Chassis No. WDBEA36E8NB762316

By the mid-1980s Mercedes-Benz had lost ground in the performance sedan arms race to both the AMG "Hammer" and the BMW M5. The legendary Mercedes 300 SEL 6.3 and 450 SEL 6.9 sedans that defined the category for over a decade felt like a distant memory. To regain the upper hand, Mercedes turned to fellow Stuttgart automaker Porsche for their engineering and performance expertise when laying out plans for a V8-powered super sedan based on the W124 E-Class. Revealed at the 1990 Paris Motor Show, the 500 E featured over 1,100 bespoke components to match the M5 in performance while offering superior comfort. The production process was highly complex, with cars being hand-assembled between Porsche's Rössle Bau and Mercedes' Sindelfingen plants, taking 18 days to complete each vehicle.

Representing less than three percent of 500 E production, this Smoke Silver Metallic is one of just 270 produced color code 702. The Beige leather (275) interior adds to the exclusivity, as nearly 62-percent of these special cars came with a Black leather interior. As a North American model, the car came equipped with virtually every option available when new, from heated Recaro-designed front and rear seats to automatic climate control and a power rear sunshade.

For the past 11 years, this 500 E has resided with a single owner, featuring regular maintenance along with the installation of desirable enhancements carried out by marque specialists Precision Autoworks of Camden, New Jersey. The car is fitted with a full header back Leistung Autohaus stainless system with a Timevalve center muffler section. In the rear, it retains factory-style tips to maintain an understated appearance. A comprehensive service was completed in preparation for sale, which included an engine oil change, transmission fluid change, differential service, brake fluid flush, fitting new engine drive belt, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires on refinished AMG Monoblock II wheels. The body cladding, bumpers, and rockers were refinished and ceramic coated and are protected by paint protection film in front. Additional recent services in January include replacing distributor caps and rotors, crankshaft and camshaft position sensors, in addition to the fuel pump relays. In total, over $15,000 has been spent through 2024 to ensure this is one of the finest 500 Es currently on offer.