AMGTestDriverNJ

Its a 93, some type of light green color. 205k on the clock, recently replaced transmission by MB princeton w/ records and regular mantainence. He wants fourty two hundred. Exterior is a 7 Interior a 6. Is this a bad move?

190E 16V

If you are sure it iswell maintained, and you can live with the interior or don't mind spending $$$ to fix it up, thT's a great price. You'll get a lot of satisfaction out of a 500, and at thT price, you could afford to deal with the odd problem, ESP. If tranny is already done

Key is " well maintained"!

AMGTestDriverNJ

Yes, thanks, i appreciate your response. He also mentioned something about he had replaced the engine harness and that this was a known problem he took care of. It all sounded pretty good to me, but it usually does when you want something. Is there anything else I should be on the lookout for, 205k is still quite a lot isnt it?

190E 16V

Tranny and wiring harness are two weak spots - both taken care of.
Yes, 205K is a lot, but these cars and these engines can go forever if properly maintained.

The throttlebody is an expensive item prone to fail. Does he have receipts for a full service history?
As with any engine with that much mileage, a compression test is a good idea. You may also want to remove the left hand valvecover, and check for slop in the timing chain. Chain and guides may need doing.

Perhaps PM AMGDave or 2phast, on this forum - they are the 500E gurus on here.

Good luck

ANDYCOTTON

It's good that the tranny was replaced but you may want to inquire as to any other issues with the car that made the tranny go bad in the first place

190E 16V

At 205K, it's likely the transmission was just due for service. They tend to just "go". There don't have to be other issues, these trannies fail early.

AMGTestDriverNJ

Yes, this was my thought as well. He said the trans was replaced recently, so chances are good it just went from old age, I hope. I'm going to try to see the car before the weekend I'll let you guys know. What else should I be on the look out for here? The owner told me that this car had 1 previous female owner who bought in new at MB princeton. He showed me the window sticker it was I think 81k in 93. Makes sense, right? The reason the interior is a disaster is because the previous owner had her children in the back often. Sounds pretty believable to me. The female owner and the color of the car seem to make sense to me, I think I might buy this thing! We'll see, I'll keep you posted. Anything else anyone can think of to ask or inquire about I appreciate the input.

AMGTestDriverNJ

Here she is..... be honest and tell me what you think of the damage and the overall condition from what you can see. Keep the fourty two hundred dollar price in mind too.

spinlps

Spend a couple days with the Leatherique Leather Dye system and you can bring the seats back to life, even rips. Their products are amazing.

190E 16V

Haven't looked at pics yet.
Did he say. "replaced" tranny or "repair/rebuild" tranny???
Could just have any old dog to make it run!

190E 16V

This guy was trying to sell this car before.
I'll try and find the posts.
I think it was about 3 months ago, on www.500ecstasy.com.

IIRC, He bought it cheap, with some problems - including some rust in front fenders. He was going to fix it, then sell it, then keep it. Now it re-appears. I think the original price was much higher, but he pulled it from the market, quickly.

This is probably a realistic price. And, yes, Leathertique will restore those seats.

190E 16V

http://www.500ecstasy.com/forums//sh...n+Idaho+car%3F

Check out the MBWorld link in the first post, as well as the comments by 500E forum guys.

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...t-93-500e.html

RHW

I think it's worth it, for the dollars, I considered it right before buying the new wagon. (sigh) Especially if you use it not make it perfect, it seems like a great deal at 4k

AMGTestDriverNJ

your wagon is very nice, did you end up seeing this car in person?

RHW

I did not, but if you skip anything non essential, what better driving car for the buck? Read the earlier threads where he tries to explain mileage.

(and thanks, bought wagon from Memphis Tenn 2 months ago)

BJaltima

I remember seeing that car as well before. Loved the way it looked. I personally like the color.

190E 16V

$5000 is a lot for a transmission. You could have one r&r'ed and completely rebuilt for 1/2 that price.
If he is not BSing, then perhaps the dealer replaced it with an MB rebuilt tranny. Those are expensive, and known to be trouble-prone.

Are you going to look at the car this weekend?

I wonder if the seller is the same guy that posted the original pictures?

AMGTestDriverNJ

I'm going to try to see it on Tuesday. You think this trans is going to be a problem? Should I try to negotiate down some? The front bumper I'd like to replace seems to be about 900-1k and I may do that rusted fender too.... I'm already talking like I bought it haha

190E 16V

I think he believes that the new/rebuilt/used/??? tranny is a positive selling point. I don't think he'll budge on that.

There was some hint in the orig. thread about passing "inspection". Would that be a mechanical inspection, in New Jersey?

Are you going to take it to your own shop, for a Pre-purchase Inspection before buying? I'd recommend it.

At $4,000, I think you're getting what you pay for, unless there is a damaged/rusted frame, suspension mounts, or shock towers. Perhaps the motor has issues? If it clatters at startup, that could be a loose timing chain and/or damaged chain guides?

Fenders are out there, but can be very expen$ive. A front bumper at $900 will likely need $500 in stripping and painting.

Not trying to discourage you, but just give you something to consider.

Here's hoping all is good.

190E 16V

Did you go look at the car?

How did it work out?

Do we need to congratulate you as a new '500' owner???

AMGTestDriverNJ

No, I'm so dissapointed! I was going to call the owner to stop by the tuesday after the long holiday weekend but my phone ended up going for a swim w/ me and I haven't gotten a replacement yet! Its difficult to set up meetings in somewhat unfamilar places w/o a working phone so I haven't contacted him yet. I should be seeing a phone tomorrow though, so I will give him a call to go check it out if it is still around. I'll let you know.

190E 16V

Good luck.

Short of serious engine trouble, that's a good price for a rough car that runs well.

Most cars are junked or they get sold for parts, worth more than $4K, parted out.

AMGTestDriverNJ

$3300 was the final price we arrived at! Not bad, but the car will need plenty of work. I didn't realize the rear corner panel's passenger fender flare was basically rusted away. Also, there is a considerable amount of rust under the passenger side tail light, seemingly due to a leak in the trunk lining allowing water to run thru and out below the tail light there.

It is going to be a project but rest assured I'm a project finisher type of guy haha. Thanks everyone for your help and guidance as I'm sure I'll be needing it again!

RHW

Wow, sounds like a great price to be into a "beater" but will be interesting to see how far you go with it. For $3300, had he posted that price it would have sold fast. Started at $8000 or higher.

190E 16V

Congratulations!!!

Nice that it'll still be on the road.

It'll be interesting to see what has worn with deferred maintenance.

Please post some pics.

Everything you need to know can be answered by the friendly and knowledgeable fellows on:
500ecstasy.com