Best Smoker Barges 1-5 large [Vol 7]
Discussion
0a said:
sly fox said:
jonclancy said:
Here's a tidy tender for your barge!!
Mercedes 190E Perfect condition for it's age, Full Service History, 75700 miles
I've seen that car driving around Reading- looked in good nick.Mercedes 190E Perfect condition for it's age, Full Service History, 75700 miles
It's a 1.8 though, slower than asphalt itself.
My CEO just texted saying he's about to buy an old e28 520 as a daily driver as he likes the approach of running old German cars. Replied with disclaimers about the e28 - rust electronics etc for self protection.
Rocksteadyeddie said:
The borkutation of the L322 is largely inherited. The P38 is a vehicle which only the most foolhardy bargist would contemplate, and even those brave enough would be reduced to a quivering tearful shadow of their former selves in mere months. The L322 by contrast is largely a Teutonic construct with many of the same traits as their German cousins. They're not perfect of course, and some parts can be expensive, but there are a good network of specialist who can address the main issues at reasonable cost. We've run two now - albeit at some multiple of thread budget - largely without issue.
Very true re: P38, I very nearly, in a moment of madness, bought a 4.6 a few years back, luckily the buy wouldn't shift on his price.I know a fair few of the engine parts on the earlier L322s are shared with the E38/39 and X5, I think all lot of the reputation comes from new buyers having to return the cars for silly electrical niggles, which is would annoy me, but when they get to a certain age/value you kind of accept that things may (or may not) fail and budget accordingly. As we all know any car in this category has the potential to throw up massive bills, but I often think when a car gets to a certain age and mileage that if it was going to have a massive failure i.e. gearbox then it probably would have done so already it's a mantra that has served me well (so far) and to me the gamble is part of the fun, and I am fortunate to have 3 other cars to use so don't have to rely on having one perfectly reliable car.
derin100 said:
0a said:
sly fox said:
jonclancy said:
Here's a tidy tender for your barge!!
Mercedes 190E Perfect condition for it's age, Full Service History, 75700 miles
I've seen that car driving around Reading- looked in good nick.Mercedes 190E Perfect condition for it's age, Full Service History, 75700 miles
It's a 1.8 though, slower than asphalt itself.
My CEO just texted saying he's about to buy an old e28 520 as a daily driver as he likes the approach of running old German cars. Replied with disclaimers about the e28 - rust electronics etc for self protection.
derin100 said:
Unless he's a bit handy on the spanners himself I forsee trouble ahead. If not, then he's better off with a Merc of that vintage.
Yes I've pointed this out - get a merc, or a later BMW like an e34. Perhaps this 540 from 4 star! http://www.4starclassics.com/BMW-E34-540i-For-Sale...The 520 engine isn't even that desirable - I'd want a 525 or a 528 (the latter in dark blue please!)
The 520i very smooth and was "nippy" in its day but as said, it's not very frugal and by today's standards maybe a little slow. But those aren't my real warnings.
Even the youngest will be 27 years old now. Unless he's extremely lucky (or buying an expensive restored one) then there could be some big resto costs. Some important parts are now either NLA or difficult to find on Ebay etc e.g chrome bumpers, front struts themselves (not the inserts) and many cars have rotten spring seats on their front struts.
As a daily driver he'd be far better off with an E34.
Even the youngest will be 27 years old now. Unless he's extremely lucky (or buying an expensive restored one) then there could be some big resto costs. Some important parts are now either NLA or difficult to find on Ebay etc e.g chrome bumpers, front struts themselves (not the inserts) and many cars have rotten spring seats on their front struts.
As a daily driver he'd be far better off with an E34.
texasjohn said:
I think that's more likely to be 59000 miles going by what else the ad says. Red is growing on me for the saloon. 
harry kular said:
NastyNick74 said:
Could esteemed members point me in the direction of S124s please? I'm in the market for one in the next few weeks and feel I've explored all of the Bay, AT and Car and Classic.
Doesn't seem to be too many around. MTSV had a 300d, and I think W124.co.uk had a similar one too, but top money. What's the budget- top or bottom of thread?derin100 said:
A little (much less with the roof on) and it is a bit irritating...but nothing on the scale of the Pagoda or R107.
That's disappointing to hear - maybe I'm being fussy as I get older but I fancy a more relaxed drive TBH so on reflection maybe a W124 CE would suit me better. As someone has already mentioned, the coupe does look good with all four windows dropped. I also think that whilst sunroofs on older cars can prove to cause issues, the big ones fitted to W124 means you do get lots of fresh air! Mmmm - decisions!
For the 1.8 190E I posted:
BARON CARS Reading
12 July
100% original, 70000 miles, long MOT and tax, fsh, hpi clear, no rust, drives like new £2800
From their Facebook page - just to give a feel for where the Reserve price might lie.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/BARON-CARS-Reading/...
BARON CARS Reading
12 July
100% original, 70000 miles, long MOT and tax, fsh, hpi clear, no rust, drives like new £2800
From their Facebook page - just to give a feel for where the Reserve price might lie.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/BARON-CARS-Reading/...
Julesx said:
That's disappointing to hear - maybe I'm being fussy as I get older but I fancy a more relaxed drive TBH so on reflection maybe a W124 CE would suit me better.
As someone has already mentioned, the coupe does look good with all four windows dropped. I also think that whilst sunroofs on older cars can prove to cause issues, the big ones fitted to W124 means you do get lots of fresh air! Mmmm - decisions!
That's kind of the conclusion I've come to as well....and for the same reasons. As someone has already mentioned, the coupe does look good with all four windows dropped. I also think that whilst sunroofs on older cars can prove to cause issues, the big ones fitted to W124 means you do get lots of fresh air! Mmmm - decisions!
I always look at SLs (all of them) with longing eyes as they are so good looking. However, sadly the reality, in my experience, isn't really the totally unflustered, relaxing cruise that photos tend to give the impression of. And so, I'm probably better off with my CE too as there is zero scuttle shaking in that.
derin100 said:
Julesx said:
That's disappointing to hear - maybe I'm being fussy as I get older but I fancy a more relaxed drive TBH so on reflection maybe a W124 CE would suit me better.
As someone has already mentioned, the coupe does look good with all four windows dropped. I also think that whilst sunroofs on older cars can prove to cause issues, the big ones fitted to W124 means you do get lots of fresh air! Mmmm - decisions!
That's kind of the conclusion I've come to as well....and for the same reasons. As someone has already mentioned, the coupe does look good with all four windows dropped. I also think that whilst sunroofs on older cars can prove to cause issues, the big ones fitted to W124 means you do get lots of fresh air! Mmmm - decisions!
I always look at SLs (all of them) with longing eyes as they are so good looking. However, sadly the reality, in my experience, isn't really the totally unflustered, relaxing cruise that photos tend to give the impression of. And so, I'm probably better off with my CE too as there is zero scuttle shaking in that.
Funnily enough - I have just dropped my '72 W115 saloon (might have been considered a barge in its day even though it is the smaller engine version!) into SS Motors in Weybridge (highly recommended especially for older Mercs) for some repairs. They have 3 perfect Pagodas in at the moment and they are soooo nice, it hurts!! Sadly out of my price range and are without a doubt 'of their time' when it comes to the actual drive - still bloody lovely tho!
r129sl said:
Nice 560 SEL here. I tell you what I like about the ad: "Aircon present and requires replacement compressor, cooler and re-gas". They all need that, yet most sellers only mention the gas.
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C521011
I read the ad, and scrolling down expected to see a price at least double the £4150 asked. It looks like a bargain and honestly described.http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C521011
derin100 said:
The 520i very smooth and was "nippy" in its day but as said, it's not very frugal and by today's standards maybe a little slow. But those aren't my real warnings.
Even the youngest will be 27 years old now. Unless he's extremely lucky (or buying an expensive restored one) then there could be some big resto costs. Some important parts are now either NLA or difficult to find on Ebay etc e.g chrome bumpers, front struts themselves (not the inserts) and many cars have rotten spring seats on their front struts.
As a daily driver he'd be far better off with an E34.
Yes, indeed. I bought a 1985 525e 4 years ago with the intention of restoring it. Lack of motivation mean I haven't got very far with it, although there's fairly comprehensive rot in one of the forward chassis rails that's difficult to get to without removing the engine/box (not easy in my single garage). Even the youngest will be 27 years old now. Unless he's extremely lucky (or buying an expensive restored one) then there could be some big resto costs. Some important parts are now either NLA or difficult to find on Ebay etc e.g chrome bumpers, front struts themselves (not the inserts) and many cars have rotten spring seats on their front struts.
As a daily driver he'd be far better off with an E34.
Front bumper is pretty decent though
, although could use re-chroming. You can still get many of the body panels, although they're not cheap. I believe bumpers are still available new (well, old stock) but are eye waveringly expensive.
There are lots of places the body can rot, many of them well hidden from view without removing covers/panels/trim etc.
I'm slightly tempted to move it on, to someone who'll restore it, it'd be a shame to break it really, but getting it back on the road requires quite a bit of work.
Julesx said:
derin100 said:
Julesx said:
That's disappointing to hear - maybe I'm being fussy as I get older but I fancy a more relaxed drive TBH so on reflection maybe a W124 CE would suit me better.
As someone has already mentioned, the coupe does look good with all four windows dropped. I also think that whilst sunroofs on older cars can prove to cause issues, the big ones fitted to W124 means you do get lots of fresh air! Mmmm - decisions!
That's kind of the conclusion I've come to as well....and for the same reasons. As someone has already mentioned, the coupe does look good with all four windows dropped. I also think that whilst sunroofs on older cars can prove to cause issues, the big ones fitted to W124 means you do get lots of fresh air! Mmmm - decisions!
I always look at SLs (all of them) with longing eyes as they are so good looking. However, sadly the reality, in my experience, isn't really the totally unflustered, relaxing cruise that photos tend to give the impression of. And so, I'm probably better off with my CE too as there is zero scuttle shaking in that.
Funnily enough - I have just dropped my '72 W115 saloon (might have been considered a barge in its day even though it is the smaller engine version!) into SS Motors in Weybridge (highly recommended especially for older Mercs) for some repairs. They have 3 perfect Pagodas in at the moment and they are soooo nice, it hurts!! Sadly out of my price range and are without a doubt 'of their time' when it comes to the actual drive - still bloody lovely tho!
Super Slo Mo said:
derin100 said:
The 520i very smooth and was "nippy" in its day but as said, it's not very frugal and by today's standards maybe a little slow. But those aren't my real warnings.
Even the youngest will be 27 years old now. Unless he's extremely lucky (or buying an expensive restored one) then there could be some big resto costs. Some important parts are now either NLA or difficult to find on Ebay etc e.g chrome bumpers, front struts themselves (not the inserts) and many cars have rotten spring seats on their front struts.
As a daily driver he'd be far better off with an E34.
Yes, indeed. I bought a 1985 525e 4 years ago with the intention of restoring it. Lack of motivation mean I haven't got very far with it, although there's fairly comprehensive rot in one of the forward chassis rails that's difficult to get to without removing the engine/box (not easy in my single garage). Even the youngest will be 27 years old now. Unless he's extremely lucky (or buying an expensive restored one) then there could be some big resto costs. Some important parts are now either NLA or difficult to find on Ebay etc e.g chrome bumpers, front struts themselves (not the inserts) and many cars have rotten spring seats on their front struts.
As a daily driver he'd be far better off with an E34.
Front bumper is pretty decent though
, although could use re-chroming. You can still get many of the body panels, although they're not cheap. I believe bumpers are still available new (well, old stock) but are eye waveringly expensive.
There are lots of places the body can rot, many of them well hidden from view without removing covers/panels/trim etc.
I'm slightly tempted to move it on, to someone who'll restore it, it'd be a shame to break it really, but getting it back on the road requires quite a bit of work.
I've promised I'd sell it, but never get round to it, but not had the time to devote to using it either so hence it's sat for the last 4 yrs in my garage
Guess I ought to get it dragged into work, bang a new cam belt on it, lob in the new radiator I have for it (plastic elbow is bust on current) stick an Mot on it, and then sell it.... Mrs doesn't understand it!
Or do I sell as is? (All the hard work is done / not required)
Values seem to fluctuate wildly, needs to go to a really good home (its only had 2 previous owners, 1st one for the 20yrs with main dealer history (120k of it) every thing feels/looks/performs like new inside
...guess it's not going down in value! Lol
r129sl said:
I don't think the 107 or the 129 are that bad and neither suffers any scuttle shake on a relaxed cruise. It's only when pressing too hard on broken roads that it manifests itself. An early 129 on 16" wheels I'd have thought is a very relaxing thing to drive. The only way to find out is to drive one.
Yes, you quiet right, I need to drive a 129 to be sure.If our roads were better it may not be an issue. Recently, in France, I found myself on one of there really smooth 'A roads' (actually a RN) near the Belgian border and I had one of those perfect driving moments where everything was so smooth but back here it seems you spend most of the time avoiding the holes!
As an aside - Anyone going to Uxbridge Classic Show on Sunday in their barge?
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