Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 213
1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E VIN. WDBEA36E4NB776424
Sold for US$32,200 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 213
1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E
1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E
VIN. WDBEA36E4NB776424
VIN. WDBEA36E4NB776424
4,973cc DOHC M119 V-8 Engine
Electronic port fuel injection
315bhp at 5,700rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*The muscular Q-Ship of the W124 family
*Blue-Black Metallic over Anthracite Leather
*USA-delivery example
*52,108 miles shown at time of cataloguing
*Unique Mercedes-Benz super-saloon co-developed and built by Porsche
*Requires recommissioning
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 500E
Mercedes-Benz introduced a muscular new W124 at the 1990 Paris Salon. The 500E super saloon had been developed with surprise assistance from Porsche, and was even hand built at Porsche's Zuffenhausen factory, with its subtly widened bodywork hiding a potent 5.0-liter, 32-Valve V8, massive brakes, and reworked suspension. While the 500E was developed by Mercedes and Porsche, it still likely owes its existence to AMG. The 6-liter AMG Hammer also used the W124 platform, and it predated the 500E. It has been suggested that the M119 engine (as used in the 500E) was inspired by AMG's 32-valve 4-cam conversions on the M117 V8.
The production process involved each and every 500E being transported back and forth between the Mercedes plant and Porsche's Rossle-Bau factory in Zuffenhausen; each car taking a full eighteen days to complete. Despite possessing all the luxury accoutrements associated with a flagship Mercedes-Benz, the 500E was lighter than the 500 SL sports car. Powered by the latter's 326bhp V8 engine, the 500E delivered shattering performance, reaching 100km/h (62mph) in 6.1 seconds and topping out at around 260km/h (162mph), yet retaining the vault-like quality and dependability that made the standard W124 a legend.
THE CAR OFFERED
This 1992 500E from the Barry Taylor Estate is a generally well-preserved example showing just over 52,000 miles at the time of cataloguing. Like all its W124 brethren, the 500E is renowned for its durability in addition to its mile-devouring performance, and it is more common than not to see these cars approach 200,000 miles with ease. This car is a US-market model, produced in May, 1992 and finished in Blue-Black Metallic (199U) over anthracite leather upholstery (271). Equipment includes heated power adjustable front seats with memory, powered rear window blind, sliding roof, Becker Grand Prix and automatic climate control. While it is in good overall condition, this 500E has been in long-term storage and exhibits some signs of wear typical with extended static display. It has not been started while in Bonhams' care and will require recommissioning before enjoyment.
The 500E is worthy of its 'youngtimer classic' status, and is coveted by marque enthusiasts and petrolheads of all sorts around the world.
Footnotes
Note, due to California emissions laws, this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside the state of California or to a licensed automotive dealer.
Saleroom notices
Please note that the mileage previously noted in the description is erroneous. The current mileage displayed is 103,816, and that the last recorded mileage on the accompanying CARFAX report is 101,396. Please note that title is in transit.
Additional information
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