All about the purchase of my 500E

[LastMinute]

So when did the facelift come out, 1993?

Yes.

I believe there were some E500's if based on the facelift.

There were.

If this isn't one

It isn't. It's too early (1991), it's got the original rear bumper (I think), and the VIN in the OP confirms it. (The "up to"/"as of" footnotes in any of the affected parts pages, like this one, show where the production break was.)

The bootlid looks like the US spec

Of course - that explains it. The European edition of EPC net and Detali don't cover US parts. (Which is a shame, because I really fancy some of those horrendous bumpers and nasty sealed-beam headlamps... )

 

[A-AvantGarde]

Of course - that explains it. The European edition of EPC net and Detali don't cover US parts. (Which is a shame, because I really fancy some of those horrendous bumpers and nasty sealed-beam headlamps... )

LOL

 

[A-AvantGarde]

yes. i did not half start them off tonight when i typed boot whilst i meant bonnet (as at that point you had not posted the rear pics). When your car was made in '91 the star was part of the chrome grille, not separate on the bonnet. that and a variety of other changes later (others with infinitely more knowledge will tell you exactly when if you ask)

Yep, you got me too, I spent ages looking for the pic of the rear (before they were posted) I just couldn't figure out how you could see the panel

 

[Wully]

That is one hell of a motor!

Any pics of the inside?

 

[paddy@polyposta]

So when did the facelift come out, 1993? I believe there were some E500's if based on the facelift. If this isn't one then someon truly has spent a LOT of money on this at some point.

Looks fantastic. The bootlid looks like the US spec ones, they used to do different bootlids for different markets. Now they typically change the number plate mount / infill panel, this is most noticeable on the W203 and W220.

Some friends of ours had a RHD W202 in the UK with the US spec rear bootlid.

Could it be a boot lid which would have been ordered when the car was sent to spain originally? Paddy

VINWDB124*
Model500 E
Chassis124*
Engine119974 12 001222
Transmission722365 03 571487
Order0 1 577 20500
Approx. year1991
LightsBOSCH
WiperBOSCH
Cab01169
DealerSpain (577)
Interiorleather black / anthracite (271)
Paint199metallic blue-black (с 01.01.1983)
Options
241left front seat electrically adjustable with memory feature. only applicable to w 210 when installed in conjunction with code 275. (с 01.03.1983)
242right front seat electrically adjustable with memory feature. only applicable to series w 210 when installed in conjunction with code 275. (с 01.03.1983)
300storage box in front tray (с 01.05.1988)
412electric sliding roof with tilting device (с 01.07.1983)
445steering column, electrically adjustable, and airbag (с 01.02.1980 по 31.10.1993)
490elimination of windshield/washing-water heater (с 01.02.1988)
540roller blind, electric, for rear window (с 01.05.1985)
570folding armrest front w202/210 stowage box front with armrest (с 01.04.1970)
front folding armrest w202 - housing at front with armrest
581automatic climate control (с 01.01.1977)
592heat-insulating glass, all-around, heated rear window pane (laminated glass), band filter
green heat-insulating glass all round, heated rear window, laminated safety glass - tinted strip (с 01.01.1972)
620emission control system
vehicles with catalyst technique (с 01.03.1985)
682fire extinguisher (с 01.04.1970)
756Becker radio Mexico 2000 (с 01.06.1990 по 31.03.1994)
873seat heater for left and right front seats (с 01.02.1984)

 

[paddy@polyposta]

Yes.


There were.


It isn't. It's too early (1991), it's got the original rear bumper (I think), and the VIN in the OP confirms it. (The "up to"/"as of" footnotes in any of the affected parts pages, like this one, show where the production break was.)


Of course - that explains it. The European edition of EPC net and Detali don't cover US parts. (Which is a shame, because I really fancy some of those horrendous bumpers and nasty sealed-beam headlamps... )

Could have been spec for Spain as original dealer location? Paddy

 

[LastMinute]

Could it be a boot lid which would have been ordered when the car was sent to spain originally?

No, because originally it was pre-facelift. Besides, Spanish plates are as wide as UK and German ones, as far as I know. As A-AvantGarde [POST=469431]said[/POST], it'll be US spec.

I assume you've fitted a narrow number plate? It would look much better (in my opinion) if you could get hold of a European boot lid and put a "normal" plate on. There's your first mod...

 

[Howard]

Yes , you can tell it's had work done on it ( badge replaced ) because the badge is not in the correct place ...

Much too high ....

It's on the correct side , but just been mounted too high on the lid ... should be like this ... you can also see the UK spec bootlid here ....

 

[paddy@polyposta]

Where can I get hold of an owners manual folks? Paddy

 

[Howard]

Probably have to go to the main stealership ....

Lots of specific parts on the 500 , but essentially it's a w124 .... not sure if it would be a specific manual ....

 

[mattc]

think they fall into the Rocking Horse category. Fleabay is the obvious place to look - keep an eye open via a search request on it.

maybe someone would photocopy theres for you if you ask nicely?

 

[A-AvantGarde]

No, because originally it was pre-facelift. Besides, Spanish plates are as wide as UK and German ones, as far as I know. As A-AvantGarde [POST=469431]said[/POST], it'll be US spec.

I assume you've fitted a narrow number plate? It would look much better (in my opinion) if you could get hold of a European boot lid and put a "normal" plate on. There's your first mod...

Yep it's definitely from the modifications carried out. Japanese plates are narrower hence one reason why they did this. You'd also often find the smaller recess on Swiss registered cars as well as the Middle East.

Although it would look good with the European lid, I'd be tempted to keep it as is and source the US Spec Hi-level (3rd) brake light. That would look pretty neat in my opinion.

Also as Howard said, badge isn't quite in the right place. Nit picking? Yes, but it's a gorgeous car and deserves to be pampered

 

[grober]

Where can I get hold of an owners manual folks? Paddy

Best to call what you want a "workshop manual" I thought you meant an owner's handbook. There are cheap <£10 pirated copies of the official w124 manual on 2CD,s for sale on ebay. http://search.ebay.co.uk/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=w124+cds . Since it deals with all the american models-- both the e500 and e 400 are there. That's your best bet. You can possibly buy legit copies here but I'm not sure if MB USA still offer them. http://catalog.mercedesshop.com/ and http://www.mercedesshop.com/Wikka/ServiceCD They used to cost about $80 if I remember correctly. I will let you do the sums.
There is also a HAYNES MANUAL for the w124 which is quite useful for body wiring instruments trim etc info but does NOT cover the 500 models.

 

[crockers]

Lovely car that ooooooozes class............any pics of the inside??


Welcome..

 

[Londonscottish]

Great looking car.

Those wheels really set it off nicely. I'm not always a fan of after market rims but those look much better than the standard rims to me.

 

[LastMinute]

There's also the Brooklands book - but it doesn't cover the 500E, either.



If it really is an owner's manual you're after, I'm pretty sure the standard W124 one covers the 500E. (I'd check my own, but it's in the car - and it's cold outside... ) You can get a new one from a dealer, or try eBay, or buy my spare one off me (if I can find it... ).

 

[paddy@polyposta]

Inside Pics

Lovely car that ooooooozes class............any pics of the inside??


Welcome..

Here you go

Paddy

 

[Dieselman]

Could it be a boot lid which would have been ordered when the car was sent to spain originally? Paddy

More likely the boot was changed when it went to Japan at a later date, hence the facelift.

 

[paddy@polyposta]

Update on my 500E

Hi guys just an update for you! Not been running the car much as I discovered it may have a water leak somewhere! Mercedes garage suggested head gaskets and all sorts. They really do not have a clue about older mercs.

Took your advice and got in touch with Ian at 124works. What a great bloke he is. At last I have found someone who cares more about my car than I do!!:bannana:

24th Jan 2008, transported the car over to ian in preston and she arrived at about 1 pm. He was straight on the phone to tell me she had arrived and then yes.......he started drooling.......

We spoke about the issues which could be serious or not, anyway he couldn't really take a look at her until tomorrow.

1730hrs and just had a call from Ian. He couldn't resist getting his head under the bonnet and called me to say just a split water pipe which goes to heater behind air filter housing........phew.

Hes gonna do some leak down tests, pressure tests etc and give me a report tomorrow........all looks good

Ian will be posting his thoughts this evening

Laters!!!! with more good news?!? Paddy

 

[Ian B Walker]

Pure Automotive pornography

I make no apologies about the title to this thread. The car arrived, oh you just have to see it in the flesh. My knees started to tremble and my mouth went dry. Backed it off the trailer and started it up. Now the eyes are watering and the ears have become extra sensitive. Low rumble belaying the power under the hood. A deep sexual rumble. Excuse the words written, they will probably make no sense. The English Language is not enough to explain the feeling and smell of this Monster.

<quick trip to the Loo>

So what did I find under the bonnet (engine for those who are about to suggest that ) A nice big hot throbbing thing. Went to do a co2 test on the coolant and that proved negative. Gave the engine a quick tweak, as you do and Chris my apprentice showed me the split hose behind the engine. Parts ordered :bannana:. Tomorrow I intend to do a compression test and a leakdown test so that I can give Paddy a Health Certificate (something for his car records). I have loads of things to do to this beauty, it is going to be an absolute pleasure. I will post pictures when I have cleaned the drool off the steering wheel and bonnet, this may take some time

Wonders how much I am going to have to pay him for the pleasure this car will offer me