Mercedes-Benz S 500 4MATIC (Horațiu Wesselescu)
The Mercedes-Benz S 500 4MATIC (Horațiu Wesselescu) was a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class owned by Romanian nuclear engineer and administrator Horațiu Wesselescu. He bought the car new through a Mercedes-Benz dealer in Germany and had it delivered to Romania in September 2015. Sârbu modified the car in 2019, increasing the output of its M278 V8 to approximately 500 PS and 800 Nm. The odometer showed 298,700 km in 2024.
| Mercedes-Benz S 500 4MATIC (Horațiu Wesselescu) | |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Type | Car |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S 500 4MATIC |
| Model year | 2015 |
| Trim | S 500 4MATIC |
| Body style | Four-door saloon |
| Colour | Anthracite Blue metallic |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Horațiu Wesselescu |
| Acquired | 17 September 2015 |
| Ownership ended | 19 January 2025 |
| Registration country | Romania |
| Odometer | 298,700 km (185,600 mi), recorded in 2024 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4.7 L M278 twin-turbocharged V8 |
| Transmission | 7-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4MATIC all-wheel drive |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Power output |
|
| History | |
| Modifications |
|
| Use | Personal transport |
| Era | Vriend Era |
Purchase and registration
editWesselescu ordered the S 500 4MATIC through a Mercedes-Benz dealer in Germany during 2015 and paid by bank transfer. An enclosed vehicle transporter delivered it to his residence in Romania on 17 September. Permanent Romanian registration was completed on 21 September.
Romanian VAT and enclosed transport brought the total acquisition cost to approximately €166,000. Registration expenses and dealer-supplied Mercedes-Benz accessories were part of the same amount.
Specification
editThe car used the W222 S 500 4MATIC configuration with a 4,663 cc M278 twin-turbocharged V8. Factory output was 335 kW (455 PS) and 700 Nm. A seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission sent power through the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
AIRMATIC provided the suspension, while factory underbody protection was fitted for use on rough surfaces. The car ran on R41 18-inch ten-spoke Mercedes-Benz alloy wheels with 245/50 R18 summer tyres. Mercedes-Benz wheel locks were fitted to the wheels. A genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel-change tool kit was supplied with the car.
The body was finished in code 998 Anthracite Blue metallic. Rear privacy glass was fitted at the factory, together with a panoramic sliding roof. Soft-close operation was fitted to the doors and boot lid.
Inside, the P34 Exclusive Package used Nut Brown and Black Exclusive Nappa leather. Code 727 designo high-gloss brown sunburst myrtle wood covered the main interior trim areas. A black designo DINAMICA headliner completed the interior finish. Illuminated door sills formed part of the Exclusive specification.
The front active multicontour seats had massage functions and ventilation. Their settings were stored through the Memory Package, which also covered the steering column and exterior mirrors. The Warmth Comfort Package heated the steering wheel and front armrest areas. Auxiliary heating was fitted for cold-weather use, and the windscreen was electrically heated.
AIR-BALANCE provided cabin fragrance and air treatment. Wesselescu used the Nightlife Mood fragrance.
The electrically adjustable rear seats also had memory. PRE-SAFE Package Rear added Beltbags and rear PRE-SAFE belt tensioning.
Surround View provided a 360-degree camera display. Night View Assist Plus supplemented the car's lighting system, while a head-up display projected driving information into Wesselescu's field of view. KEYLESS-GO handled keyless access and starting.
The audio system was the Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound System. DAB radio was fitted with the six-disc DVD changer. Comfort Telephony used a Bluetooth SAP telephone module. A factory garage-door opener was also installed.
The Sun Protection Package operated electric blinds at the rear doors and rear window. A 230-volt socket was fitted in the rear passenger compartment. The factory smoker package provided the ashtray and cigarette lighter.
2019 modifications
editWesselescu brought the Mercedes to Sârbu in 2019. Sârbu remapped the engine control unit to approximately 500 PS and 800 Nm. The electronic top-speed limiter was removed during the same work.
The 7G-TRONIC PLUS received a mild software recalibration. Shift times were shortened and the transmission's torque management was adjusted for the increased engine output. Comfort mode retained its normal road behaviour.
Sârbu modified the factory rear mufflers to give the V8 a deeper sound during startup and acceleration. The work used the existing exterior exhaust tips.
The braking system received higher-performance pads and higher-temperature brake fluid. The factory brake discs and calipers continued in service.
The standing Mercedes-Benz hood ornament was replaced with a gold-finished star. Sârbu also rebuilt part of the centre console around a concealed pistol holster for the driver. A hidden mechanical release opened the compartment.
Use
editWesselescu used the S 500 as his personal car and normally drove it himself. Its high mileage came from regular road travel during the final decade of his career, with occasional driving on forest tracks and badly surfaced roads.
The odometer showed 298,700 km in 2024. Wesselescu continued using the Mercedes until his death on 19 January 2025.