1991 MERCEDES-BENZ (W124) 500E

This 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500E is a refined modern classic sports saloon, presented in smart, rust-free condition and with low indicated mileage. Under the bonnet resides the potent 5.0-litre V8 engine, which produces 322bhp and powers the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The result is a 0-60mph time of just six seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. The odometer indicates just 86,930 km.

Produced from 1991 until 1994, the W124-generation 500E was built in collaboration with Porsche, which was called upon to re-engineer the E-Class to accommodate the 5.0-litre M119 engine, as well as carrying out the suspension modifications that this necessitated.

Each example was hand-built, with final assembly being carried out at Porsche’s manufacturing facility as the car’s extended wheel arches allegedly made it too wide for Mercedes’ production line. It is understood that this particular car was delivered from the factory to Japan, where it was first registered in July 1991. It was recently imported into the UK and then re-registered with the DVLA in March 2021.

Today, this powerful saloon’s widened bodywork is in great shape, and is free of any visible corrosion or noticeable dents. Its Black Pearl metallic paintwork has been professionally resprayed to correct lacquer peel, which was visible on most of the panels. As a result, the finish has a smooth and glossy appearance all around the car, with only a few minor stone chips on the door mirror covers, and marks on the plastic lower body sections. Overall, the exterior trim is in good order; however the front towing eye cover is loose, there is a crack towards the front of the driver’s-side side skirt, and the bumpers have some minor marks. The car rides on the correct set of 16-inch eight-hole alloy wheels, which feature some very minor scratches and marks on their surfaces. It is also equipped with a factory sunroof, which the vendor understands is a rare option.

Inside, the cabin is trimmed in black leather, while wood-veneer panels on the door cards, dashboard and centre console provide an attractive accent. Both of the front Recaro seats present well, with some minor creases on their surfaces, but no rips, tears or other damage. The rear seats are also in good order. While the interior trim is generally smart, there are cracks in the lacquer behind the automatic gear selector and on the rear ashtray lid, though these could be replaced in the future. Entertainment is provided via an aftermarket Pioneer radio/CD player, and a Japanese-market Sony navigation unit is mounted in the boot. Though the seller states that the rear sunshade can stick due to lack of use, the rest of the car’s electrical items currently work without fault, and there are no warning lights displayed on the dashboard.

This 500E’s last routine maintenance was a full service, which was carried out in February 2021 at 86,930 km. As is often the case from car’s being imported from Japan, the previous service is unfortunately not with the car.

Its most recent MOT test was conducted on 30 January 2021 at 86,930 km, which resulted in a clean first-time pass. All four wheels are shod in Michelin Primacy 3 tyres, which have around 7mm of tread remaining, but have some age-related cracks on their sidewalls and would benefit from replacement in the near future.

The car will be accompanied by its original handbooks and manuals, as well as its full tool kit and spare wheel.

This Mercedes-Benz 500E is a rare modern classic Q-car, which offers impressive performance courtesy of its 322bhp V8 engine and fantastic build quality throughout. Presented in smart condition with a recent respray, this low-mileage car will make an ideal companion for long-distance journeys or fun weekend drives alike.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. At the time of listing, the HPI data had not yet been updated with the DVLA first registration details, though when it is synchronised, it will show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.