A low-owner, low mileage example of the Brabus fettled continent crossing E500 Convertible
A highly specified, powerful V8 iteration and rarely seen in this Brabus configuration
Complete with a full service history based on date not mileage
Currently French registered residing in the UK
The Appeal
Brabus was founded in 1977 by Bodo Buschmann who had become frustrated by the lack of options available to personalise his own cars. Brabus soon established itself as a Mercedes Benz specialist and went on to become the biggest tuner and customizer of Mercedes Benzes after AMG. This was presumably the motivation for Mercedes Benz to acquire Brabus in the 1990’s.
Our car is an interesting example of the Brabus bespoke approach. Whilst some Brabus E500’s included an enlarged and tuned engine, our car features the “standard” 5.5L V8 but includes what is known as the “DEBR” package. This was specified from new at an original extra cost of over 18,000 Euros in 2011. This makes for a highly individual and thoroughly appealing E500 Convertible.
The History and Paperwork
This E500 was originally specified and ordered by Mercedes Benz Finance in Belgium
The car cost over 112,000 Euros in 2011 including over 40,000 Euros worth of extras
Originally registered in Belgium in April 2011
The current owner became the car’s second keeper in 2015
The car had covered around 11,000 miles at that stage
The owner then registered the car in France in June 2015
Since then, the car has been run in the South of France each summer
It has then been returned to the UK each autumn to be garaged for the winter
Our owner has covered around 28,000 miles in his ownership
There is plenty of paperwork accompanying this interesting car
This includes the original book pack and folders
Numerous MOTs and Controlle Technique (French equivalent) certificates are on hand
The most recent of these is valid until September 2024
A copy of the original sales invoice from 2011 invoice is present
A copy of the sales invoice from the current owner’s purchase in 2015 is also included
A data sheet detailing the build specification is also present
An extract of the digital service record is on hand
This documents the eight services undertaken together with details of each
The most recent of these dates from March 2022 at 36,429 miles
The Interior
Sumptuously trimmed throughout in optional beige nappa leather
As well equipped as it is luxurious with many popular options fitted
The cabin is personalised with several Brabus specific touches
A key feature of the A207 E500 is its ability to transport four adults and their luggage in comfort and luxury. The idea is to avail occupants with many of the E-Class’s characteristics in a more compact and sports orientated package.
The interior of our car looks sophisticated and luxurious in calming and relaxing hues of beige. The high-backed and deeply bolstered seats are finished in perforated nappa leather. The fronts are electrically heated and cooled, fully electrically adjustable and feature three position memory setting for both driver and passenger. The seats also incorporate the “air-scarf” system which helps keep you warm with the hood down on those cooler days. The owner reports that the driver’s side bolster has been professional repaired where it had become badly worn. The rear passengers get to enjoy individual sports seats separated by a lidded storage cubby and a folding armrest.
The dashboard is finished in dark and light brown hues with these shades delineated by a full width brushed aluminium trim strip. The multifunction steering wheel sits ahead of a comprehensive set of Brabus branded gauges.
This is a superbly specified car with extras on hand to cater for almost every need and whim. These include rear-view camera, satellite navigation, keyless go, Harmon Kardon premium sound system, adaptive cruise control and DAB tuner to merely scratch the surface. There’s lots of unique Brabus touches in here too. Amongst these are the Brabus gear selector, alloy embossed pedal covers, illuminated alloy sill covers and original Brabus carpet over-mats.
The Exterior
Finished in bright metallic Diamond White paintwork
Distinctive Brabus touches are everywhere from bespoke front spoiler to rear diffuser
Our car sits on distinctive 19-inch Brabus diamond cut alloy wheels
Brabus’s external treatment of this E500 really adds an extra sporting edge to the car. The revised front spoiler complete with LED running lights and rear diffuser sitting above the quad, chrome tipped Brabus tailpipes really hint at the sporting potential of this convertible.
The condition looks great too. Both paintwork and bodywork all appear to be well looked after. Cabin glass and light lenses all appear clear with no signs of damage, fogging or delamination. Our car features its original beige fabric roof which really suits the nature and colourway of the Brabus. It looks to be in great condition and is reported to operate smoothly and quickly as you would expect.
The big Brabus alloy wheels fill the wheel arches really nicely and appear to be in a fine, well-cared for condition. These diamond cut examples are shod with a set of Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres. These are staggered and in a 235/35 configuration at the front and a 275/30 size at the rear.
The Mechanics
This E500 features the original 5.5L V8 M273 engine, good for over 380 bhp
Power is fed to the rear wheels via a seven-speed, G-Tronic automatic transmission
Our car’s low original mileage and full-service history makes for a great mechanical condition
Mercedes Benz have long been considered masters of the V8 with this car’s M273 unit being well-proven and highly respected. It’s 380 bhp and 391 Ib-ft of torque make for a highly accomplished performer. Expect a 0-60 mph time starting with a five and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph.
The Brabus modifications to our car include a bespoke exhaust system which terminates in four Brabus embossed and chromed exhaust pipes. This addition aids the cars breathing and is reported to sound sublime. Our owner has had no reliability issues in his eight year tenure and has even found the car returning 30 mpg on longer motorway runs. He has reported some issues with the front lights wiring which he is hoping to have addressed before the sale.
The under bonnet and underside presentation of the car appears to be good and in keeping with a well maintained car of this age and mileage.
Summary
What an interesting and desirable car. Our owner has predominantly used the car when holidaying at his French holiday home and is only reluctantly selling the car because the holiday home is also being sold. He reports having many happy memories using the car to cruise from the UK to the South of France followed by many relaxed, hood-down trips to the coast.
It's got a lot going for it for sure. A car costing over 100,000 Euros in 2011 and replete with many desirable extras and options. Not least of these is the 18,000 Euro Brabus DEBR package which takes an already powerful and luxurious convertible couple and makes it more desirable and much more rare. Try finding another one.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
