Overview of the Mercedes-Benz E500 Limited
This is a Mercedes-Benz E500 Limited, chassis code 124036, first registered in November 1997 (Heisei 9). It is a four door saloon in black, colour code 009, with the 5,000 cc petrol V8 and a floor mounted automatic gearbox. It is a left hand drive parallel import, and it crosses the block at USS Okayama with an overall grade of 3.5 and an interior grade of B.
The odometer reads 69,898 km, approximately 43,433 miles, but this figure carries a serious warning. The sheet states that the odometer does not work and that the car is treated as having a tampered odometer, so the mileage cannot be trusted. Buyers must treat the real distance as unknown. Against that, the sales points list service records and a long run of fuel system and electrical replacements, which is unusual detail for a car of this age.
The Drive Review
The E500 is the car that made the W124 a legend. Mercedes-Benz commissioned Porsche to help build it, and the M119 V8 of 5.0 litres was fitted into a body designed for six cylinder engines. The result is a saloon that looks almost ordinary, yet delivers a smooth, deep and effortless surge of power. Performance was strong for the period, and the engine's character is relaxed rather than frantic.
The four speed automatic suits that nature. It shifts without drama and lets the V8 do the work. The steering is well weighted for a saloon of its era, the ride is supple, and the W124 body is known for its solidity. It feels very different from a modern car: there are no driver modes, no screens, and the whole experience is about mechanical refinement and a sense of quality. Enthusiasts want one for exactly this reason.
This specification is appealing because it has the full V8 and the Limited designation on the sheet. The leather, sunroof and genuine alloy wheels add to the experience, and the recorded fuel system work addresses areas where cars of this age often need attention.
Auction Details
The car is offered at USS Okayama in the general corner section as lot 6, on 10 October 2026 (Japan). The auction start price is ¥3,500,000. No Autoselecta guide bidding range has been set for this car, and there are no close sold results on record to compare against. For the minimum bid and the landed cost, please use the price panel on this page.
All bids must be submitted before 9PM UK time the evening before auction.
Vehicle Specifications
Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz. Model: E-Class, grade E500 (sheet notes E500 Limited). Chassis code: 124036. Frame number: WDB1240361C197658. First registration: November 1997. Body: four door saloon. Engine: 5,000 cc petrol. Transmission: floor automatic. Drive: 2WD, which on this model means rear wheel drive. Steering: left hand drive. Import type: parallel import. Exterior colour: black, code 009. Interior colour: not filled in on the sheet, though the photographs show black leather with patterned grey inserts. Odometer: 69,898 km (approximately 43,433 miles), not reliable. Inspection expiry is blank. The recycling deposit is ¥16,400.
Factory Features and Equipment
The sheet marks a sunroof, genuine alloy wheels, power steering, power windows, leather and an airbag. Air conditioning is shown as AC. The photographs show a leather interior, a multi spoke steering wheel, an automatic selector on the centre console and the original style radio unit. The new car service book box is blank, so a manufacturer service book is not confirmed. Owner manuals and the number of keys, including any spare key, are not confirmed on the sheet.
Japanese Auction Report Translation
The sales points read as follows. E500 Limited. Service records present. Fuel pump, filter and hoses replaced. Rust removed from the fuel tank. Spark plugs, starter motor, starter wiring, injector wiring, alternator IC regulator and water temperature sensor replaced.
The points to note are serious. The odometer is not working, so the car is treated as having a tampered odometer. It is marked as an odometer tampered car, meaning the mileage cannot be trusted.
The inspector's report reads: engine oil seepage; cabin partly dirty and scratched; seats wrinkled; scratches to the boot interior trim; steering wheel scuffed; wheels scratched; small scratches, minor. No warning lights, gearbox faults, air conditioning faults or accident repair are mentioned in the text, although the diagram shows repair marks, covered below.
Damage Diagram and Body Condition
The front bumper carries stone chips and scuff marks. The windscreen has a stone chip. The bonnet is marked W2, a repair mark or panel wave of medium degree. The right front wing is also W2, and a W2 on the right side near the front door area is marked as uncertain on the sheet.
On the left side, the front door has AU1, a small scratch with touch up, and also W2. There is a paint cracking mark near the sill by the front door, which the reading of the sheet flags as not certain. The left rear door and the left rear quarter panel are both W2. The roof and the boot lid each carry U1, a small dent. The spare wheel symbol on the diagram shows no mark.
Overall, this is a usable enthusiast car, not a collector grade example. The number of W2 marks suggests that several panels have been worked on or are uneven, and a close inspection of panel finish is worthwhile. The photographs show the black paint looks respectable under the auction lighting, and the car sits on the correct style alloy wheels.
Interior Condition
Interior grade B reflects honest wear. The inspector notes a partly dirty and scratched cabin, wrinkled seats, a scuffed steering wheel and scratched boot trim. The photographs show black leather seats with creasing on the front bolsters and cushions, with a patterned grey centre section on the seats and door cards. The rear seat looks tidy in the photograph. The dashboard looks intact in the images with no obvious cracking, though no headlining, smoke or odour comment appears on the sheet.
Japanese Auction Grades
Grade 3.5 sits in the middle of the auction scale, meaning a car with some visible wear and repairs but no major structural issue noted. Interior grade B indicates moderate wear. The sheet is an independent condition guide rather than a warranty.
Model History
The W124 E-Class was launched in the mid 1980s and became known for its strength and long life. The E500 arrived in the early 1990s with the 5.0 litre V8, developed with Porsche, which also assembled part of the production. A Limited edition was produced towards the end of the run, and the W124 was succeeded by the W210 generation. The sheet lists this car as a parallel import, so it was not sold through the official Japanese channel.
Why This Model Has Become Collectible
The E500 pairs an understated body with serious V8 power, a combination that enthusiasts prize. Production was limited compared with ordinary W124 models, its Porsche connection is well known, and good survivors are now harder to find. Demand is global, and the car now qualifies for the United States. This is not a promise of future value, and buyers should purchase because they want the car.
What To Look For When Buying This Model
Start with the odometer issue on this car, and assume the true mileage is unknown. Look for rust in the sills, wheel arches, boot floor and around the screens, a known concern on the W124. Check the self levelling rear suspension, the condition of the engine mounts, and signs of oil seepage, which the inspector has already noted. The fuel system work listed on the sheet is a positive, but the quality of the service records should be confirmed. Check the automatic gearbox for smooth changes, and test the electrics and the air conditioning.
Why Import This Car From Japan
Japan offers cars that have usually been kept indoors and serviced carefully, with an auction sheet that records condition. This E500 is left hand drive, which suits many export markets, though the odometer warning must be weighed carefully.
USA Import Information
At November 1997, this car is older than 25 years and is eligible for import to the United States. Autoselecta can arrange shipment from Japan to the USA. Please contact Autoselecta with your city or ZIP code before bidding so a delivered quotation can be prepared. We can calculate the expected purchase, Japan costs, shipping, customs related costs and delivery requirements. Additional charges may apply depending on your state and port.
Ultimate Guide For Japanese Imports
Buying from Japan involves choosing a car, bidding through a registered agent, paying, exporting and then clearing the car in your own country. Check the import age and compliance rules of your country before you bid.
Why Import Through Autoselecta
Autoselecta gives direct access to Japanese auctions, auction sheet translation checked by our team, sourcing, bidding assistance, export handling, shipping and import support in your country, with tracking where available and clear communication throughout.
Browse This Week's Japanese Auctions
New cars are added to the auction listings every week, including other Mercedes-Benz saloons and classics. Browse the current selection to compare this E500 with alternatives.
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Auction Caution
Auction cars are inspected before sale but remain used vehicles. The auction sheet is an independent condition guide, not a mechanical warranty. An older performance saloon like this one may need servicing, maintenance or refurbishment after purchase. Please remember the key warnings on this sheet: the odometer does not work and the car is treated as tampered, so the mileage cannot be trusted; engine oil seepage is noted; several W2 repair marks appear on the body; there are small dents on the roof and boot lid; and the cabin, seats, steering wheel and wheels show wear.
