new pistons were required. If you think a 0.5mm bore on the cylinders and modern forged pistons is "highly modified", then you and I have a very different opinion on this. The original Nural pistons were cast, not forged, and were much heavier than the Wossner pistons. Same original block, same heads, same intake manifold, same headers, same timing cover, etc... I also have changed brake rotors, brake pads, bearings, suspension pieces, vacuum pods, door strikers, tires and other wear items. Does that make the car less original as well? I gave my definition of "original" in my very first post for this auction and that this term has different meanings to different car collectors. Your opinion is yours and mine is mine, and so be it! AMG certainly didn't have an issue issuing their Certification knowing this. As to the engine machinist who did the block and crankshaft work, you wouldn't know his name if I did post it. This is a machinist that Blue Ridge Mercedes uses for all of their AMG engine work. The number of machinists who have the technical know how and tooling and experience to work with Alusil blocks in the US is extremely limited. Joe is one of those machinists.
Thanks for the recent bids! Last day of the auction for this exceptional pre-merger AMG! The headlight wipers were reset last weekend back to their proper position. The car has a full tank of E0 fuel and Torco octane booster. Mercedes cars are expensive to maintain and this car has had an open checkbook approach to maintenance over the past 15 years. Just in the past six months, I had the driveshaft removed and a new U-joint installed, new MB center support bracket and bearing and the driveshaft re-balanced ($700). New Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires front and rear with about 250 miles on them installed by Gran Turismo East along with a fresh alignment ($1,500). Extensive paint correction and ceramic sealer done by Jonathan himself @ Blue Ridge Mercedes along with Leatherique treatment to front and rear leather seats ($3,000). That is about $5k invested recently. Looking through some of the receipts over the years - a Who's Who list of vendors: - Dash wood and center console wood done by Madera Concepts in California - Fuel distributor and warm up regulator done by CIS Flowtech in Alabama - Heavy suspension maintenance, transmission and rear differential rebuilds by Blue Ridge Mercedes Lilburn, GA - Tires and alignment by Gran Turismo East Atlanta - MB parts used extensively (including parts that are now No Longer Available) - A/C system still charged with DuPont Iglo R-12 - Engine block work and crankshaft tuning by one of the last old-school engine machinists left in the US, Long Island, NY - Time Serts for head bolt holes by Jonathan @ Blue Ridge Mercedes - Short black engine rebuild done to exacting standards by a true engineer in Orlando, FL - Wossner forged pistons with correct skirt coating to co-exist with the original Alusil block
Another comment about fluids. I have religiously used Ethanol free gasoline in this car due to the impact of ethanol on certain rubber fuel lines that were made before ethanol was introduced as a gasoline fuel additive. I use E0 (ethanol free) 90 Octane fuel and I add a quart can of Torco octance booster with each fill up to bump the octane to 93-94. If I am outside Atlanta, I use the Pure Gas app to find E0 gasoline stations. In a pinch on a long road trip, say to Amelia Island, I will use Premium 93 Octane pump gas but make sure I run the fuel down when I am getting back to Atlanta and then refuel using E0 gasoline. No harm there. I will provide 2 quart cans of Torco to the winning bidder. I always carry a can of Torco in the trunk along with a long funnel for refueling. Oil - I only use Brad Penn 20w-50 oil due to the high zinc content for the solid lifters/cams Brake Fluid - currently the car has Castrol SRF Racing brake fluid in the car Coolant - I use MB coolant or Zerex G-50 coolant, 50/50 Please no comments on oil/gas/brake fluid - everyone has their opinions. I just want to advise what I use and why.
Comment as to Bill of Sale and registration. When I bought the car in Oct 2009, I had prepared Bill of Sale that Jeff Gustafson and I signed and had notarized at the bank. A copy of that Bill of Sale is in the blue binder. Jeff could not find the Florida title from his father's business, R&D Apartments, when I bought the car. He promised to find it and send to me in Georgia. When I got the car to GA and to register the car, the State rules allow a car > 25 years old to be registered and licensed without a title - just need a notarized Bill of Sale. I provided that and the car was registered and licensed in Oct 2009. Jeff subsequently found the title, with his father's signature on the back of the title, and sent it to me. I went back to the Georgia DMV and provided the title so I could get an actual Georgia title, but they said the car was already legally registered under the > 25 year old car rule and would not re-do the registration. The Florida title is part of the blue binder that comes with the car. For this auction sale, I will create Bill of Sale for the car and will have my signature notarized. I will provide the current 2024/2025 Georgia registration (expires in April). Since this car is > 25 years old, no smog test is needed in Georgia. Check your state's/country's requirements for registration. There are NO catalytic converters installed on this car! If the winning bidder is in Georgia, I will allow the license plate to be transferred to the new owner (AMG5PT4).
As we come down the final stretch of this auction, a quick note on what will go with the car: Brand new Covercraft car cover - indoor (not weather proof!) Genuine Mercedes windshield sun screen (for car shows, if needed) Spare MB EZL (ignition control module) Spare MB Fuel Pump Relay Daily use black MB floor mats The Original AMG mats that came with the car in 1984, as pictured. The driver mat shows wear and some discoloration and the dead pedal flap has some wear, but they are original Owner's Manual packet, as pictured Blue Binder with copies of the AMG and ownership provenance AMG Classic Certification folio with the certificate and metal badge White Binder with all the Clarion technical manuals and wiring diagrams Large Binder with historical receipts dating back to Mr. Gustafson's ownership and my ownership The EZL and Fuel Pump Relay (FPR) are two electrical items that can fail without notice and leave you dead on the side of the road. Both are easy access items to replace.
@TheAMGKitNo connection. Blue Ridge Mercedes is outside Atlanta and is the premier independent Mercedes maintenance and repair shop in the Southeast and the owner, Jonathan Hodgman, is highly regarded as to pre-merger AMG cars. My brother is in Florida and a true engineer (Physics and Electrical Engineering) and his day job is a rocket scientist (literally). His passion is race engineering and designing/building suspensions and engine building. He has spent time working with American Le Mans race teams (ex-Alex Job Racing) and SCCA racing and has crewed races such as Daytona 24 Hours and Sebring. My brother's father in-law was a crew chief for Alex Job Racing (Porsche) for many years and has been part of the Heart of Racing team out of Texas (American Le Mans Series) for many years.
@TheAMGKitAll of the speakers are the original speakers (German made). There are only the 2 Clarion amps under the passenger side footwell panel. I removed the carpeted box (accessed from inside the trunk which is under the parcel shelf) back in 2009/2010 and I recall there are crossover electronics for the six speakers mounted in the rear - four mids and two woofers. Plus the two tweeters in the dash. I suspect the speakers ought to be replaced with better modern speakers. The amps are decent that power the G-80. An MBM bidder inspected the car today and I plugged my iPhone to the lead in the center console ashtray and streamed Pandora through the G-80. Sounded good.
@TheAMGKitYes, that is the French Dealer installed alarm system (not operational). Part of the alarm system are the glass breakage sensors on the corner of each side of the dash, as seen in Pics 224 and 225. This alarm system documentation is also part of the original Owner's Manual packet - see Pic 530 lower right pamphlet. This is the dealer installed security system.
@ASGMiami Thanks for your comment. Yes, this would be perfect next to a Hammer - add a no-stories W126 AMG to your collection. I have driven a couple Hammers and other W126's with the DOHC 32-valve engines and I can tell you that this engine, as built by my brother, would surprise you on its power and torque. Hit the go pedal and this car responds.
@TheAMGKitThere probably was at some point, but may have been removed by AMG or Mr. Medore or Mr. Gustafson.
@hamburglar that might be 199 Blue Black. Hard to tell. @sirmathrocks it would be an all day job removing just the cassette player. Both side carpets would need to be removed and the center wood and HVAC pushbutton controller removed. Then I have to move a lot of wiring out of the way to get to the straps on either side of the stack to remove the screws holding the cassette player in the stack and then get a 3-year old to reach behind the cassette player to disconnect the wiring to/from the cassette player and then install the replacement cassette player and pray that it works. All that effort is why I figured out how to connect a lead into the back of the top controller unit to stream music from my phone. All of the wires between the units are 6-pin round DIN plugs. I found a 6-pin DIN plug that terminated into a 3.5mm audio lead. On older iPhones, the 3.5mm lead plugged right into the phone; the newer iPhones only have the lightning connector for recharging and headphones. Luckily Apple makes a 3.5mm female to Lightning adapter. I should post a video of how to stream music through the G-80. Pink Floyd is my go-to music....
@SwissBliss my user name is the Georgia license plate for this SEL - AMG5pt4. The 5pt4 is the engine displacement from AMG.
@SwissBliss thanks for the kind post. Yeah, I am the anti-flipper owner. I bought this car 15 years ago because it is such a legit AMG and because of the heavy AMG option list and because it is so original. I wasn't even in the market for a sedan in 2009, but I could not pass this car up and 15 years later, I know this car is much better now than when I bought it. That sums up what an enthusiast is in my book. BTW, for any potential bidders who have reached out to me about seeing the car in the flesh or would like to see the car, tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday after noon, The car can be seen at Blue Ridge Mercedes in Lilburn, GA not too far from Stone Mountain. Over this coming weekend, the car will be at my home in Marietta, GA for showing. Please message me directly to set up a time if you happen to be in/around Atlanta over the next four days. If next week Monday - Wednesday works better, I can probably accommodate an appointment.
Thanks for the post, Patina Collective and Bernard Bohn. And thank you for partnering with AMG Classic and MKB to provide this long awaited certification service.
Regarding the very rare Clarion G-80 stereo system, the operating manuals and warranty cards (wonder if they are still valid....) were in the Owners Manual packet when I bought the car. I then set out to collect any additional neat documents for this system. I found the Service manuals and wiring and spare parts diagrams on the net and purchased downloads. I printed all of the manuals and assembled the Clarion binder shown in the photo gallery. This binder will go with the car. I have purchased a spare G-80 system that is operational (not sure about the cassette tape player) from a UK seller 3-4 years ago. If the winning bidder is interested in acquiring this from me, I am sure we can come to an agreement. A couple years ago the system quit working and I was mortified that something major was wrong. This prompted me to find and purchase the spare system. I removed the side carpeting from each side of the center console and removed the burl wood surround panel and was about to start swapping out components when I reverted back to the age-old mechanic adage - check the easy things first. Turned out to be a $10 power relay. Phew! Removing the wood surround panel is not for the faint of heart as the panel has to bend slightly to remove it - after removing the 20 little 2mm hex head screws holding the rack pull handles to the wood panel and components! Let me tell you - the space behind the upper console wood panel is very limited to begin with on a stock W126. Throwing in the G-80 system makes that space exceptionally tight. The power amps that drive the system are remotely located under the passenger side carpet panel. The power amp display gauges are at the bottom of the stereo stack.
Thanks for the comments and @stuttgart_steel for taking the pics and video. To answer a couple questions posted: The rear diff is not a GT (Gleason-Torsen) diff, and I am happy about that. GT diffs were cutting edge in terms of the design of the gearing, but, alas, the diffs were also fragile. The diff installed in the rear of my 85 widebody may be a GT diff - when I removed the ABS sensor, there were little bits of steel stuck to the magnetic tip. Correct comment that almost all full conversion AMG cars in the 80's were "dipped" - all of the bright work was painted body color - chrome bumper tops, polished anodized aluminum window and front/rear glass trim, grille and trunk badges. My widebody is dipped Blue Black 199. This SEL not only has an amazing 172 Anthracite Gray paint color, but Mr. Medore did not ask for it to be dipped by AMG. And, I am happy the car is not dipped - it looks fantastic as it sits.
Another note on the engine in the car - the bolt holes in the block for the head bolts were 100% time-serted for the rebuild. M117 blocks can have head bolts pull threads from weakened block alloy. Some machinists use heli-coils, some use time-serts. You can see the time-serts in some of the engine rebuild pics.
Thanks for the bids! Pic was added to the write up showing the all important M117.963 engine serial # with the really important 5.4 stamp next to the serial #. In all of the M117 AMG engine serial #'s I have seen, this is the only SOHC I know of with the displacement stamp next to the serial #. It should also be noted that it was not uncommon for AMG to pull an engine from a customer car and swap in an already modified engine to save time turning the car around. When that happened, AMG peened over the serial number of the replacement engine and re-stamped with the original serial # from MB - in an attempt to keep the swapped in engine "numbers matching". It is very easy to tell if an engine serial # has been re-stamped. This engine is not a swapped out 5.4 - AMG modified the original engine from MB and put it back in when done. My widebody engine block is a re-stamped M117. No harm to me as the engine is as it left AMG. Just a little AMG history.
Hello MB Market bidders and peanut gallery to the auction for my 1984 126.037 500SEL AMG. I have owned this car for over 15 years and have been a passionate caretaker of this magnificent example of pre-merger goodness. During the course of the 10-day auction, I will do my very best to answer any questions about the car, its history and provenance, including what I have done to make the car better, researching the history of the car and what awaits the new owner. This car has lead a charmed life from careful ownership by Mr. Cuyler P Medore, Mr. Ray Gustafson and his son Jeff and me. The car is remarkably original. That word "original" is used frequently in the collector car world. I will give you my definition of "Original". Cars are mechanical things made of steel, aluminum, leather, plastic, rubber and paint. Mechanical bits that make the car do what it is supposed to do - drive and stop safely - wear out, in general, and must be replaced or refurbished to keep the car running and driving in top condition. There is no reason to celebrate a 40, 50, 60 year old car with original engine rubber bits, bearings, seals and other wear items that leak or will leave the owner stranded on the side of the road. Old, low mileage cars with original brake components that make a car stop safely must be maintained and kept fresh. Now, interior pieces and paint, with careful care and use of restorative fluids, creams, waxes and protectants can last decades - if the car is garaged and kept away from harsh environments. This car is a proper Original car - the mechaniclas have been kept fresh with Mercedes or AMG parts and the paint and interior are 99% original. This car has and will win many awards. But, it is as reliable as I can make it as of today and it is fast and wants to run! This car is numbers matching with original paint and interior. The changes I made to this car are adding speaker openings/grills to the leather covered parcel shelf, changing the diff ratio to 2.82 from stock 2.24 and rebuilding the engine with slightly higher displacement with new, modern forged pistons. My brother, Tim, built this engine, with a little help from me. The block and crankshaft were gone through by one of the best old school engine machinists in the US. Every measurement was taken and verified and the engine was built to a high degree of care and accuracy using only MB or AMG parts. I hope everyone will enjoy and appreciate the pictures and videos of this special AMG. It has been Certified as an Original AMG classic by MKB Motorenbau (the "M" in MKB is Erhard Melcher, by the way) in Germany and that certification binder will go to the new owner. I have a reserve set on this car that is fair, but is inline with how special and rare this car is. I have followed pre-merger AMG auction cars and results over the past 8 years or so and I know that this car is top 1% of what has been offered in the market. This is a "no stories, no excuses" car. Why am I selling this AMG? I am finishing the restoration of this car's big brother - a 1985 500SEC AMG widebody with a special 32-valve DOHC engine. I can't have two show cars. It is time for this car to go to an enthusiast who will carry on as steward of this car. Good luck to all the Bidders!
Can the Seller confirm this exhaust system was removed from a Left Hand Drive car? Japan is a Right Hand Drive, Left Hand Traffic country. Tri-y exhaust headers were made by MB for both LHD and RHD cars. RHD tri-y's won't fit US/ROW cars and vice versa.
Further clarification on my earlier post about hard to find/NLA parts. There are aftermarket parts available for most of the NLA parts that MB, unfortunately, has discontinued. Exceptions are SLS struts (no alternative other than installing standard shocks and doing away with the wonderful SLS system), Front (L/R) and Rear (just one) ABS sensors (again, no available alternative), crank position sensor (no alternative to my knowledge). NOS MB parts are SO much better quality than aftermarket parts. If an owner searches long enough and does not mind paying steep prices for key mechanical parts that come on the market, this car can be driven for many, many years as the MB parts will last for 10-30 years. All of the door seals, rear window seal and trunk seal are also NLA, but this car has pristine MB rubber bits that will last many, many years if garaged. Just hope the front windshield never takes a rock! Some cars are worth the effort and cost when it comes to key mechanical parts - this car is one that deserves the best - wonderful colors and condition and low miles. Treat this car well and it will treat the new owner well! SLS shocks and ABS sensors and other NLA key parts come up for sale on eBay or from Forum members. Buy them now while you can. Keep all fluids changed regularly - oil, brakes, tranny, SLS, coolant! Install new chain tensioner and upper chain rail guides as soon as possible on this car (despite the low mileage!).
Beautiful SEL. Whatever this sells for will be < anything you could buy new in more ways than one! I would recommend the new owner start finding/buying all the NLA/hard to find parts so this car can be enjoyed and used for many years - rear SLS shocks (NLA), HVAC vacuum pods (mostly NLA), crank position sensor (NLA), front and rear ABS sensors (NLA), EHA, timing chain tensioner, timing chain rails, spare EZL, spare MB fuel pump relay (NLA), spare MB water pump, etc.. Keep this car garaged 100% of the time to avoid inevitable UV damage to the cream beige interior. Nice rare options - ortho seats, rear seat heating, rear sunshade. Unfortunate option (IMO) is ASR.
Congrats @roofsforcars You bought a great set of AMG heads. Will be in touch!
Reserve has been met. These heads will sell to the highest bidder.
I should also note that I have a stunning 1984 500SEL AMG 5.4L SOHC and a 1985 AMG Widebody 32-valve DOHC that I am restoring. Both are AMG Affalterbach cars with documentation. I have lived and breathed pre-merger AMG for well over 15 years.
@zyyzs No deficiencies. I have been a pre-merger AMG fanatic for many years and I have been able to accumulate and find rare AMG bits from engine parts to wheels to exhausts. These heads came from a non-documented Gen I W126 that had extensive body rot and an interior that could not be saved. The engine (block and heads) were loved by a prior owner (all head bolt holes in the block heli-coiled, for example). I am able to pass these on to someone who needs/wants the real deal.
@Jeffreyis Further follow up on the Gen II 560 EZL question. I visited a high end independent MB shop this evening (Blue Ridge Mercedes). I was able to look at the EZL's in the following pre-merger AMG's: 560SEL, 32v DOHC M117, EZL # 004-545-34-32 W124 Hammer Coupe, 32v DOHC M117 6.0L, EZL # 004-545-53-32 M117 560 W124 Hammer Wagon, 32v DOHC M117 6.0L, EZL # 004-545-34-32 (Euro M117 5.0 or 5.6) W124 Hammer Coupe, 32v DOHC M117 6.6L, EZL # 004-545-91-32 (420SEL EZL) I tried to find any 34-32 EZL's for sale anywhere and found none - clearly a rare EZL. The first Hammer coupe listed above using the 53-32 - these are relatively plentiful on eBay The last Hammer Coupe 91-32 appears to be a standard 420SEL EZL. I can vouch that all of the above cars except for the 560SEL are solid running cars. I was surprised to see three different EZL's used on four different AMG engine cars. None of the EZL's were the 8 pin variety and none were modified. Hope this helps. Doesn't appear there was one special EZL used by AMG.
@Jeffreyis As you are aware, the distributor cannot be adjusted on a Gen II 560 with KE-Jet. It is possible that a different EZL may be required to get the proper benefit from these heads. Per the timing page in the Pics Gallery, Gen I (with an adjustable distributor) requires ignition timing of 25 degrees BTDC @ 3,000 rpms with the vacuum pulled. That would be similar to what a 560 would need. If you have a stock 560 and a timing gun, pull your EZL vacuum and check the timing at 3,000 rpms. Talking with a local shop owner, he can check what EZL is installed on his Gen II 560SEL that has a quad cam AMG engine (timing specs are the same as for an AMG SOHC).
@Mario 2 parcels, 22kg each, 610mm x 356mm x 356mm OR 48Lbs each, 24" x 14" x14". Declared value $5,000/parcel, $10,000 total US Postal Service did not provide a quote FedEx International Economy $1,900 UPS International Expedited $2,085
@Tom69 In response to your post, I referred to my MB Factory 1986 W126 Technical Data manual for cylinder head machining tolerance and used my caliper to measure the heads for actual height vs allowed tolerance deviation. The MB Technical Data manual states new heads have a height of 59.80 - 60.00mm and a machined tolerance to 59.55 - 59.75mm, a maximum machining tolerance of 0.25mm. I did not measure the heads before sending them to the machine shop. For my observation, I measured each head in 2 different places. In each of the four measurements, I measured the head heights to be 60.00mm +/- 0.05mm, which is well within the MB manual spec of 0.25mm. See attached pics for reference once posted by The MB Market. Therefore, I am confident these heads are well within MB spec and not worthless as to planing tolerance.
@TheMBManiacI am not aware if there is a difference between Gen I and Gen II tri-y exhaust headers from MB. It is possible that Gen I 5.0L heads have slightly smaller exhaust ports from the heads to the headers as opposed to Gen II 560 heads. Tri-y's are pretty heavy and beefy pieces of cast iron. If there were a slight difference between port openings between Gen I and Gen II heads, I would imagine the tri-y's could be opened up a bit to get port matching with Gen II 560 heads. I checked Xentry/EPC and the P/N for the exhaust manifold gasket for a Gen I 500 engine is the same P/N for a Gen II 560 engine. That certainly is not definitive proof that Gen I and Gen II exhaust port holes are the same size. I also noted in Xentry that tri-y's are pictured and grayed-out for Gen I 500 exhaust manifolds, while for Gen II 560 Tri-y's are not grayed-out, but the P/N for the exhaust manifold gaskets are the same P/N for all engines.
The two added pics are dyno charts from AMG for SOHC engines with AMG heads/Cams/solid lifters with headers. The third dyno chart is for a 5.4L SOHC engine showing 310hp and 350lbs torque. The second newly added pic is how to set the cam timing with the 50.1 cams.
Had a question from a User if these would fit on his 1986 500SEL Euro. Absolutely! Any M117 V8 - Gen I 500SEC or 500SEL or Gen II 500SEC or 500SEL or 560SEC or 560SEL. Will also fit R107 with an M117 5.0L or 5.5L engine. These would NOT fit to my knowledge an M116 engine - 380 or 420
Bonhams recently held two online auctions for pre-merger AMG cars and parts - the Barry Taylor horde/collection. Below are two links to auction results for somewhat similar items as offered here: 3 hydraulic valve actuation AMG camshafts (2 left and 1 right or 2 right and i left) - $21,760 with 20% commission): https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/29954/lot/161/a-lot-of-3-m117-amg-cam-shafts-2-inches-in-height-2-inches-in-width-20-inches-in-length/ M117.968 560 long block with AMG hydraulic camshafts - $17,920 with commission: https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30524/lot/236/1-mercedes-benz-m117968-modified-with-amg-components/#photos You can Google the Bonhams AMG auctions (Part 1 and Part 2) to see all lots that were sold.
Welcome to my auction for these very rare and desirable M117 cylinder heads replete with authentic AMG 50.1 cams, solid lifter valve actuation and lightened rocker arms/followers. The cams and valve train have been mounted on 560 heads to take advantage of the larger intake and exhaust valves. These heads have been freshly serviced at a professional cylinder head shop (Sep 20, 2024) that included planing the head mating surfaces, cleaning the heads inside and out, 3-angle valve job, all valves lapped to the valve seats, new MB exhaust valve guides (just because they are exhaust guides), all new valve stem seals, camshafts and rocker arms polished and checked for any abnormal wear, valve lash set according to AMG specs. Also included with the heads are cleaned aluminum oiler tubes and Made in Germany Febi plastic tube fittings, new Made in Germany/EU Febi upper timing chain rails, set of 8 NOS never installed correct Bosch W5DC spark plugs (hard to find), new MB bolts and washers for the cam towers to the heads, AMG valve cover stickers, a genuine NOS AMG Tuning sticker and hardware for head installation (timing chain rail pins, exhaust manifold upper bolts, lower studs and copper nuts. These heads were loved by a prior owner - the 5.0L block the heads were removed from had all head bolt holes helicoiled, the upper exhaust manifold bolt holes are also helicoiled. There is one thread insert for one of the spark plug holes - I have personally threaded a new spark plug all the way into the head by hand with no issues. These heads are bolt on ready and, with proper headers, will significantly increase your M117 engine's power and torque. I have a 1984 500SEL AMG 5.4L sedan with essentially the same heads. The heads on my engine had larger valves cut into the 5.0L heads by AMG and the heads were ported to increase airflow. By using 560 heads offered here, you accomplish the same thing. My 5.4L AMG engine specs from AMG were 310hp and 350 lbs torque. If you install these heads on a 560 engine or 500 engine and use a 560 crankshaft you will achieve similar power/torque specs. Please ask any questions in the auction forum or via direct message to me. These heads are available for inspection outside Atlanta - ping me if so desired. I will ship these heads at my cost domestically to the lower 48 states. International shipping will be accommodated at the Winning Bidder's expense. This is a very rare opportunity to acquire authentic AMG heads. Most of the attention on M117 engines massaged by AMG centers on the DOHC "Hammer" engines - don't underestimate these heads! Paired with headers, a free flowing exhaust and a 2.82 LSD, my 84 SEL can hang just fine with other tuned W126's!
Both of my Gen I AMG steering wheels on my 84 500SEL AMG and 85 500SEC AMG Widebody have K.B.A. 70042 and Ati-4 stamped on the back. Having said that, I have seen poorly done Italvolante replica steering wheels on eBay and Instagram, but this steering wheel offered is a legit Italvolante steering wheel that is at the very least a well done replica. 99.9% of people looking at this wheel could not tell it was not original. There are not many of the originals in existence and the recent Bonhams auctions for Barry Taylor's stash of AMG bits showed prices from $2k to $3k for genuine wheels. The leather seam on the outer rim offered here is correct at the 4 o'clock position. https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/29954/lot/100/a-used-amg-for-mercedes-benz-grey-leather-steering-wheel-16-inches-in-diameter-1-inch-in-height/ The correct hub for this wheel is made by Atiwe and would have 500x stamped on the base of the hub with either smooth vinyl or accordion shaped hub. Here are two examples that sold yesterday (Jul 29) in Part 2 of the Bonhams AMG auction https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30524/lot/317/a-nos-aitwe-for-amg-21mm-steering-wheel-hub-grey-leather-wrapped-years-1980-1995/ https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30524/lot/315/a-nos-atiwe-for-amg-21mm-steering-wheel-hub-in-black-vinyl-years-1980-1995/
BTW, just yanking Cam's chain at DC Motorworks. He is a good man.
Worst part about this Gen I SEC is the license plate. THWG! Too bad about the old cell phone antenna drilled through the trunk lid. Sacrilege! And Cam worked on this? Sigh. Really nice SEC and a stone's throw from me...
Yep, another E500E from Japan with RHD/LHT headlights and ROW (rest of world) headlights are No Longer Available and very hard/expensive to find new/used.
So according to Xentry, this SEC was originally 735 Silver and has been color changed to 040 Black. This car has the very early ASR I system (available on Euro W126's), offered as an option on US w126's only in 1991. I see that the cruise control ASR module is not hooked up to the throttle linkage. Are there any dash warning lights from the ASR system when the car is running/being driven? The ASR system can be a problem child to keep in working order. The engine # in Pic 122 matches Xentry, so the 10:1 compression is correct. Who did the widebody modifications? The door card inserts and rear side panel inserts with the pleated leather are from an 89-91 SEC. Nice upgrade from the vinyl inserts.
@sirmathrocks go to https://126board.com/ and register and contact me using the same handle as this site
Very fortunate as to no cracks in the blue dash pad. I urge the new owner to wipe down the dash pad with Aerospace 303 Protectant to minimize IR/UV ray damage to the dash pad (plus 303 when wiped down makes the dash look like new).
Post pics of the exhaust manifold on each side - if they are stock Euro logs or AMG headers. Any cracks in the blue dash - especially at the speaker grills? W126 Blue dash pads are famous for cracking.
Nice Gen I SEL. Despite the lack of original AMG paperwork, this car has the look and patina and the right parts for me to conclude this is a legit AMG Germany car. I have a fully documented 84 500SEL Euro AMG with the same front Recaros and similar AMG bodykit (mine has the smaller trunk/boot spoiler) and other bits. I also have a NOS front sedan spoiler/air dam and mine has the AMG part # embossed in the exact same place as on this car. Very correct. I see that the car has an AMG sticker on the air cleaner and Spark Plug stickers on the valve covers. Have you taken the valve covers off to see if the car has AMG cams and solid lifters? The air cleaner sticker states 203kw, which equates to 272hp, which is way more than the stock 228 output. I will bet this is a 5.0L AMG engine with solid lifters and AMG cams. My 5.4L AMG engine with cams, headers, solid lifters was 310hp from AMG. I strongly suggest you take off the valve covers (have a set of new valve cover gaskets and the little copper crush washers for re-install to only 8-10 Lbs/ft torque). If you have AMG engine work, your car's value will double or triple. You can easily remove the valve covers by removing the 12 or so long 8mm bolts around the edge of the valve covers (have to remove the spark plug wires - put a piece of tape around each wire before removing and label them so you don't get them mixed up!). Then take a small mirror and flashlight and check the back end of the camshafts for AMG markings - mine show 50.1 AMG stamped on the back. My early set had these markings hand engraved instead of stamped. Take a pic of both valve trains with the valve covers removed and post pics. If your engine is modified and original = gold. Finally, get under each of the four corners and check each shock absorber to see if they are AMG Bilstein shocks - look for remnants of AMG stickers and maybe AMG letters engraved on each lower shock tube.
@Seller - Please advise about the rear window that is cracked in lower right corner. Is this NLA from Mercedes and there is no glass to be found? Any aftermarket options for this glass?
I have two of this exact same steering wheel that I know are authentic. The leather on both of my steering wheels is much smoother leather - the grain on your steering wheel is very pronounced. On the back of my two steering wheels, the stampings from Italvolante are K.B.A.70042 and ati-4 which are different from the stampings on your steering wheel. The shape of the AMG letters are different on my two steering wheels vs your steering wheel. Also, the date of your wheel is 1986. This style of AMG steering wheel by Italvolante for AMG was a Gen I 81-85 version that was replaced by the Gen II AMG steering wheel made by Momo that was used for both W124 and Gen II W126 cars. I have seen similar steering wheels as this one on eBay that also have a K.B.A. 70027 stamping. IMO, this is a legit Italvolante steering wheel but not an original AMG steering wheel that was recovered and the center pad embossed with AMG letters. Finally, the correct hub has 500x right side up and upside down next to each other. Very nicely reproduced steering wheel, though.
@48hp is correct - the overall length of this exhaust system would be set for a coupe or SEL. If the sum of the pieces is for an SEL, the Y pipe front piece would have to be modified to fit an SEC (shortened), if set for an SEC, the front Y pipe would have to be lengthened. The middle resonator section, zooming in on the label says SE, SEL, SEC, so the Y pipe would have to be adjusted. There isn't enough of the original label left on the front piece to know if that is for an SEL or SEC.
The stamps on the underside of the three components VS, MS NS stand for Vorneschalldampfer (front exhaust), Mittelschalldampfer (middle exhaust) and Nachschalldampfer (rear exhaust)
BTW, these components will fit Gen I or II the same. The rear exhaust component is the smaller oval shaped exhaust that was the initial Gen I design. Gen II design is much larger boxier shape that is quieter than the Gen I version. Both styles fit Gen I/II W126's sedan or coupe. One thing that is a head scratcher about the exit point of the AMG Sebring exhausts and the correct AMG rear bumper valance don't line up - there is a relief molded into the rear bumper valance that does not line up with where the AMG exhaust tips exit the underside of the car. AMG missed on that!
Nice set of Gen I W126 exhaust pieces. These exhaust components are made of steel (as opposed to modern hi end exhaust components that are made from stainless steel or aluminized steel for corrosion reduction purposes. These Sebring components were famous for rusting - that is why so few original used AMG exhausts still exist, making NOS components very rare and desirable for a proper restoration. The center resonator section in this auction would have "spreader bars" or tubes that attached to the mounting hooks that are missing from this set. Not a deal breaker by any means - any competent exhaust shop can fabricate the missing parts. Pic 51 showing the center resonator section has the two tube stubs - the missing spreader tubes would slide into these tube stubs and be held on with bolts through the holes.
Stunning 107, Blakley! Magnificent paint and interior. Right amount of miles - used enough to keep her in order.
Nice front spoiler. And a "spoiler" alert to anyone who thinks this is a replica - it's not! This is genuine. I have a NOS Gen I front AMG spoiler (with the ears) and this is legit.
Congrats to @Chester on winning this amazing and original Gen I WB. I have some parts that may be available to help this car get back to greatness. Jono @ Blueridge knows me.
@MP91 that is good news re: the front fenders. I had never heard of front glass flares mounted to steel front fenders. Basic fiberglass repair on the fronts would be all that is needed. This is a really neat car with the entire body kit intact. I would bet the engine is a 5.4L given all the other AMG goodies present. Looks like all 4 of the original Bilstein AMG shocks are still present. They can be rebuilt, but not by Bilstein any longer - they now outsource rebuild service. Too bad, because their in-house rebuild service in San Diego was quick and OEM quality and only $85/shock. Now, the 3rd party rebuild service doesn't want to deal with these older shocks and want $400/shock (!) for a fee. I rebuilt the 5.4L in my 84 sedan using new forged pistons from Wossner that are much, much lighter than the cast Nural pistons AMG used. Don't dismiss a well re-built 5.4L AMG engine with 50.1 cams and solid lifters. Stock was 310hp and about 325 Lbs torque. I know my engine is much more powerful now and is way more reliable than the quad cam engines. My engine is easily 330/350 now.
There is no way to private message in MBM, so I have to reply in the auction forum. The prior auction you linked was a bargain for a legit WB that was missing the extremely valuable 32v AMG heads - and the low price was a too hefty discount. A complete 6.0 32v would have quadrupled the value of that car, IMO. Mark's car was painted and he installed a newer late Gen II interior that looked nice. The WB on offer in this auction is also a legit WB with all the pieces in place - still a SOHC engine, but a fully legit SOHC engine. Hard to put a value on these ultra rare cars, especially when this one needs a lot of paint/body work. All of the cracking on all 4 fenders indicates the seams where the glass flares were glued to the original steel body. IMO having gone through this ordeal, the glass flares need to be removed and any underlying rust on the original steel needs to be addressed properly and the flares re-attached. I would also be highly mindful of the steel trunk metal under the rear glass - I suspect there is corrosion there that needs attending. If I were personally interested in this car, I would go see it and pay careful attention to the interior. If the interior is in solid condition with a deep cleaning needed with some minor repairs that is a big plus. I would also hook a fresh battery to the car - not to start it - but to make sure all the electronics work - interior switches, lights, seats, windows, sunroof, seatbelt extenders, HVAC buttons. You have to identify what is good and what isn't. You know the car needs a lot of paint/body attention. I suspect the engine will be fine from looking at the pics and the camshafts. The wheels alone are worth $8-$10k! The beauty of this car is it is all there - nothing is missing. IMO, around $40-50k in paint/body/interior. If the engine runs, then another $10k for suspension/brakes/HVAC/fuel (you will need a new fuel tank). Removing glass flares without damaging the original flare profiles is not easy. Properly remediating the steel before re-attaching the flares is important - don't want rust and cracks to reappear. Lots and lots of time blending in the flare seams and flare profiles to look right and line up with the door hip line. Do not believe that all of the flare cracking can be chipped away and smooth sanded! There will be rust under all those cracks.
Have looked at all the pics provided several times. The one area I keep coming back to are the front fenders. Have not seen front widebody fender cracking before. My WB front fenders are 100% glass. The very late Gen II widebody fenders may have moved to all steel - I have access to a late Gen II WB - I should check if they are all steel. This car seems to have glass flares glued to the original steel fenders. Would be great if the Seller could put a magnet on the top of the front fenders to see if they are steel. If they are glass flares applied to the original steel fenders that would be interesting and would point to this car being a particularly early WB conversion. AMG was constantly changing/updating their body kits from early Gen I to Gen II to late Gen II. Bumper aprons, side skirts, WB side cladding, trunk spoilers all evolved over time. Each one of these cars is unique - no two are the same.
If (big "if") AMG stamped the block in this car, it would show next to the engine serial # - back of the block Driver side. With the engine installed, you need a strong light and mirror to see the engine serial number. It is often covered in crud and grime, so a new can of Brake Kleen and a stick/rag to clean the serial # ledge helps. AMG rarely stamped the displacement on Gen I blocks. Absent original paperwork, best way is to drop the lower oil pan and measure one of the cylinder openings. PITA to do this, but no other option really. The 5.4 Gen I M117 would have a cylinder bore of 98.5mm and stroke of 88.9mm for 5,417mm displacement.
@martystein and any other past or future posters on this auction - please don't comment in terms of absolutes! I have two Gen I 5.4l AMGs - one sedan done @ Affalterbach and one widebody done @ Affalterbach. One of my blocks is very much stamped "5.4" and the other is not. Everyone thinks they are an expert in all things AMG. Truth is, AMG was not very consistent on what they did or didn't do. Sometimes they used the original block, sometimes they used an engine already modified and re-stamped the blocks. As to the seats, maybe that car was originally completed with stock seats and then added. Without the original paperwork, hard to say. Maybe AMG N America or Beverly Hills Motoring added the seats later. https://amgclassic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=15876&hilit=5.4+stamp#p15876
Well, congrats to MBM to bring this car to market. Totally original and legit Gen I 500SEC widebody with an AMG SOHC engine. No mention on if the displacement of 5.4l is verified (engine stamp) or otherwise. No mention of original AMG paperwork. Can't fake what is presented, though. My 85 widebody was in similar condition a few years ago. Lots and lots of paint/body work ahead for this car, but it will be worth it. Its never just the problems you can see, its always the problems you can't see... Good luck to the Seller and hope for good decision making to the Buyer.
The original OZ Racing AMG wheels are 8.5x17 ET18 and the rears 10x17 ET17. These wheels are all ET25, very small offset differences that *shouldn't* cause any fitment issues ore require spacers. HOWEVER, these are 18" diameter vs the original 17" - Seller really should state if there would be any rubbing on popular chassis like the W126. These wheels vs OZ Racing wheels would be inset into the wheel opening by 7-8mm or about 1/3". Risk would be rubbing particularly on the rear. These should also bolt onto R129 SL's and probably ok for W124 E500E's.
It's more than the owner put Bundt wheels on this SEL - these are very rare 15" versions of the bundt wheels - all of the Bundts used from the late 60's to around 1985 were 14"s. MB made a batch of 15" Bundts and this car has a set. These wheels are very lightweight forged alloy and worth a lot more than a set of stock Gen II wheels! They are also wider than the old 14s allowing wider tires. Similar to the steel wheels used on most 60's MBs with the painted wheel "hubcaps" - the vast majority were 14s but MB made 15's for the W100 limos that looked the same, but were the larger diameter - very rare and valuable.
< $10k to redo all the leather in the interior (dash, center console, door panels, seats F/R, fridge, etc...) and all the wood and some engine work? Leather replacement alone would be north of $30k (can't imagine how many full hides would be required - lets say 6 full hides @ $4,500/hide), wood $6-$8k (I just had Madera Concepts restore a significant number of burl wood pieces for an AMG I am restoring - cost was > $6k) and then you can start on the mechanicals.
Very nice SEC. Has some very tasty AMG mods - Recaros, body kit, door burl wood, correct Gen I AMG steering wheel. The 8"/9" wheels are especially nice, although the 9" rears were probably a later change to what the car may have had originally. Hard to say when the AMG mods were done and by whom (AMG Germany, AMG N America) without paperwork, but this certainly has the look of an original AMG modified car. Can the Seller opine on when/if the wood was refinished?
Also, remember that this car is way over the 25 year age threshold for EPA/DOT regulations - no EPA or DOT hurdles to deal with into the US - the car is exempt from all of these regulations. Other than a Bill of Sale, a Certificate of Export from NZ and someone at a US port to accept the car as an import broker for DHS stamp of approval, the process of clearing into the US is relatively easy. The state you are trying to register the car in is another story. Forget it if you are in California - probably won't happen. Any state that would require emissions testing will be a challenge. This car does not have cats on it, and it would be a shame to cut up the original Sebring exhaust system to add cats. I was lucky, in Georgia any car > 25 years old is exempt from emissions testing.
Whoever might be fortunate to win this auction, I have shipped a car from Japan (a 1990 560SEC....) several years ago and the prevailing thought was roll-on/roll-off was the best option and cheapest. And I have read other posts in various forums who say cars shipped in containers get damaged more frequently than roll-on/roll-off. Suggest the buyer research this before committing. Just my $0.02... I shipped my car to Jacksonville port. I used an importer to hand-hold me through the process on the US side, but they did very little for $500 I paid them. The biggest issue I had after I got the car was getting it licensed in Georgia - buying the car in Japan, shipping to the US and getting the car out of Customs/DHS was very smooth - getting a license plate was a PITA. Mainly because the export certificate from Japan was, drum roll, in Japanese and I had to have that document translated by a certified translation company.
Excellent and authentic widebody. I recall many years ago this car being for sale in NZ and I so badly wanted to buy it (for a heck of a lot less than what this car will sell for now!). I have a fully documented 84 500SEL AMG 5.4L SOHC and these are very nicely tuned engines. My engine has the full performance treatment - cams, ported/polished heads, headers, solid lifters, full Sebring non-Cat exhaust. I rebuilt my engine and bored the 98.5mm diameter cylinders to 99mm and had new forged pistons fitted. Very capable engines and quite robust. I also have an 85 5.4L widebody (authentic as well) with the DOHC 32v big engine that I am restoring. I too love the Gen I's as well for the same reasons mentioned in this auction. And, the WB five-spoke wheels are hands down better looking than the 3-piece OZ Racing wheels that are found on the Gen II cars. There are many little differences between the Gen I and Gen II widebody cars - the profile of the rear flares are a little less flared out and are not as linear as the Gen II rear flares (a little curvy). My car has glass front/rear flares - Seller are the rear flares on this car glass as well? The fronts are all glass. The color combo on this car is the same as mine. Best of luck, Seller, this is a stellar offering!
Supply of head gaskets are not an issue - Cometic has the M117 template and has made 99mm bore gaskets for me and I know for a fact they make 100 and 101mm gaskets for the M117 engine.
Yes, the 32v heads are known to be a little weak on the castings and leaks are not infrequent. The center recessed spark plugs are also a known area for oil to accumulate. The Gen I widebody fenders were all fiberglass, like my Affalterbach car. AMG changed to rear steel flares for Gen II widebody kits - exact date is not known. The five spoke wheels are considered Gen I wheels, but AMG N America (Chicago) was known to use the five spoke wheels on Gen II widebodies. I know of at least one other. These Gen I wheels are much better looking that the OZ Racing 3 piece wheels, IMO, and do not suffer the cracking the OZ wheels are known for. As to the extended door wood - that was a customer preference. If the customer wanted to spend the $$ for extended wood on the door panels, they chose that option. These were very a la carte. This car may have had the AMG suspension (special Bilstein shocks). Shocks are a wear item and most people tossed them when they wore out. It happens. This is a legit AMG WB created by AMG N America. I will say the craftsmanship of the N America widebody SECs was much better than what came out of Germany. All authentic widebody SECs are unique in some manner. This car is no different.
Mark - didn't see your Seller name - sorry for not noticing! GLWTA - still working on my 85 WB restoration. Love the front license plate delete panel - ultra rare. I have one as well.
Car is a little mis-matched as to years of components. Wheels are Gen I widebody vs the Gen II 3-piece OZ racing wheels (although I much prefer the much better looking Gen I wheels). The interior looks to be a swap in from an 89-91 SEC - at least the seats, door panels and rear side panels. The engine was 95% certain a DOHC engine at one time - the giveaway is the R107 SL oil filter housing swapped onto the engine in place of the W126 oil filter housing. Because of clearance issues with the quad cam heads, the W126 oil filter housing wouldn't work on the 32v engines- the 107 housing points downward. Mark - when the heads were off, did you measure cylinder diameters to see if the car is/was a 6.0L? The 6.0L cylinder bores were 100mm.
Most people who are looking at this car or an A124 Cab know all about the wiring harness issue. This car is low mileage, so more than likely has never had any engine work done. The issues crop up when the wiring is moved and then the insulation crumbles (replace a 27 year old water pump and thermostat or similar repair). The fact that inspections have been made is irrelevant - this car has a junk harness that will have to be replaced at some point. Figure that into the buy price. The upper harness for this car is NLA so you have to find a used one for sale - and it has to exactly match what this car's harness P/N and spec - especially the ASR option which was not very common for E320's. Replacing the harness is not difficult - finding a correct one may be. But, what a gorgeous Cab with rare and beautiful colors. This would be one to buy and care for despite the harness and hydraulic cylinders upcoming maintnenance costs.
This engine started as an early M119 engine (I believe M119.960) from a 90-91 R129 500SL. The engine was modified by taking the front timing cover from an M117 560 engine and installing it along with a distributor to the M119 engine to use the EZL and ECU from the 560SEL. It's more complicated than that (lower oil pans had to be swapped), but that is the basics. Maybe someone with more knowledge of the conversion can chime in to correct any errors I may have stated. The early M119 engine used the same KE-Jet fuel system as the M117, making the fuel system easier to interact with the 560SEL electronics. The M117 and early M119.960 blocks were very similar. You get the reliability and extra power (32v engine) of the M119 without some of the challenges of the very rare AMG M117 DOHC 32-valve engines. Sure would be nice if the Japan market headlights would have been changed to US/ROW market headlights - they are readily available. Looks like from close up views of the 3-piece OZ wheels that 3 of the 4 wheels have at least one crack between the center bore and a lug bolt hole. Seller can confirm. Odd that the car would have been repainted Silver vs the original 199 Blue Black Metallic - they made a lot of these cars in both colors! Although, silver with a black interior was not as common. Neat car with lots of AMG mods to the interior. Would be fun to own.
"looks like it has been replaced" - is that a definitive yes or a guess?
Because the weather is perfect 90% of the time in Cali and the roads are good. Weather (snow/ice) sucks in the NE 30% of the year and a goodly amount of rain the other months, the roads are pretty bad (ex-interstates and toll roads) and people don't care about cars in the NE as they do in Cali. Add in very low humidity in Cali and you get what you see - great cars in Cali and crappy cars in the NE. I travel to NJ 3-4 times/year (Newark, Morristown area) and the side roads are pretty bad. Was in Brooklyn 2 weeks ago for a wedding and the streets were generally horrible. Freezing temps with water = bad for roads. Saline coating for winter = really bad for cars and paint.
This is a beautifully done car with some love it/hate it wood treatment (zebra wood style) done. But the interior and exterior and mechanical work seems very well done (have never seen this car in person, though). No question the car is a clone WB and has never been purported to be an original AMG car. IMO, the biggest misstep in the original build was not adding performance to the package. Lots of eye candy.
@anton28 just have to Google the VIN.... https://www.classic.com/veh/1989-mercedes-benz-560-sec-custom-wide-body-by-bes-wdbca45e2ka451786-4Vgjodn/
I have a widebody I am also restoring and they are not sleeper cars, for sure - they are in your face cars and coupled with a quad cam M117, they have the bang under the hood to go with the body. Having said that, the Hammer has an aura of mystique that has accrued over the many years when the first Hammer brought to the US was grandly unveiled to Motorsports Press members. Were there W126 sedans and coupes that first got the AMG quad cam engine? Yes, but those cars (like mine) were quietly built and sold and owned. The cache of the Hammer will never be equaled by a widebody SEC. And I am jealous of that cache. But, I lusted after a widebody and am lucky to have one. Both AMG models are rare as hens teeth. Real hammers are easily less than 50 - the original Signal Red Hammer brought over from Germany (press car), the 13 made in the US by AMG N America and then a few more made in Germany and Japan. The number of 500/560 SEC widebody cars plus W126 sedan/coupe unmodified body cars (narrow body) a couple hundred or so - who knows? AMG made about 275-ish of the quad cam engines. This car is very special and should go for lots of $$$. Best of luck to the new owner.
This is an insanely important car. Wish I had $500k lying around.... Real Hammer, Coupe body style, amazing condition, low miles and so forth. I bet less than 5 real Hammer coupes ever made. I know of 3 including this one.
Well bought.
Another Japan market car with what looks like right hand drive (RHD), left hand traffic (LHT) headlights. From a super close up look at the Passenger side headlight (pic 35), it appears the little arrow is pointing to the left - Seller please verify if I am seeing this correctly. 500E/E500 headlights are unique to these cars vs standard W124 headlights. These are non-US headlights on this car and (if my assumption is correct) they are for Japan/UK/Australia market. The reflectors and the lenses are specific for RHD/LHT and if used in the US or ROW, the headlights will direct light the wrong direction and into oncoming cars/eyes at night. 500E/E500 headlights are NLA and nearly impossible to find new or used. If a set is found, the price for a NOS set for this car will be $5,000 or so. Sellers who import cars from Japan rarely, if ever, take the time and expense to convert or provide proper LHD/RHT headlights for the US/ROW. Buyer beware, or don't drive the car at night. If I am incorrect, Seller can provide additional pics of the little arrows for each headlight (especially the Passenger side) and I will graciously retract my comment. Beautiful 124.036 and I especially like the plaid interior.
I see the roll-top console box in the trunk of one of the pictures, belay that question.
Does the original steering wheel and the roll-top center console (that has been replaced with the cup holder) come with the car? Nice looking SEC
Hard to say how much time was spent on this car, except for applying Duraflex panels and paint. The rear window seal is not even an MB seal and there are no aluminum strips installed in the seal (can't because it isn't an MB seal - check out the walk around video at 1.45 and you will see what I mean). Seller should point out any major maintenance work - engine maintenance (timing chain, rails, tensioner), suspension work (ball joints, SLS, etc.), or other major areas. These cars can be expensive to catch up on deferred maintenance. Would also like to know if there are any pics of the panel work done when the Duraflex flares were applied to the car - did the body shop stiffen the panels/flares to provide needed structural rigidity? What adhesive was used to affix the panels? Any rust found under the rear glass?
Seller, from the walk around video, the rear glass should have an aluminum trim insert into the rubber seal that frames the rear glass. This aluminum trim seems missing from the video. Please advise if my eyes are playing tricks!
Beautiful example in classic colors for the A124. My brother has this exact car with 54k miles on it and I have done a good bit of work on his. All the big questions have been asked and answered, so the new owner will have several items to address - upper wiring harness (mandatory), lower wiring harness, Electronic Throttle Actuator (same eco junk wiring - mandatory), hydraulic cylinders (mandatory), head gasket and front timing chain seal (mandatory at some time in the future). The wiring harness is NLA but can be bought off eBay as an updated used harness - just make sure the F.D. date is post 1990's and the harness was removed carefully. The lower harness is not as critical as the upper harness is - also NLA. The ETA is the throttle body and has the crap wiring. Don Roder in Alabama is THE guy to source one from. The hydraulic cylinders are a guarantee failure point and they will all have to be replaced - this is a proactive item so you don't get stuck with a soft top that won't open and won't get stuck with a puddle of hydraulic fluid somewhere. Top Hydraulics is a great choice for the rebuilt cylinders. I would also recommend the new owner buy and replace the 3rd brake light assembly (the whole thing not just the lens) as the rubber seal around the lens fails and water gets into the trunk. Buy two and save one for later. These aren't minor maintenance items - figure $8-$12k. When all done, this Cab will be a wonderful and classy car.
Spirited auction. Well bought.
Unicorn color and as new interior in stunning condition.
Would make a great parts car for a special 500E/E500 with mushroom interior. Just sayin... JK, great car!
@MBZ_vs_Everybody Yes, that is my car - 1984 500SEL AMG, 5.4L SOHC, with the amazing Clarion G-80 rack stereo.
Upper/Lower wiring harnesses replaced and also the EHA wiring rebuilt? Gorgeous car and the interior mushroom/beige is as good as I have seen, and mushroom leather is hard to keep nice. Well preserved car.
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Staggered 3-piece 17" AMG Aero III Wheels by O.Z. Racing
AMG5pt4 said:
Never seen OZ Racing AMG wheels that did not have the AMG part #'s (C7400175 for the 8.5x17 fronts and C7400146 rears), offset (ET18 for the fronts and ET17 for the rears), and wheel size (8.5J x 17 and 10J x 17) stamped on the underside of the center piece). I have owned several sets of these wheels. The other stamps are correct. Was there so much paint slathered on the bottom side of the center that these stamps are covered over? This question is of some importance to the rear wheels - AMG had OZ Racing make rear 10x17's with an offset of ET5 specifically for SEC widebody fitment. These WB wheels are ultra rare, but with no stampings visible, hard to know. This could affect fitment (rubbing fender openings) if by some rare chance these are ET5 wheels. Do you have pics of these wheel centers before you had them refinished to further verify there are no lug hole cracks that have been covered by heavy paint? Link to a set of similar wheels I sold years ago showing the missing/covered stamps: https://www.benzworld.org/threads/fs-amg-oz-3-piece-wheels-staggered-show-quality.1623430/?post_id=5004809#post-5004809 BTW, I had a set of these wheels mounted to my ex-R129 1996 SL320 with no fitments issues or rubbing - direct bolt on. However, I did not lower the car, so that may cause rubbing or require rolling the rear fenders.1982 Mercedes-Benz 280TE AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
So, the front fenders and the front bumper are molded together. Thinking out loud - this must have been done after the front fenders were bolted to the front cowl. In the horrible case of a front end accident requiring the replacement of a fender, this would be a real challenge to the paint and body shop! Very cool pre-merger AMG. I am sure this is exceptionally rare and unique.Authentic 17" AMG Aero I Monoblock Wheels
AMG5pt4 said:
Looks like the plain center caps are the "cup" style as opposed to the center caps that had a piece of spring steel bolted to the back of the center cap to hold it in place. Nice wheels.Authentic 17" AMG Aero I Monoblock Wheels
AMG5pt4 said:
Actually this style wheel for the W124 Hammers were ET28 offset, these are ET11. These are designed to fit W126's and R107's.1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
I needed a few minutes to accept that my 15-year stewardship of this AMG will move to another owner. Congrats to @MBDriver81! I will be in contact with you to make arrangements. Thanks also to all of the bidders who participated. Highly appreciate your support. Al1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
Reserve is met. Car will sell to the highest bidder!1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
Thanks for all the comments and support. If this SEL sells, I will truly miss it, but I know it will make someone else just as proud to be the caretaker as I am. Inside 30 minutes to go!1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
LOL, love the $126,045 bid. 560SEC anyone?1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
@LT77 The original block had slight cylinder wall scoring that had to be cleaned up. To do that, the cylinders had to be bored out 0.5mm from 98.5mm to 99.0mm. Once that occurred, new pistons were required. If you think a 0.5mm bore on the cylinders and modern forged pistons is "highly modified", then you and I have a very different opinion on this. The original Nural pistons were cast, not forged, and were much heavier than the Wossner pistons. Same original block, same heads, same intake manifold, same headers, same timing cover, etc... I also have changed brake rotors, brake pads, bearings, suspension pieces, vacuum pods, door strikers, tires and other wear items. Does that make the car less original as well? I gave my definition of "original" in my very first post for this auction and that this term has different meanings to different car collectors. Your opinion is yours and mine is mine, and so be it! AMG certainly didn't have an issue issuing their Certification knowing this. As to the engine machinist who did the block and crankshaft work, you wouldn't know his name if I did post it. This is a machinist that Blue Ridge Mercedes uses for all of their AMG engine work. The number of machinists who have the technical know how and tooling and experience to work with Alusil blocks in the US is extremely limited. Joe is one of those machinists.1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
Thanks for the recent bids! Last day of the auction for this exceptional pre-merger AMG! The headlight wipers were reset last weekend back to their proper position. The car has a full tank of E0 fuel and Torco octane booster. Mercedes cars are expensive to maintain and this car has had an open checkbook approach to maintenance over the past 15 years. Just in the past six months, I had the driveshaft removed and a new U-joint installed, new MB center support bracket and bearing and the driveshaft re-balanced ($700). New Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires front and rear with about 250 miles on them installed by Gran Turismo East along with a fresh alignment ($1,500). Extensive paint correction and ceramic sealer done by Jonathan himself @ Blue Ridge Mercedes along with Leatherique treatment to front and rear leather seats ($3,000). That is about $5k invested recently. Looking through some of the receipts over the years - a Who's Who list of vendors: - Dash wood and center console wood done by Madera Concepts in California - Fuel distributor and warm up regulator done by CIS Flowtech in Alabama - Heavy suspension maintenance, transmission and rear differential rebuilds by Blue Ridge Mercedes Lilburn, GA - Tires and alignment by Gran Turismo East Atlanta - MB parts used extensively (including parts that are now No Longer Available) - A/C system still charged with DuPont Iglo R-12 - Engine block work and crankshaft tuning by one of the last old-school engine machinists left in the US, Long Island, NY - Time Serts for head bolt holes by Jonathan @ Blue Ridge Mercedes - Short black engine rebuild done to exacting standards by a true engineer in Orlando, FL - Wossner forged pistons with correct skirt coating to co-exist with the original Alusil block1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
Another comment about fluids. I have religiously used Ethanol free gasoline in this car due to the impact of ethanol on certain rubber fuel lines that were made before ethanol was introduced as a gasoline fuel additive. I use E0 (ethanol free) 90 Octane fuel and I add a quart can of Torco octance booster with each fill up to bump the octane to 93-94. If I am outside Atlanta, I use the Pure Gas app to find E0 gasoline stations. In a pinch on a long road trip, say to Amelia Island, I will use Premium 93 Octane pump gas but make sure I run the fuel down when I am getting back to Atlanta and then refuel using E0 gasoline. No harm there. I will provide 2 quart cans of Torco to the winning bidder. I always carry a can of Torco in the trunk along with a long funnel for refueling. Oil - I only use Brad Penn 20w-50 oil due to the high zinc content for the solid lifters/cams Brake Fluid - currently the car has Castrol SRF Racing brake fluid in the car Coolant - I use MB coolant or Zerex G-50 coolant, 50/50 Please no comments on oil/gas/brake fluid - everyone has their opinions. I just want to advise what I use and why.1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
Comment as to Bill of Sale and registration. When I bought the car in Oct 2009, I had prepared Bill of Sale that Jeff Gustafson and I signed and had notarized at the bank. A copy of that Bill of Sale is in the blue binder. Jeff could not find the Florida title from his father's business, R&D Apartments, when I bought the car. He promised to find it and send to me in Georgia. When I got the car to GA and to register the car, the State rules allow a car > 25 years old to be registered and licensed without a title - just need a notarized Bill of Sale. I provided that and the car was registered and licensed in Oct 2009. Jeff subsequently found the title, with his father's signature on the back of the title, and sent it to me. I went back to the Georgia DMV and provided the title so I could get an actual Georgia title, but they said the car was already legally registered under the > 25 year old car rule and would not re-do the registration. The Florida title is part of the blue binder that comes with the car. For this auction sale, I will create Bill of Sale for the car and will have my signature notarized. I will provide the current 2024/2025 Georgia registration (expires in April). Since this car is > 25 years old, no smog test is needed in Georgia. Check your state's/country's requirements for registration. There are NO catalytic converters installed on this car! If the winning bidder is in Georgia, I will allow the license plate to be transferred to the new owner (AMG5PT4).1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
As we come down the final stretch of this auction, a quick note on what will go with the car: Brand new Covercraft car cover - indoor (not weather proof!) Genuine Mercedes windshield sun screen (for car shows, if needed) Spare MB EZL (ignition control module) Spare MB Fuel Pump Relay Daily use black MB floor mats The Original AMG mats that came with the car in 1984, as pictured. The driver mat shows wear and some discoloration and the dead pedal flap has some wear, but they are original Owner's Manual packet, as pictured Blue Binder with copies of the AMG and ownership provenance AMG Classic Certification folio with the certificate and metal badge White Binder with all the Clarion technical manuals and wiring diagrams Large Binder with historical receipts dating back to Mr. Gustafson's ownership and my ownership The EZL and Fuel Pump Relay (FPR) are two electrical items that can fail without notice and leave you dead on the side of the road. Both are easy access items to replace.1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
@TheAMGKitNo connection. Blue Ridge Mercedes is outside Atlanta and is the premier independent Mercedes maintenance and repair shop in the Southeast and the owner, Jonathan Hodgman, is highly regarded as to pre-merger AMG cars. My brother is in Florida and a true engineer (Physics and Electrical Engineering) and his day job is a rocket scientist (literally). His passion is race engineering and designing/building suspensions and engine building. He has spent time working with American Le Mans race teams (ex-Alex Job Racing) and SCCA racing and has crewed races such as Daytona 24 Hours and Sebring. My brother's father in-law was a crew chief for Alex Job Racing (Porsche) for many years and has been part of the Heart of Racing team out of Texas (American Le Mans Series) for many years.1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
@TheAMGKitAll of the speakers are the original speakers (German made). There are only the 2 Clarion amps under the passenger side footwell panel. I removed the carpeted box (accessed from inside the trunk which is under the parcel shelf) back in 2009/2010 and I recall there are crossover electronics for the six speakers mounted in the rear - four mids and two woofers. Plus the two tweeters in the dash. I suspect the speakers ought to be replaced with better modern speakers. The amps are decent that power the G-80. An MBM bidder inspected the car today and I plugged my iPhone to the lead in the center console ashtray and streamed Pandora through the G-80. Sounded good.1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
@TheAMGKitYes, that is the French Dealer installed alarm system (not operational). Part of the alarm system are the glass breakage sensors on the corner of each side of the dash, as seen in Pics 224 and 225. This alarm system documentation is also part of the original Owner's Manual packet - see Pic 530 lower right pamphlet. This is the dealer installed security system.1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
@ASGMiami Thanks for your comment. Yes, this would be perfect next to a Hammer - add a no-stories W126 AMG to your collection. I have driven a couple Hammers and other W126's with the DOHC 32-valve engines and I can tell you that this engine, as built by my brother, would surprise you on its power and torque. Hit the go pedal and this car responds.1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
@TheAMGKitThere probably was at some point, but may have been removed by AMG or Mr. Medore or Mr. Gustafson.1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
@hamburglar that might be 199 Blue Black. Hard to tell. @sirmathrocks it would be an all day job removing just the cassette player. Both side carpets would need to be removed and the center wood and HVAC pushbutton controller removed. Then I have to move a lot of wiring out of the way to get to the straps on either side of the stack to remove the screws holding the cassette player in the stack and then get a 3-year old to reach behind the cassette player to disconnect the wiring to/from the cassette player and then install the replacement cassette player and pray that it works. All that effort is why I figured out how to connect a lead into the back of the top controller unit to stream music from my phone. All of the wires between the units are 6-pin round DIN plugs. I found a 6-pin DIN plug that terminated into a 3.5mm audio lead. On older iPhones, the 3.5mm lead plugged right into the phone; the newer iPhones only have the lightning connector for recharging and headphones. Luckily Apple makes a 3.5mm female to Lightning adapter. I should post a video of how to stream music through the G-80. Pink Floyd is my go-to music....1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
@SwissBliss my user name is the Georgia license plate for this SEL - AMG5pt4. The 5pt4 is the engine displacement from AMG.1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
@SwissBliss thanks for the kind post. Yeah, I am the anti-flipper owner. I bought this car 15 years ago because it is such a legit AMG and because of the heavy AMG option list and because it is so original. I wasn't even in the market for a sedan in 2009, but I could not pass this car up and 15 years later, I know this car is much better now than when I bought it. That sums up what an enthusiast is in my book. BTW, for any potential bidders who have reached out to me about seeing the car in the flesh or would like to see the car, tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday after noon, The car can be seen at Blue Ridge Mercedes in Lilburn, GA not too far from Stone Mountain. Over this coming weekend, the car will be at my home in Marietta, GA for showing. Please message me directly to set up a time if you happen to be in/around Atlanta over the next four days. If next week Monday - Wednesday works better, I can probably accommodate an appointment.1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
Thanks for the post, Patina Collective and Bernard Bohn. And thank you for partnering with AMG Classic and MKB to provide this long awaited certification service.1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
Regarding the very rare Clarion G-80 stereo system, the operating manuals and warranty cards (wonder if they are still valid....) were in the Owners Manual packet when I bought the car. I then set out to collect any additional neat documents for this system. I found the Service manuals and wiring and spare parts diagrams on the net and purchased downloads. I printed all of the manuals and assembled the Clarion binder shown in the photo gallery. This binder will go with the car. I have purchased a spare G-80 system that is operational (not sure about the cassette tape player) from a UK seller 3-4 years ago. If the winning bidder is interested in acquiring this from me, I am sure we can come to an agreement. A couple years ago the system quit working and I was mortified that something major was wrong. This prompted me to find and purchase the spare system. I removed the side carpeting from each side of the center console and removed the burl wood surround panel and was about to start swapping out components when I reverted back to the age-old mechanic adage - check the easy things first. Turned out to be a $10 power relay. Phew! Removing the wood surround panel is not for the faint of heart as the panel has to bend slightly to remove it - after removing the 20 little 2mm hex head screws holding the rack pull handles to the wood panel and components! Let me tell you - the space behind the upper console wood panel is very limited to begin with on a stock W126. Throwing in the G-80 system makes that space exceptionally tight. The power amps that drive the system are remotely located under the passenger side carpet panel. The power amp display gauges are at the bottom of the stereo stack.1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
Thanks for the comments and @stuttgart_steel for taking the pics and video. To answer a couple questions posted: The rear diff is not a GT (Gleason-Torsen) diff, and I am happy about that. GT diffs were cutting edge in terms of the design of the gearing, but, alas, the diffs were also fragile. The diff installed in the rear of my 85 widebody may be a GT diff - when I removed the ABS sensor, there were little bits of steel stuck to the magnetic tip. Correct comment that almost all full conversion AMG cars in the 80's were "dipped" - all of the bright work was painted body color - chrome bumper tops, polished anodized aluminum window and front/rear glass trim, grille and trunk badges. My widebody is dipped Blue Black 199. This SEL not only has an amazing 172 Anthracite Gray paint color, but Mr. Medore did not ask for it to be dipped by AMG. And, I am happy the car is not dipped - it looks fantastic as it sits.1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
Another note on the engine in the car - the bolt holes in the block for the head bolts were 100% time-serted for the rebuild. M117 blocks can have head bolts pull threads from weakened block alloy. Some machinists use heli-coils, some use time-serts. You can see the time-serts in some of the engine rebuild pics.1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
Thanks for the bids! Pic was added to the write up showing the all important M117.963 engine serial # with the really important 5.4 stamp next to the serial #. In all of the M117 AMG engine serial #'s I have seen, this is the only SOHC I know of with the displacement stamp next to the serial #. It should also be noted that it was not uncommon for AMG to pull an engine from a customer car and swap in an already modified engine to save time turning the car around. When that happened, AMG peened over the serial number of the replacement engine and re-stamped with the original serial # from MB - in an attempt to keep the swapped in engine "numbers matching". It is very easy to tell if an engine serial # has been re-stamped. This engine is not a swapped out 5.4 - AMG modified the original engine from MB and put it back in when done. My widebody engine block is a re-stamped M117. No harm to me as the engine is as it left AMG. Just a little AMG history.1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
Hello MB Market bidders and peanut gallery to the auction for my 1984 126.037 500SEL AMG. I have owned this car for over 15 years and have been a passionate caretaker of this magnificent example of pre-merger goodness. During the course of the 10-day auction, I will do my very best to answer any questions about the car, its history and provenance, including what I have done to make the car better, researching the history of the car and what awaits the new owner. This car has lead a charmed life from careful ownership by Mr. Cuyler P Medore, Mr. Ray Gustafson and his son Jeff and me. The car is remarkably original. That word "original" is used frequently in the collector car world. I will give you my definition of "Original". Cars are mechanical things made of steel, aluminum, leather, plastic, rubber and paint. Mechanical bits that make the car do what it is supposed to do - drive and stop safely - wear out, in general, and must be replaced or refurbished to keep the car running and driving in top condition. There is no reason to celebrate a 40, 50, 60 year old car with original engine rubber bits, bearings, seals and other wear items that leak or will leave the owner stranded on the side of the road. Old, low mileage cars with original brake components that make a car stop safely must be maintained and kept fresh. Now, interior pieces and paint, with careful care and use of restorative fluids, creams, waxes and protectants can last decades - if the car is garaged and kept away from harsh environments. This car is a proper Original car - the mechaniclas have been kept fresh with Mercedes or AMG parts and the paint and interior are 99% original. This car has and will win many awards. But, it is as reliable as I can make it as of today and it is fast and wants to run! This car is numbers matching with original paint and interior. The changes I made to this car are adding speaker openings/grills to the leather covered parcel shelf, changing the diff ratio to 2.82 from stock 2.24 and rebuilding the engine with slightly higher displacement with new, modern forged pistons. My brother, Tim, built this engine, with a little help from me. The block and crankshaft were gone through by one of the best old school engine machinists in the US. Every measurement was taken and verified and the engine was built to a high degree of care and accuracy using only MB or AMG parts. I hope everyone will enjoy and appreciate the pictures and videos of this special AMG. It has been Certified as an Original AMG classic by MKB Motorenbau (the "M" in MKB is Erhard Melcher, by the way) in Germany and that certification binder will go to the new owner. I have a reserve set on this car that is fair, but is inline with how special and rare this car is. I have followed pre-merger AMG auction cars and results over the past 8 years or so and I know that this car is top 1% of what has been offered in the market. This is a "no stories, no excuses" car. Why am I selling this AMG? I am finishing the restoration of this car's big brother - a 1985 500SEC AMG widebody with a special 32-valve DOHC engine. I can't have two show cars. It is time for this car to go to an enthusiast who will carry on as steward of this car. Good luck to all the Bidders!M117 Tri-Y Exhaust for Mercedes-Benz W/C126
AMG5pt4 said:
Can the Seller confirm this exhaust system was removed from a Left Hand Drive car? Japan is a Right Hand Drive, Left Hand Traffic country. Tri-y exhaust headers were made by MB for both LHD and RHD cars. RHD tri-y's won't fit US/ROW cars and vice versa.38k-Mile 1991 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL
AMG5pt4 said:
Further clarification on my earlier post about hard to find/NLA parts. There are aftermarket parts available for most of the NLA parts that MB, unfortunately, has discontinued. Exceptions are SLS struts (no alternative other than installing standard shocks and doing away with the wonderful SLS system), Front (L/R) and Rear (just one) ABS sensors (again, no available alternative), crank position sensor (no alternative to my knowledge). NOS MB parts are SO much better quality than aftermarket parts. If an owner searches long enough and does not mind paying steep prices for key mechanical parts that come on the market, this car can be driven for many, many years as the MB parts will last for 10-30 years. All of the door seals, rear window seal and trunk seal are also NLA, but this car has pristine MB rubber bits that will last many, many years if garaged. Just hope the front windshield never takes a rock! Some cars are worth the effort and cost when it comes to key mechanical parts - this car is one that deserves the best - wonderful colors and condition and low miles. Treat this car well and it will treat the new owner well! SLS shocks and ABS sensors and other NLA key parts come up for sale on eBay or from Forum members. Buy them now while you can. Keep all fluids changed regularly - oil, brakes, tranny, SLS, coolant! Install new chain tensioner and upper chain rail guides as soon as possible on this car (despite the low mileage!).38k-Mile 1991 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL
AMG5pt4 said:
Beautiful SEL. Whatever this sells for will be < anything you could buy new in more ways than one! I would recommend the new owner start finding/buying all the NLA/hard to find parts so this car can be enjoyed and used for many years - rear SLS shocks (NLA), HVAC vacuum pods (mostly NLA), crank position sensor (NLA), front and rear ABS sensors (NLA), EHA, timing chain tensioner, timing chain rails, spare EZL, spare MB fuel pump relay (NLA), spare MB water pump, etc.. Keep this car garaged 100% of the time to avoid inevitable UV damage to the cream beige interior. Nice rare options - ortho seats, rear seat heating, rear sunshade. Unfortunate option (IMO) is ASR.AMG M117 Cylinder Heads, AMG 50.1 Cams, & Solid Lifters
AMG5pt4 said:
Congrats @roofsforcars You bought a great set of AMG heads. Will be in touch!AMG M117 Cylinder Heads, AMG 50.1 Cams, & Solid Lifters
AMG5pt4 said:
Reserve has been met. These heads will sell to the highest bidder.AMG M117 Cylinder Heads, AMG 50.1 Cams, & Solid Lifters
AMG5pt4 said:
I should also note that I have a stunning 1984 500SEL AMG 5.4L SOHC and a 1985 AMG Widebody 32-valve DOHC that I am restoring. Both are AMG Affalterbach cars with documentation. I have lived and breathed pre-merger AMG for well over 15 years.AMG M117 Cylinder Heads, AMG 50.1 Cams, & Solid Lifters
AMG5pt4 said:
@zyyzs No deficiencies. I have been a pre-merger AMG fanatic for many years and I have been able to accumulate and find rare AMG bits from engine parts to wheels to exhausts. These heads came from a non-documented Gen I W126 that had extensive body rot and an interior that could not be saved. The engine (block and heads) were loved by a prior owner (all head bolt holes in the block heli-coiled, for example). I am able to pass these on to someone who needs/wants the real deal.AMG M117 Cylinder Heads, AMG 50.1 Cams, & Solid Lifters
AMG5pt4 said:
@Jeffreyis Further follow up on the Gen II 560 EZL question. I visited a high end independent MB shop this evening (Blue Ridge Mercedes). I was able to look at the EZL's in the following pre-merger AMG's: 560SEL, 32v DOHC M117, EZL # 004-545-34-32 W124 Hammer Coupe, 32v DOHC M117 6.0L, EZL # 004-545-53-32 M117 560 W124 Hammer Wagon, 32v DOHC M117 6.0L, EZL # 004-545-34-32 (Euro M117 5.0 or 5.6) W124 Hammer Coupe, 32v DOHC M117 6.6L, EZL # 004-545-91-32 (420SEL EZL) I tried to find any 34-32 EZL's for sale anywhere and found none - clearly a rare EZL. The first Hammer coupe listed above using the 53-32 - these are relatively plentiful on eBay The last Hammer Coupe 91-32 appears to be a standard 420SEL EZL. I can vouch that all of the above cars except for the 560SEL are solid running cars. I was surprised to see three different EZL's used on four different AMG engine cars. None of the EZL's were the 8 pin variety and none were modified. Hope this helps. Doesn't appear there was one special EZL used by AMG.AMG M117 Cylinder Heads, AMG 50.1 Cams, & Solid Lifters
AMG5pt4 said:
@Jeffreyis As you are aware, the distributor cannot be adjusted on a Gen II 560 with KE-Jet. It is possible that a different EZL may be required to get the proper benefit from these heads. Per the timing page in the Pics Gallery, Gen I (with an adjustable distributor) requires ignition timing of 25 degrees BTDC @ 3,000 rpms with the vacuum pulled. That would be similar to what a 560 would need. If you have a stock 560 and a timing gun, pull your EZL vacuum and check the timing at 3,000 rpms. Talking with a local shop owner, he can check what EZL is installed on his Gen II 560SEL that has a quad cam AMG engine (timing specs are the same as for an AMG SOHC).AMG M117 Cylinder Heads, AMG 50.1 Cams, & Solid Lifters
AMG5pt4 said:
@Mario 2 parcels, 22kg each, 610mm x 356mm x 356mm OR 48Lbs each, 24" x 14" x14". Declared value $5,000/parcel, $10,000 total US Postal Service did not provide a quote FedEx International Economy $1,900 UPS International Expedited $2,085AMG M117 Cylinder Heads, AMG 50.1 Cams, & Solid Lifters
AMG5pt4 said:
@Tom69 In response to your post, I referred to my MB Factory 1986 W126 Technical Data manual for cylinder head machining tolerance and used my caliper to measure the heads for actual height vs allowed tolerance deviation. The MB Technical Data manual states new heads have a height of 59.80 - 60.00mm and a machined tolerance to 59.55 - 59.75mm, a maximum machining tolerance of 0.25mm. I did not measure the heads before sending them to the machine shop. For my observation, I measured each head in 2 different places. In each of the four measurements, I measured the head heights to be 60.00mm +/- 0.05mm, which is well within the MB manual spec of 0.25mm. See attached pics for reference once posted by The MB Market. Therefore, I am confident these heads are well within MB spec and not worthless as to planing tolerance.AMG M117 Cylinder Heads, AMG 50.1 Cams, & Solid Lifters
AMG5pt4 said:
@TheMBManiacI am not aware if there is a difference between Gen I and Gen II tri-y exhaust headers from MB. It is possible that Gen I 5.0L heads have slightly smaller exhaust ports from the heads to the headers as opposed to Gen II 560 heads. Tri-y's are pretty heavy and beefy pieces of cast iron. If there were a slight difference between port openings between Gen I and Gen II heads, I would imagine the tri-y's could be opened up a bit to get port matching with Gen II 560 heads. I checked Xentry/EPC and the P/N for the exhaust manifold gasket for a Gen I 500 engine is the same P/N for a Gen II 560 engine. That certainly is not definitive proof that Gen I and Gen II exhaust port holes are the same size. I also noted in Xentry that tri-y's are pictured and grayed-out for Gen I 500 exhaust manifolds, while for Gen II 560 Tri-y's are not grayed-out, but the P/N for the exhaust manifold gaskets are the same P/N for all engines.AMG M117 Cylinder Heads, AMG 50.1 Cams, & Solid Lifters
AMG5pt4 said:
The two added pics are dyno charts from AMG for SOHC engines with AMG heads/Cams/solid lifters with headers. The third dyno chart is for a 5.4L SOHC engine showing 310hp and 350lbs torque. The second newly added pic is how to set the cam timing with the 50.1 cams.AMG M117 Cylinder Heads, AMG 50.1 Cams, & Solid Lifters
AMG5pt4 said:
Had a question from a User if these would fit on his 1986 500SEL Euro. Absolutely! Any M117 V8 - Gen I 500SEC or 500SEL or Gen II 500SEC or 500SEL or 560SEC or 560SEL. Will also fit R107 with an M117 5.0L or 5.5L engine. These would NOT fit to my knowledge an M116 engine - 380 or 420AMG M117 Cylinder Heads, AMG 50.1 Cams, & Solid Lifters
AMG5pt4 said:
Bonhams recently held two online auctions for pre-merger AMG cars and parts - the Barry Taylor horde/collection. Below are two links to auction results for somewhat similar items as offered here: 3 hydraulic valve actuation AMG camshafts (2 left and 1 right or 2 right and i left) - $21,760 with 20% commission): https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/29954/lot/161/a-lot-of-3-m117-amg-cam-shafts-2-inches-in-height-2-inches-in-width-20-inches-in-length/ M117.968 560 long block with AMG hydraulic camshafts - $17,920 with commission: https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30524/lot/236/1-mercedes-benz-m117968-modified-with-amg-components/#photos You can Google the Bonhams AMG auctions (Part 1 and Part 2) to see all lots that were sold.AMG M117 Cylinder Heads, AMG 50.1 Cams, & Solid Lifters
AMG5pt4 said:
Welcome to my auction for these very rare and desirable M117 cylinder heads replete with authentic AMG 50.1 cams, solid lifter valve actuation and lightened rocker arms/followers. The cams and valve train have been mounted on 560 heads to take advantage of the larger intake and exhaust valves. These heads have been freshly serviced at a professional cylinder head shop (Sep 20, 2024) that included planing the head mating surfaces, cleaning the heads inside and out, 3-angle valve job, all valves lapped to the valve seats, new MB exhaust valve guides (just because they are exhaust guides), all new valve stem seals, camshafts and rocker arms polished and checked for any abnormal wear, valve lash set according to AMG specs. Also included with the heads are cleaned aluminum oiler tubes and Made in Germany Febi plastic tube fittings, new Made in Germany/EU Febi upper timing chain rails, set of 8 NOS never installed correct Bosch W5DC spark plugs (hard to find), new MB bolts and washers for the cam towers to the heads, AMG valve cover stickers, a genuine NOS AMG Tuning sticker and hardware for head installation (timing chain rail pins, exhaust manifold upper bolts, lower studs and copper nuts. These heads were loved by a prior owner - the 5.0L block the heads were removed from had all head bolt holes helicoiled, the upper exhaust manifold bolt holes are also helicoiled. There is one thread insert for one of the spark plug holes - I have personally threaded a new spark plug all the way into the head by hand with no issues. These heads are bolt on ready and, with proper headers, will significantly increase your M117 engine's power and torque. I have a 1984 500SEL AMG 5.4L sedan with essentially the same heads. The heads on my engine had larger valves cut into the 5.0L heads by AMG and the heads were ported to increase airflow. By using 560 heads offered here, you accomplish the same thing. My 5.4L AMG engine specs from AMG were 310hp and 350 lbs torque. If you install these heads on a 560 engine or 500 engine and use a 560 crankshaft you will achieve similar power/torque specs. Please ask any questions in the auction forum or via direct message to me. These heads are available for inspection outside Atlanta - ping me if so desired. I will ship these heads at my cost domestically to the lower 48 states. International shipping will be accommodated at the Winning Bidder's expense. This is a very rare opportunity to acquire authentic AMG heads. Most of the attention on M117 engines massaged by AMG centers on the DOHC "Hammer" engines - don't underestimate these heads! Paired with headers, a free flowing exhaust and a 2.82 LSD, my 84 SEL can hang just fine with other tuned W126's!Italvolanti AMG Steering Wheel
AMG5pt4 said:
Both of my Gen I AMG steering wheels on my 84 500SEL AMG and 85 500SEC AMG Widebody have K.B.A. 70042 and Ati-4 stamped on the back. Having said that, I have seen poorly done Italvolante replica steering wheels on eBay and Instagram, but this steering wheel offered is a legit Italvolante steering wheel that is at the very least a well done replica. 99.9% of people looking at this wheel could not tell it was not original. There are not many of the originals in existence and the recent Bonhams auctions for Barry Taylor's stash of AMG bits showed prices from $2k to $3k for genuine wheels. The leather seam on the outer rim offered here is correct at the 4 o'clock position. https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/29954/lot/100/a-used-amg-for-mercedes-benz-grey-leather-steering-wheel-16-inches-in-diameter-1-inch-in-height/ The correct hub for this wheel is made by Atiwe and would have 500x stamped on the base of the hub with either smooth vinyl or accordion shaped hub. Here are two examples that sold yesterday (Jul 29) in Part 2 of the Bonhams AMG auction https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30524/lot/317/a-nos-aitwe-for-amg-21mm-steering-wheel-hub-grey-leather-wrapped-years-1980-1995/ https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30524/lot/315/a-nos-atiwe-for-amg-21mm-steering-wheel-hub-in-black-vinyl-years-1980-1995/Euro-Spec 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC
AMG5pt4 said:
BTW, just yanking Cam's chain at DC Motorworks. He is a good man.Euro-Spec 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC
AMG5pt4 said:
Worst part about this Gen I SEC is the license plate. THWG! Too bad about the old cell phone antenna drilled through the trunk lid. Sacrilege! And Cam worked on this? Sigh. Really nice SEC and a stone's throw from me...1995 Mercedes-Benz E500 Limited
AMG5pt4 said:
Yep, another E500E from Japan with RHD/LHT headlights and ROW (rest of world) headlights are No Longer Available and very hard/expensive to find new/used.Modified Euro 1988 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC
AMG5pt4 said:
So according to Xentry, this SEC was originally 735 Silver and has been color changed to 040 Black. This car has the very early ASR I system (available on Euro W126's), offered as an option on US w126's only in 1991. I see that the cruise control ASR module is not hooked up to the throttle linkage. Are there any dash warning lights from the ASR system when the car is running/being driven? The ASR system can be a problem child to keep in working order. The engine # in Pic 122 matches Xentry, so the 10:1 compression is correct. Who did the widebody modifications? The door card inserts and rear side panel inserts with the pleated leather are from an 89-91 SEC. Nice upgrade from the vinyl inserts.Euro 1983 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
@sirmathrocks go to https://126board.com/ and register and contact me using the same handle as this siteEuro 1983 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
Very fortunate as to no cracks in the blue dash pad. I urge the new owner to wipe down the dash pad with Aerospace 303 Protectant to minimize IR/UV ray damage to the dash pad (plus 303 when wiped down makes the dash look like new).Euro 1983 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
Post pics of the exhaust manifold on each side - if they are stock Euro logs or AMG headers. Any cracks in the blue dash - especially at the speaker grills? W126 Blue dash pads are famous for cracking.Euro 1983 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
Nice Gen I SEL. Despite the lack of original AMG paperwork, this car has the look and patina and the right parts for me to conclude this is a legit AMG Germany car. I have a fully documented 84 500SEL Euro AMG with the same front Recaros and similar AMG bodykit (mine has the smaller trunk/boot spoiler) and other bits. I also have a NOS front sedan spoiler/air dam and mine has the AMG part # embossed in the exact same place as on this car. Very correct. I see that the car has an AMG sticker on the air cleaner and Spark Plug stickers on the valve covers. Have you taken the valve covers off to see if the car has AMG cams and solid lifters? The air cleaner sticker states 203kw, which equates to 272hp, which is way more than the stock 228 output. I will bet this is a 5.0L AMG engine with solid lifters and AMG cams. My 5.4L AMG engine with cams, headers, solid lifters was 310hp from AMG. I strongly suggest you take off the valve covers (have a set of new valve cover gaskets and the little copper crush washers for re-install to only 8-10 Lbs/ft torque). If you have AMG engine work, your car's value will double or triple. You can easily remove the valve covers by removing the 12 or so long 8mm bolts around the edge of the valve covers (have to remove the spark plug wires - put a piece of tape around each wire before removing and label them so you don't get them mixed up!). Then take a small mirror and flashlight and check the back end of the camshafts for AMG markings - mine show 50.1 AMG stamped on the back. My early set had these markings hand engraved instead of stamped. Take a pic of both valve trains with the valve covers removed and post pics. If your engine is modified and original = gold. Finally, get under each of the four corners and check each shock absorber to see if they are AMG Bilstein shocks - look for remnants of AMG stickers and maybe AMG letters engraved on each lower shock tube.1989 Mercedes-Benz 300CE w/80k Miles
AMG5pt4 said:
@Seller - Please advise about the rear window that is cracked in lower right corner. Is this NLA from Mercedes and there is no glass to be found? Any aftermarket options for this glass?Premerger AMG Italvolanti Steering Wheel
AMG5pt4 said:
I have two of this exact same steering wheel that I know are authentic. The leather on both of my steering wheels is much smoother leather - the grain on your steering wheel is very pronounced. On the back of my two steering wheels, the stampings from Italvolante are K.B.A.70042 and ati-4 which are different from the stampings on your steering wheel. The shape of the AMG letters are different on my two steering wheels vs your steering wheel. Also, the date of your wheel is 1986. This style of AMG steering wheel by Italvolante for AMG was a Gen I 81-85 version that was replaced by the Gen II AMG steering wheel made by Momo that was used for both W124 and Gen II W126 cars. I have seen similar steering wheels as this one on eBay that also have a K.B.A. 70027 stamping. IMO, this is a legit Italvolante steering wheel but not an original AMG steering wheel that was recovered and the center pad embossed with AMG letters. Finally, the correct hub has 500x right side up and upside down next to each other. Very nicely reproduced steering wheel, though.Premerger AMG W126 Full Exhaust (New Old Stock)
AMG5pt4 said:
@48hp is correct - the overall length of this exhaust system would be set for a coupe or SEL. If the sum of the pieces is for an SEL, the Y pipe front piece would have to be modified to fit an SEC (shortened), if set for an SEC, the front Y pipe would have to be lengthened. The middle resonator section, zooming in on the label says SE, SEL, SEC, so the Y pipe would have to be adjusted. There isn't enough of the original label left on the front piece to know if that is for an SEL or SEC.Premerger AMG W126 Full Exhaust (New Old Stock)
AMG5pt4 said:
The stamps on the underside of the three components VS, MS NS stand for Vorneschalldampfer (front exhaust), Mittelschalldampfer (middle exhaust) and Nachschalldampfer (rear exhaust)Premerger AMG W126 Full Exhaust (New Old Stock)
AMG5pt4 said:
BTW, these components will fit Gen I or II the same. The rear exhaust component is the smaller oval shaped exhaust that was the initial Gen I design. Gen II design is much larger boxier shape that is quieter than the Gen I version. Both styles fit Gen I/II W126's sedan or coupe. One thing that is a head scratcher about the exit point of the AMG Sebring exhausts and the correct AMG rear bumper valance don't line up - there is a relief molded into the rear bumper valance that does not line up with where the AMG exhaust tips exit the underside of the car. AMG missed on that!Premerger AMG W126 Full Exhaust (New Old Stock)
AMG5pt4 said:
Nice set of Gen I W126 exhaust pieces. These exhaust components are made of steel (as opposed to modern hi end exhaust components that are made from stainless steel or aluminized steel for corrosion reduction purposes. These Sebring components were famous for rusting - that is why so few original used AMG exhausts still exist, making NOS components very rare and desirable for a proper restoration. The center resonator section in this auction would have "spreader bars" or tubes that attached to the mounting hooks that are missing from this set. Not a deal breaker by any means - any competent exhaust shop can fabricate the missing parts. Pic 51 showing the center resonator section has the two tube stubs - the missing spreader tubes would slide into these tube stubs and be held on with bolts through the holes.1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SL w/47k Miles
AMG5pt4 said:
Stunning 107, Blakley! Magnificent paint and interior. Right amount of miles - used enough to keep her in order.W126 AMG Front Lip Spoiler (New Old Stock)
AMG5pt4 said:
Nice front spoiler. And a "spoiler" alert to anyone who thinks this is a replica - it's not! This is genuine. I have a NOS Gen I front AMG spoiler (with the ears) and this is legit.Barn Find: 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC 5.4 AMG Widebody Project
AMG5pt4 said:
Congrats to @Chester on winning this amazing and original Gen I WB. I have some parts that may be available to help this car get back to greatness. Jono @ Blueridge knows me.Barn Find: 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC 5.4 AMG Widebody Project
AMG5pt4 said:
@MP91 that is good news re: the front fenders. I had never heard of front glass flares mounted to steel front fenders. Basic fiberglass repair on the fronts would be all that is needed. This is a really neat car with the entire body kit intact. I would bet the engine is a 5.4L given all the other AMG goodies present. Looks like all 4 of the original Bilstein AMG shocks are still present. They can be rebuilt, but not by Bilstein any longer - they now outsource rebuild service. Too bad, because their in-house rebuild service in San Diego was quick and OEM quality and only $85/shock. Now, the 3rd party rebuild service doesn't want to deal with these older shocks and want $400/shock (!) for a fee. I rebuilt the 5.4L in my 84 sedan using new forged pistons from Wossner that are much, much lighter than the cast Nural pistons AMG used. Don't dismiss a well re-built 5.4L AMG engine with 50.1 cams and solid lifters. Stock was 310hp and about 325 Lbs torque. I know my engine is much more powerful now and is way more reliable than the quad cam engines. My engine is easily 330/350 now.Barn Find: 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC 5.4 AMG Widebody Project
AMG5pt4 said:
There is no way to private message in MBM, so I have to reply in the auction forum. The prior auction you linked was a bargain for a legit WB that was missing the extremely valuable 32v AMG heads - and the low price was a too hefty discount. A complete 6.0 32v would have quadrupled the value of that car, IMO. Mark's car was painted and he installed a newer late Gen II interior that looked nice. The WB on offer in this auction is also a legit WB with all the pieces in place - still a SOHC engine, but a fully legit SOHC engine. Hard to put a value on these ultra rare cars, especially when this one needs a lot of paint/body work. All of the cracking on all 4 fenders indicates the seams where the glass flares were glued to the original steel body. IMO having gone through this ordeal, the glass flares need to be removed and any underlying rust on the original steel needs to be addressed properly and the flares re-attached. I would also be highly mindful of the steel trunk metal under the rear glass - I suspect there is corrosion there that needs attending. If I were personally interested in this car, I would go see it and pay careful attention to the interior. If the interior is in solid condition with a deep cleaning needed with some minor repairs that is a big plus. I would also hook a fresh battery to the car - not to start it - but to make sure all the electronics work - interior switches, lights, seats, windows, sunroof, seatbelt extenders, HVAC buttons. You have to identify what is good and what isn't. You know the car needs a lot of paint/body attention. I suspect the engine will be fine from looking at the pics and the camshafts. The wheels alone are worth $8-$10k! The beauty of this car is it is all there - nothing is missing. IMO, around $40-50k in paint/body/interior. If the engine runs, then another $10k for suspension/brakes/HVAC/fuel (you will need a new fuel tank). Removing glass flares without damaging the original flare profiles is not easy. Properly remediating the steel before re-attaching the flares is important - don't want rust and cracks to reappear. Lots and lots of time blending in the flare seams and flare profiles to look right and line up with the door hip line. Do not believe that all of the flare cracking can be chipped away and smooth sanded! There will be rust under all those cracks.Barn Find: 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC 5.4 AMG Widebody Project
AMG5pt4 said:
Have looked at all the pics provided several times. The one area I keep coming back to are the front fenders. Have not seen front widebody fender cracking before. My WB front fenders are 100% glass. The very late Gen II widebody fenders may have moved to all steel - I have access to a late Gen II WB - I should check if they are all steel. This car seems to have glass flares glued to the original steel fenders. Would be great if the Seller could put a magnet on the top of the front fenders to see if they are steel. If they are glass flares applied to the original steel fenders that would be interesting and would point to this car being a particularly early WB conversion. AMG was constantly changing/updating their body kits from early Gen I to Gen II to late Gen II. Bumper aprons, side skirts, WB side cladding, trunk spoilers all evolved over time. Each one of these cars is unique - no two are the same.Barn Find: 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC 5.4 AMG Widebody Project
AMG5pt4 said:
If (big "if") AMG stamped the block in this car, it would show next to the engine serial # - back of the block Driver side. With the engine installed, you need a strong light and mirror to see the engine serial number. It is often covered in crud and grime, so a new can of Brake Kleen and a stick/rag to clean the serial # ledge helps. AMG rarely stamped the displacement on Gen I blocks. Absent original paperwork, best way is to drop the lower oil pan and measure one of the cylinder openings. PITA to do this, but no other option really. The 5.4 Gen I M117 would have a cylinder bore of 98.5mm and stroke of 88.9mm for 5,417mm displacement.Barn Find: 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC 5.4 AMG Widebody Project
AMG5pt4 said:
@martystein and any other past or future posters on this auction - please don't comment in terms of absolutes! I have two Gen I 5.4l AMGs - one sedan done @ Affalterbach and one widebody done @ Affalterbach. One of my blocks is very much stamped "5.4" and the other is not. Everyone thinks they are an expert in all things AMG. Truth is, AMG was not very consistent on what they did or didn't do. Sometimes they used the original block, sometimes they used an engine already modified and re-stamped the blocks. As to the seats, maybe that car was originally completed with stock seats and then added. Without the original paperwork, hard to say. Maybe AMG N America or Beverly Hills Motoring added the seats later. https://amgclassic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=15876&hilit=5.4+stamp#p15876Barn Find: 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC 5.4 AMG Widebody Project
AMG5pt4 said:
Well, congrats to MBM to bring this car to market. Totally original and legit Gen I 500SEC widebody with an AMG SOHC engine. No mention on if the displacement of 5.4l is verified (engine stamp) or otherwise. No mention of original AMG paperwork. Can't fake what is presented, though. My 85 widebody was in similar condition a few years ago. Lots and lots of paint/body work ahead for this car, but it will be worth it. Its never just the problems you can see, its always the problems you can't see... Good luck to the Seller and hope for good decision making to the Buyer.Custom 18" Gullideckel 3-Piece Wheels
AMG5pt4 said:
The original OZ Racing AMG wheels are 8.5x17 ET18 and the rears 10x17 ET17. These wheels are all ET25, very small offset differences that *shouldn't* cause any fitment issues ore require spacers. HOWEVER, these are 18" diameter vs the original 17" - Seller really should state if there would be any rubbing on popular chassis like the W126. These wheels vs OZ Racing wheels would be inset into the wheel opening by 7-8mm or about 1/3". Risk would be rubbing particularly on the rear. These should also bolt onto R129 SL's and probably ok for W124 E500E's.1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL
AMG5pt4 said:
It's more than the owner put Bundt wheels on this SEL - these are very rare 15" versions of the bundt wheels - all of the Bundts used from the late 60's to around 1985 were 14"s. MB made a batch of 15" Bundts and this car has a set. These wheels are very lightweight forged alloy and worth a lot more than a set of stock Gen II wheels! They are also wider than the old 14s allowing wider tires. Similar to the steel wheels used on most 60's MBs with the painted wheel "hubcaps" - the vast majority were 14s but MB made 15's for the W100 limos that looked the same, but were the larger diameter - very rare and valuable.1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL Carat Duchatelet "1000SEL Cullinan"
AMG5pt4 said:
< $10k to redo all the leather in the interior (dash, center console, door panels, seats F/R, fridge, etc...) and all the wood and some engine work? Leather replacement alone would be north of $30k (can't imagine how many full hides would be required - lets say 6 full hides @ $4,500/hide), wood $6-$8k (I just had Madera Concepts restore a significant number of burl wood pieces for an AMG I am restoring - cost was > $6k) and then you can start on the mechanicals.1982 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
Very nice SEC. Has some very tasty AMG mods - Recaros, body kit, door burl wood, correct Gen I AMG steering wheel. The 8"/9" wheels are especially nice, although the 9" rears were probably a later change to what the car may have had originally. Hard to say when the AMG mods were done and by whom (AMG Germany, AMG N America) without paperwork, but this certainly has the look of an original AMG modified car. Can the Seller opine on when/if the wood was refinished?1985 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC 5.4 AMG Widebody
AMG5pt4 said:
Also, remember that this car is way over the 25 year age threshold for EPA/DOT regulations - no EPA or DOT hurdles to deal with into the US - the car is exempt from all of these regulations. Other than a Bill of Sale, a Certificate of Export from NZ and someone at a US port to accept the car as an import broker for DHS stamp of approval, the process of clearing into the US is relatively easy. The state you are trying to register the car in is another story. Forget it if you are in California - probably won't happen. Any state that would require emissions testing will be a challenge. This car does not have cats on it, and it would be a shame to cut up the original Sebring exhaust system to add cats. I was lucky, in Georgia any car > 25 years old is exempt from emissions testing.1985 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC 5.4 AMG Widebody
AMG5pt4 said:
Whoever might be fortunate to win this auction, I have shipped a car from Japan (a 1990 560SEC....) several years ago and the prevailing thought was roll-on/roll-off was the best option and cheapest. And I have read other posts in various forums who say cars shipped in containers get damaged more frequently than roll-on/roll-off. Suggest the buyer research this before committing. Just my $0.02... I shipped my car to Jacksonville port. I used an importer to hand-hold me through the process on the US side, but they did very little for $500 I paid them. The biggest issue I had after I got the car was getting it licensed in Georgia - buying the car in Japan, shipping to the US and getting the car out of Customs/DHS was very smooth - getting a license plate was a PITA. Mainly because the export certificate from Japan was, drum roll, in Japanese and I had to have that document translated by a certified translation company.1985 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC 5.4 AMG Widebody
AMG5pt4 said:
Excellent and authentic widebody. I recall many years ago this car being for sale in NZ and I so badly wanted to buy it (for a heck of a lot less than what this car will sell for now!). I have a fully documented 84 500SEL AMG 5.4L SOHC and these are very nicely tuned engines. My engine has the full performance treatment - cams, ported/polished heads, headers, solid lifters, full Sebring non-Cat exhaust. I rebuilt my engine and bored the 98.5mm diameter cylinders to 99mm and had new forged pistons fitted. Very capable engines and quite robust. I also have an 85 5.4L widebody (authentic as well) with the DOHC 32v big engine that I am restoring. I too love the Gen I's as well for the same reasons mentioned in this auction. And, the WB five-spoke wheels are hands down better looking than the 3-piece OZ Racing wheels that are found on the Gen II cars. There are many little differences between the Gen I and Gen II widebody cars - the profile of the rear flares are a little less flared out and are not as linear as the Gen II rear flares (a little curvy). My car has glass front/rear flares - Seller are the rear flares on this car glass as well? The fronts are all glass. The color combo on this car is the same as mine. Best of luck, Seller, this is a stellar offering!1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC 6.0 AMG Widebody
AMG5pt4 said:
Supply of head gaskets are not an issue - Cometic has the M117 template and has made 99mm bore gaskets for me and I know for a fact they make 100 and 101mm gaskets for the M117 engine.1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC 6.0 AMG Widebody
AMG5pt4 said:
Yes, the 32v heads are known to be a little weak on the castings and leaks are not infrequent. The center recessed spark plugs are also a known area for oil to accumulate. The Gen I widebody fenders were all fiberglass, like my Affalterbach car. AMG changed to rear steel flares for Gen II widebody kits - exact date is not known. The five spoke wheels are considered Gen I wheels, but AMG N America (Chicago) was known to use the five spoke wheels on Gen II widebodies. I know of at least one other. These Gen I wheels are much better looking that the OZ Racing 3 piece wheels, IMO, and do not suffer the cracking the OZ wheels are known for. As to the extended door wood - that was a customer preference. If the customer wanted to spend the $$ for extended wood on the door panels, they chose that option. These were very a la carte. This car may have had the AMG suspension (special Bilstein shocks). Shocks are a wear item and most people tossed them when they wore out. It happens. This is a legit AMG WB created by AMG N America. I will say the craftsmanship of the N America widebody SECs was much better than what came out of Germany. All authentic widebody SECs are unique in some manner. This car is no different.1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC 6.0 AMG Widebody
AMG5pt4 said:
Mark - didn't see your Seller name - sorry for not noticing! GLWTA - still working on my 85 WB restoration. Love the front license plate delete panel - ultra rare. I have one as well.1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC 6.0 AMG Widebody
AMG5pt4 said:
Car is a little mis-matched as to years of components. Wheels are Gen I widebody vs the Gen II 3-piece OZ racing wheels (although I much prefer the much better looking Gen I wheels). The interior looks to be a swap in from an 89-91 SEC - at least the seats, door panels and rear side panels. The engine was 95% certain a DOHC engine at one time - the giveaway is the R107 SL oil filter housing swapped onto the engine in place of the W126 oil filter housing. Because of clearance issues with the quad cam heads, the W126 oil filter housing wouldn't work on the 32v engines- the 107 housing points downward. Mark - when the heads were off, did you measure cylinder diameters to see if the car is/was a 6.0L? The 6.0L cylinder bores were 100mm.25k-Mile 1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 Cabriolet
AMG5pt4 said:
Most people who are looking at this car or an A124 Cab know all about the wiring harness issue. This car is low mileage, so more than likely has never had any engine work done. The issues crop up when the wiring is moved and then the insulation crumbles (replace a 27 year old water pump and thermostat or similar repair). The fact that inspections have been made is irrelevant - this car has a junk harness that will have to be replaced at some point. Figure that into the buy price. The upper harness for this car is NLA so you have to find a used one for sale - and it has to exactly match what this car's harness P/N and spec - especially the ASR option which was not very common for E320's. Replacing the harness is not difficult - finding a correct one may be. But, what a gorgeous Cab with rare and beautiful colors. This would be one to buy and care for despite the harness and hydraulic cylinders upcoming maintnenance costs.1991 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL 6.0 AMG
AMG5pt4 said:
This engine started as an early M119 engine (I believe M119.960) from a 90-91 R129 500SL. The engine was modified by taking the front timing cover from an M117 560 engine and installing it along with a distributor to the M119 engine to use the EZL and ECU from the 560SEL. It's more complicated than that (lower oil pans had to be swapped), but that is the basics. Maybe someone with more knowledge of the conversion can chime in to correct any errors I may have stated. The early M119 engine used the same KE-Jet fuel system as the M117, making the fuel system easier to interact with the 560SEL electronics. The M117 and early M119.960 blocks were very similar. You get the reliability and extra power (32v engine) of the M119 without some of the challenges of the very rare AMG M117 DOHC 32-valve engines. Sure would be nice if the Japan market headlights would have been changed to US/ROW market headlights - they are readily available. Looks like from close up views of the 3-piece OZ wheels that 3 of the 4 wheels have at least one crack between the center bore and a lug bolt hole. Seller can confirm. Odd that the car would have been repainted Silver vs the original 199 Blue Black Metallic - they made a lot of these cars in both colors! Although, silver with a black interior was not as common. Neat car with lots of AMG mods to the interior. Would be fun to own.1994 Mercedes-Benz E420
AMG5pt4 said:
"looks like it has been replaced" - is that a definitive yes or a guess?1992 Mercedes-Benz 300CE
AMG5pt4 said:
Because the weather is perfect 90% of the time in Cali and the roads are good. Weather (snow/ice) sucks in the NE 30% of the year and a goodly amount of rain the other months, the roads are pretty bad (ex-interstates and toll roads) and people don't care about cars in the NE as they do in Cali. Add in very low humidity in Cali and you get what you see - great cars in Cali and crappy cars in the NE. I travel to NJ 3-4 times/year (Newark, Morristown area) and the side roads are pretty bad. Was in Brooklyn 2 weeks ago for a wedding and the streets were generally horrible. Freezing temps with water = bad for roads. Saline coating for winter = really bad for cars and paint.1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC AMG Widebody Reimagined
AMG5pt4 said:
This is a beautifully done car with some love it/hate it wood treatment (zebra wood style) done. But the interior and exterior and mechanical work seems very well done (have never seen this car in person, though). No question the car is a clone WB and has never been purported to be an original AMG car. IMO, the biggest misstep in the original build was not adding performance to the package. Lots of eye candy.1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC AMG Widebody Reimagined
AMG5pt4 said:
@anton28 just have to Google the VIN.... https://www.classic.com/veh/1989-mercedes-benz-560-sec-custom-wide-body-by-bes-wdbca45e2ka451786-4Vgjodn/1988 Mercedes-Benz 6.0L AMG Hammer Coupe
AMG5pt4 said:
I have a widebody I am also restoring and they are not sleeper cars, for sure - they are in your face cars and coupled with a quad cam M117, they have the bang under the hood to go with the body. Having said that, the Hammer has an aura of mystique that has accrued over the many years when the first Hammer brought to the US was grandly unveiled to Motorsports Press members. Were there W126 sedans and coupes that first got the AMG quad cam engine? Yes, but those cars (like mine) were quietly built and sold and owned. The cache of the Hammer will never be equaled by a widebody SEC. And I am jealous of that cache. But, I lusted after a widebody and am lucky to have one. Both AMG models are rare as hens teeth. Real hammers are easily less than 50 - the original Signal Red Hammer brought over from Germany (press car), the 13 made in the US by AMG N America and then a few more made in Germany and Japan. The number of 500/560 SEC widebody cars plus W126 sedan/coupe unmodified body cars (narrow body) a couple hundred or so - who knows? AMG made about 275-ish of the quad cam engines. This car is very special and should go for lots of $$$. Best of luck to the new owner.1988 Mercedes-Benz 6.0L AMG Hammer Coupe
AMG5pt4 said:
This is an insanely important car. Wish I had $500k lying around.... Real Hammer, Coupe body style, amazing condition, low miles and so forth. I bet less than 5 real Hammer coupes ever made. I know of 3 including this one.1989 Mercedes-Benz 300SE w/32k miles
AMG5pt4 said:
Well bought.Euro 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E
AMG5pt4 said:
Another Japan market car with what looks like right hand drive (RHD), left hand traffic (LHT) headlights. From a super close up look at the Passenger side headlight (pic 35), it appears the little arrow is pointing to the left - Seller please verify if I am seeing this correctly. 500E/E500 headlights are unique to these cars vs standard W124 headlights. These are non-US headlights on this car and (if my assumption is correct) they are for Japan/UK/Australia market. The reflectors and the lenses are specific for RHD/LHT and if used in the US or ROW, the headlights will direct light the wrong direction and into oncoming cars/eyes at night. 500E/E500 headlights are NLA and nearly impossible to find new or used. If a set is found, the price for a NOS set for this car will be $5,000 or so. Sellers who import cars from Japan rarely, if ever, take the time and expense to convert or provide proper LHD/RHT headlights for the US/ROW. Buyer beware, or don't drive the car at night. If I am incorrect, Seller can provide additional pics of the little arrows for each headlight (especially the Passenger side) and I will graciously retract my comment. Beautiful 124.036 and I especially like the plaid interior.1991 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC w/74k Miles
AMG5pt4 said:
I see the roll-top console box in the trunk of one of the pictures, belay that question.1991 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC w/74k Miles
AMG5pt4 said:
Does the original steering wheel and the roll-top center console (that has been replaced with the cup holder) come with the car? Nice looking SEC1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC AMG Widebody Tribute
AMG5pt4 said:
Hard to say how much time was spent on this car, except for applying Duraflex panels and paint. The rear window seal is not even an MB seal and there are no aluminum strips installed in the seal (can't because it isn't an MB seal - check out the walk around video at 1.45 and you will see what I mean). Seller should point out any major maintenance work - engine maintenance (timing chain, rails, tensioner), suspension work (ball joints, SLS, etc.), or other major areas. These cars can be expensive to catch up on deferred maintenance. Would also like to know if there are any pics of the panel work done when the Duraflex flares were applied to the car - did the body shop stiffen the panels/flares to provide needed structural rigidity? What adhesive was used to affix the panels? Any rust found under the rear glass?1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC AMG Widebody Tribute
AMG5pt4 said:
Seller, from the walk around video, the rear glass should have an aluminum trim insert into the rubber seal that frames the rear glass. This aluminum trim seems missing from the video. Please advise if my eyes are playing tricks!1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 Cabriolet w/41k Miles
AMG5pt4 said:
Beautiful example in classic colors for the A124. My brother has this exact car with 54k miles on it and I have done a good bit of work on his. All the big questions have been asked and answered, so the new owner will have several items to address - upper wiring harness (mandatory), lower wiring harness, Electronic Throttle Actuator (same eco junk wiring - mandatory), hydraulic cylinders (mandatory), head gasket and front timing chain seal (mandatory at some time in the future). The wiring harness is NLA but can be bought off eBay as an updated used harness - just make sure the F.D. date is post 1990's and the harness was removed carefully. The lower harness is not as critical as the upper harness is - also NLA. The ETA is the throttle body and has the crap wiring. Don Roder in Alabama is THE guy to source one from. The hydraulic cylinders are a guarantee failure point and they will all have to be replaced - this is a proactive item so you don't get stuck with a soft top that won't open and won't get stuck with a puddle of hydraulic fluid somewhere. Top Hydraulics is a great choice for the rebuilt cylinders. I would also recommend the new owner buy and replace the 3rd brake light assembly (the whole thing not just the lens) as the rubber seal around the lens fails and water gets into the trunk. Buy two and save one for later. These aren't minor maintenance items - figure $8-$12k. When all done, this Cab will be a wonderful and classy car.One-Owner 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300E Sportline w/36k-Miles
AMG5pt4 said:
Spirited auction. Well bought.One-Owner 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300E Sportline w/36k-Miles
AMG5pt4 said:
Unicorn color and as new interior in stunning condition.One-Owner 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300E Sportline w/36k-Miles
AMG5pt4 said:
Would make a great parts car for a special 500E/E500 with mushroom interior. Just sayin... JK, great car!One-Owner 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300E Sportline w/36k-Miles
AMG5pt4 said:
@MBZ_vs_Everybody Yes, that is my car - 1984 500SEL AMG, 5.4L SOHC, with the amazing Clarion G-80 rack stereo.One-Owner 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300E Sportline w/36k-Miles
AMG5pt4 said:
Upper/Lower wiring harnesses replaced and also the EHA wiring rebuilt? Gorgeous car and the interior mushroom/beige is as good as I have seen, and mushroom leather is hard to keep nice. Well preserved car.