Rare W211: 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 – Sold?

August 10, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Mercedes-Benz has always been known for making a very competent wagon. In fact, they are one of the few manufacturers left that still produce a high-end long-roof model with a respectable amount of sales success. The example shown here combines V8 power with all-wheel-drive, making it a somewhat sleepy performance car with a thick soccer mom veneer to keep you out of the watchful gaze of local law enforcement. The E500 is a 2004 model that was originally listed in July 2022 on Craigslist in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, with lots of factory options and 126,000 miles on the clock for $16,500. Comparing that price against the Classic.com model guide confirms the seller isn’t too far off, with an average selling price of just under $15,000:

It was recently announced that Jaguar’s XF “Sportbrake” – a very handsome wagon by any definition – sold less than 400 examples since it was introduced stateside. The article citing this shocking claim pointed out how Porsche’s 918 outsold the Jaguar handily despite its incredibly high price tag. The Jaguar is indicative of a common theme among car buyers: the wagon model simply fails to excite. Somehow, Mercedes has avoided this fate and made its long-roof models both stately and sporty, and still holding plenty of appeal to blue-blooded buyers. The Mercedes estate is like fine wine and aged cheese to the same crowd that enjoys those types of appetizers at horse racing events, and it seems as if the German long-roof has entered a phase of timelessness that ensures every iteration from the W123 and beyond will continue to find favor among automotive enthusiasts and country club mothers alike.

The RCRs YouTube Channel features this vintage MotorWeek Review of a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500:

The seller’s wagon is an interesting offering, as it has a V8 under the hood but isn’t the high-test AMG version. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as with the AMG comes a fairly hefty list of must-do maintenance items that make it a potentially risky buy if you don’t pony up for the best one you can afford. The seller’s E500 comes with tons of factory options that should help you forget it doesn’t have those three magical letters plastered to the tailgate, with the listing citing heated and air-conditioned seats with the desirable massaging option; navigation system; sport exhaust; heated steering wheel; and rare “Alioth” three-piece OEM accessory rims. The seller notes that the previous owner claimed he bought this wagon direct from Mercedes as it was a factory demonstrator, and with these options, it certainly seems likely. This one checks all the boxes for me – what about you?

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Super rare, highly optioned 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 4Matic estate wagon. Platinum Blue metallic over Pacific Blue leather interior. The previous owner stated he had purchased it directly from MB USA as they had used it as a press vehicle at their events. Heated and AC seats, massage seats, memory seats. Heated steering wheel. Push button start. Navigation. Harman Kardon stereo. Bi-xenon projectors. Sport exhaust. Amazingly rare “Alioth” 3-piece Mercedes Benz accessory rims. 3rd-row seat. Brand new tires. Both batteries are new. Always garage kept. Clear title and clean carfax. If you know what you are looking at, you know you won’t see another optioned like this one. M113 power without the E55 and E63 wagon price tag. The best of both worlds. Clear title in hand, drive it home..”

World beater: does any brand do the wagon better than Mercedes-Benz?