Best Smoker Barges 1-5 large [Vol 7]
Discussion
E65Ross said:
What is the gearing on the E320, and is it any different to the 300e? I'm guessing so because, if I'm not mistaken, the 3.2 engines had a 5 speed box vs a 4 speed box for the older 3.0 cars?
Any ideas what rpm each car does at 70mph in top gear? I've never driven an automatic 535i but the 5 speed manual one I drove did 3k rpm at 80, or 85mph (can't remember which, think it was 80) which seemed absolutely fine to me. The later 525i revved a bit higher, I think it was nearer 3k rpm at 70-75mph which is a bit higher than I'd like for high speed cruising.
That's where I feel they got the gearing for the E38 spot on. Yes, it's not fast but for what it's for it's brilliant. 3k rpm at 100mph is so quiet and relaxing, even the 2.8 can pull that gear OK. The 745i is a tiny bit less, 3k rpm comes at around 105-110mph, but it'll pull that gear quicker/harder than the 728i will pull it's 4th gear let alone 5th.
I remember when I got the E21 wishing I had a 5 speed box.....so I put one in. When I got the E38 I wished it had a 6 speed box where 1st was the same and 6th would be the same as 5th so it'd be quicker through the gears. Now I've got exactly that in the E65 I wish I had a 7 or 8 speed box
The 7G-tronic my dad had in his 2006 CLK was a fantastic box if memory serves correctly and 7th was possibly taller than my 6th. 7th in the new M6 is very tall, it does 100mph at 2700rpm IIRC. Then 8th gear on a new 760Li is 3k at 120
From some old road tests I read online (Triggers Retro Road Tests) I found that a W124 Merc 300CE with the 4-speed auto pulls about 23mph/1000rpm in top, so just over 3000rpm at 70mph.Any ideas what rpm each car does at 70mph in top gear? I've never driven an automatic 535i but the 5 speed manual one I drove did 3k rpm at 80, or 85mph (can't remember which, think it was 80) which seemed absolutely fine to me. The later 525i revved a bit higher, I think it was nearer 3k rpm at 70-75mph which is a bit higher than I'd like for high speed cruising.
That's where I feel they got the gearing for the E38 spot on. Yes, it's not fast but for what it's for it's brilliant. 3k rpm at 100mph is so quiet and relaxing, even the 2.8 can pull that gear OK. The 745i is a tiny bit less, 3k rpm comes at around 105-110mph, but it'll pull that gear quicker/harder than the 728i will pull it's 4th gear let alone 5th.
I remember when I got the E21 wishing I had a 5 speed box.....so I put one in. When I got the E38 I wished it had a 6 speed box where 1st was the same and 6th would be the same as 5th so it'd be quicker through the gears. Now I've got exactly that in the E65 I wish I had a 7 or 8 speed box
The 7G-tronic my dad had in his 2006 CLK was a fantastic box if memory serves correctly and 7th was possibly taller than my 6th. 7th in the new M6 is very tall, it does 100mph at 2700rpm IIRC. Then 8th gear on a new 760Li is 3k at 120
I test drove a 300CE-24 with the 5-speed auto and it was revving around 2700rpm at 70mph which gives around 26mph/1000rpm. Approximately obviously.
The 4-cylinder W124s with 4-speed auto seem to pull around 20mph/1000rpm in top, which accords with my test drive of a W124 230E which was revving just below 3500rpm at an indicated 70mph.
The 4-speed autos are rather low-geared in top.
I'd be surprised if Merc didn't use a higher top gear in the W124 320E as that engine produces rather more torque than the earlier 3.0s, but haven't driven one and can't find a road test for one either.
Again I imagine there would be a significant difference between the top gear ratios of the 4- and 5-speed auto 'boxes.
BGarside said:
From some old road tests I read online (Triggers Retro Road Tests) I found that a W124 Merc 300CE with the 4-speed auto pulls about 23mph/1000rpm in top, so just over 3000rpm at 70mph.
I test drove a 300CE-24 with the 5-speed auto and it was revving around 2700rpm at 70mph which gives around 26mph/1000rpm. Approximately obviously.
The 4-cylinder W124s with 4-speed auto seem to pull around 20mph/1000rpm in top, which accords with my test drive of a W124 230E which was revving just below 3500rpm at an indicated 70mph.
The 4-speed autos are rather low-geared in top.
I'd be surprised if Merc didn't use a higher top gear in the W124 320E as that engine produces rather more torque than the earlier 3.0s, but haven't driven one and can't find a road test for one either.
Again I imagine there would be a significant difference between the top gear ratios of the 4- and 5-speed auto 'boxes.
Thanks for that. 2700rpm at 70mph isn't too bad at all, but 3500rpm is too much IMO. I really wouldn't want anything less than the 3.0 engine.I test drove a 300CE-24 with the 5-speed auto and it was revving around 2700rpm at 70mph which gives around 26mph/1000rpm. Approximately obviously.
The 4-cylinder W124s with 4-speed auto seem to pull around 20mph/1000rpm in top, which accords with my test drive of a W124 230E which was revving just below 3500rpm at an indicated 70mph.
The 4-speed autos are rather low-geared in top.
I'd be surprised if Merc didn't use a higher top gear in the W124 320E as that engine produces rather more torque than the earlier 3.0s, but haven't driven one and can't find a road test for one either.
Again I imagine there would be a significant difference between the top gear ratios of the 4- and 5-speed auto 'boxes.
E65Ross said:
BGarside said:
From some old road tests I read online (Triggers Retro Road Tests) I found that a W124 Merc 300CE with the 4-speed auto pulls about 23mph/1000rpm in top, so just over 3000rpm at 70mph.
I test drove a 300CE-24 with the 5-speed auto and it was revving around 2700rpm at 70mph which gives around 26mph/1000rpm. Approximately obviously.
The 4-cylinder W124s with 4-speed auto seem to pull around 20mph/1000rpm in top, which accords with my test drive of a W124 230E which was revving just below 3500rpm at an indicated 70mph.
The 4-speed autos are rather low-geared in top.
I'd be surprised if Merc didn't use a higher top gear in the W124 320E as that engine produces rather more torque than the earlier 3.0s, but haven't driven one and can't find a road test for one either.
Again I imagine there would be a significant difference between the top gear ratios of the 4- and 5-speed auto 'boxes.
Thanks for that. 2700rpm at 70mph isn't too bad at all, but 3500rpm is too much IMO. I really wouldn't want anything less than the 3.0 engine.I test drove a 300CE-24 with the 5-speed auto and it was revving around 2700rpm at 70mph which gives around 26mph/1000rpm. Approximately obviously.
The 4-cylinder W124s with 4-speed auto seem to pull around 20mph/1000rpm in top, which accords with my test drive of a W124 230E which was revving just below 3500rpm at an indicated 70mph.
The 4-speed autos are rather low-geared in top.
I'd be surprised if Merc didn't use a higher top gear in the W124 320E as that engine produces rather more torque than the earlier 3.0s, but haven't driven one and can't find a road test for one either.
Again I imagine there would be a significant difference between the top gear ratios of the 4- and 5-speed auto 'boxes.
As a demonstration I once had 4 blokes in the car and went from about 15 mph at 500 revs - uphill - in 5th - all the way to 80 as cleanly as you like. They were rather surprised! At 80, it was only doing about 2750 rpm. Quite a light car by modern standards, which helps of course.
Geekman said:
Adrian E said:
I thought Staines was a Royal Borough these days, or is it just adjacent to one 
Seriously though, that does look pretty ace. Doesn't mention mileage from what I could see but the leather condition (handily avoiding picturing much of the driver's seat) looks pretty decent
Staines is actually not a bad place at all. Slough on the other hand....Seriously though, that does look pretty ace. Doesn't mention mileage from what I could see but the leather condition (handily avoiding picturing much of the driver's seat) looks pretty decent
if you need some lugging space space
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
Or something which looks a bit smarter
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
Or something which looks a bit smarter
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
Riley Blue said:
It's Staines-on-Thames these days, isn't it? Marginally better than stains on trousers I suppose...
It was Staines-under-Thames up until fairly recently 
Motorrad said:
It could be worse......it could be Langley.
Ah, Langley.... I once bought a mobile phone from a teacher at Langley college, turned up in my 10 year old XJ6 and was surrounded by students within a couple of minutes of pulling up. I felt like one of those BBC reporters who go to remote African villages, only everyone was white.r129sl said:
A bit out of thread budget, a bit lady, but not something you'll see every day this summer. Not really a barge, either. Not at all a barge, in fact.
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C479502
I really like that. Very nice. http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C479502
What have you guys done to me?
Looks really rather nice
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
Massive levels of want. For me, perfect interior colour combo, exterior for me would be either that dark blue (midnight blue?), malachite, almandine and then black (all with ambers).
I'm becoming a W124 fanatic, aren't I
I still don't like cloth (and certainly not velour) and I don't think black leather looks anywhere as good as mushroom/cream.
I also think I'm beginning to follow 0a in thinking the saloon looks the better shape. You've changed me. Noooooooooo.
Looks really rather nice
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
Massive levels of want. For me, perfect interior colour combo, exterior for me would be either that dark blue (midnight blue?), malachite, almandine and then black (all with ambers).
I'm becoming a W124 fanatic, aren't I
I still don't like cloth (and certainly not velour) and I don't think black leather looks anywhere as good as mushroom/cream.
I also think I'm beginning to follow 0a in thinking the saloon looks the better shape. You've changed me. Noooooooooo.
Edited by E65Ross on Friday 4th April 17:27
Challo said:
r129sl said:
A bit out of thread budget, a bit lady, but not something you'll see every day this summer. Not really a barge, either. Not at all a barge, in fact.
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C479502
I really like that. Very nice. http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C479502
Could be missing a "1" on the mileage, but if not, cracking value.
2004 BMW 5 SERIES 530i SE 4dr Auto 3.0
47000 miles
A very clean and well maintained car, runs perfectly. Private registration not included, applied for new reg from DVLA., BLUE, 3 owners, Next MOT due 01/10/2014, Tax expires 31/10/2014, Full service history, Electric windows, Air conditioning, Satellite navigation, Parking aid, CD player, Leather trim, Height adjustable driver's seat, Height adjustable passenger seat, Child seat points (Isofix system), Metallic paint, Alloy wheels, Power steering, Cruise control, Traction control, Central locking, Alarm, Immobiliser, Driver's airbags, Side airbags, Passenger airbags. £5,100
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
2004 BMW 5 SERIES 530i SE 4dr Auto 3.0
47000 miles
A very clean and well maintained car, runs perfectly. Private registration not included, applied for new reg from DVLA., BLUE, 3 owners, Next MOT due 01/10/2014, Tax expires 31/10/2014, Full service history, Electric windows, Air conditioning, Satellite navigation, Parking aid, CD player, Leather trim, Height adjustable driver's seat, Height adjustable passenger seat, Child seat points (Isofix system), Metallic paint, Alloy wheels, Power steering, Cruise control, Traction control, Central locking, Alarm, Immobiliser, Driver's airbags, Side airbags, Passenger airbags. £5,100
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
Warning:
Just an FYI post to all those thinking of a 190E or W124.
The steering should return to centre with no driver input after being on lock.
If it doesn't, then the ball joints are worn. If the ball joints fail on these cars it could result in an accident, since you will loose the ability to steer and the wheel will jam itself against the wheel arch.
It's a fairly big job on the 190E's. Circa £250.
Happy barge hunting,
Matt
Just an FYI post to all those thinking of a 190E or W124.
The steering should return to centre with no driver input after being on lock.
If it doesn't, then the ball joints are worn. If the ball joints fail on these cars it could result in an accident, since you will loose the ability to steer and the wheel will jam itself against the wheel arch.
It's a fairly big job on the 190E's. Circa £250.
Happy barge hunting,
Matt
CharlesdeGaulle said:
Ross - you really have changed!
I won't be buying but I'm viewing one tomorrow to get an idea of what they're like, and to see whether it's something I'll really look into if I have to sell the E65 come house-move time as I really don't want to go so far down the pecking order of a hateful hatchback or something. I suspect I should (SHOULD) be able to keep the E65, and heck, after what I've spent on it I really ought to but it'll be nice to see what the fuss is about.
Jobs that the E65 will actually need by the end of the year (I suspect) include new thrust control arms (there's a slight vibration from high speed braking....but minimal and only from around 100+), potentially new CV joints and I'm hoping that's it aside from routine bills (coolant service due in August/beginning of September), Oil change due in 10k but I'd be tempted to get it done when the coolant is done.....but then the microfilter is due in 11k so do I get it all done at once, or just the coolant (August will be around 5k miles) and then a few k miles later get the oil and microfilter done.
Decisions!!
What the E65 is absolutely bloody brilliant at is my commute and motorway trips....very, very few cars I've been in just EAT the miles like this thing. I was amazed on my drive back from cat220's when I collected it; 450miles with a mere 5-10min fuel stop in the middle done easily, effortlessly and in bloody good time. High speed cruising it really, really excels at.
Edited by E65Ross on Friday 4th April 20:45
Slightly off topic but hopefully relevant for many of you. I have just ordered four new tyres for my wife's Golf (puke, puke). I found www.tyreleader.co.uk to be astonishingly cheap. £35 cheaper than Camskill. £100 cheaper than Kwik-Fit. They were recommended on the Merc Club forum. I put Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetric 2s on it, size 225/45 R 17 91Y. £316 for four, delivered. A set of Conti PC5s in 124 size is less than £200, delivered. I have no connection.
This looks like a very nice place to while away the miles. I could be converted the other way.
I don't know about the 201, but on the 124 it is a very straight forward job. The ball joints are about £15 each from Merc and it should be less than an hour's labour. The exception to this is if you have a 300-24 or a 320. On these cars the ball joint is welded into the lower control arm and the whole arm needs to be replaced. The price from Merc doesn't bear thinking about; Febi or Lemförder LCAs are about £100 each.
E65Ross said:
BeirutTaxi said:
Warning:
Just an FYI post to all those thinking of a 190E or W124.
The steering should return to centre with no driver input after being on lock.
If it doesn't, then the ball joints are worn. If the ball joints fail on these cars it could result in an accident, since you will loose the ability to steer and the wheel will jam itself against the wheel arch.
It's a fairly big job on the 190E's. Circa £250.
The warning is apposite because failure is catastrophic and your car will be immobilised and probably beyond economical repair. Beyond lunatic repair, even. The other give away symptom is creaking over low speed bumps, especially with a bit of turn on the steering. Just an FYI post to all those thinking of a 190E or W124.
The steering should return to centre with no driver input after being on lock.
If it doesn't, then the ball joints are worn. If the ball joints fail on these cars it could result in an accident, since you will loose the ability to steer and the wheel will jam itself against the wheel arch.
It's a fairly big job on the 190E's. Circa £250.
I don't know about the 201, but on the 124 it is a very straight forward job. The ball joints are about £15 each from Merc and it should be less than an hour's labour. The exception to this is if you have a 300-24 or a 320. On these cars the ball joint is welded into the lower control arm and the whole arm needs to be replaced. The price from Merc doesn't bear thinking about; Febi or Lemförder LCAs are about £100 each.
r129sl said:
Slightly off topic but hopefully relevant for many of you. I have just ordered four new tyres for my wife's Golf (puke, puke). I found www.tyreleader.co.uk to be astonishingly cheap. £35 cheaper than Camskill. £100 cheaper than Kwik-Fit. They were recommended on the Merc Club forum. I put Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetric 2s on it, size 225/45 R 17 91Y. £316 for four, delivered. A set of Conti PC5s in 124 size is less than £200, delivered. I have no connection.
This looks like a very nice place to while away the miles. I could be converted the other way.
I don't know about the 201, but on the 124 it is a very straight forward job. The ball joints are about £15 each from Merc and it should be less than an hour's labour. The exception to this is if you have a 300-24 or a 320. On these cars the ball joint is welded into the lower control arm and the whole arm needs to be replaced. The price from Merc doesn't bear thinking about; Febi or Lemförder LCAs are about £100 each.
It's more involved on the 201. Ball joints from Merc themselves cost me £15. E65Ross said:
BeirutTaxi said:
Warning:
Just an FYI post to all those thinking of a 190E or W124.
The steering should return to centre with no driver input after being on lock.
If it doesn't, then the ball joints are worn. If the ball joints fail on these cars it could result in an accident, since you will loose the ability to steer and the wheel will jam itself against the wheel arch.
It's a fairly big job on the 190E's. Circa £250.
The warning is apposite because failure is catastrophic and your car will be immobilised and probably beyond economical repair. Beyond lunatic repair, even. The other give away symptom is creaking over low speed bumps, especially with a bit of turn on the steering. Just an FYI post to all those thinking of a 190E or W124.
The steering should return to centre with no driver input after being on lock.
If it doesn't, then the ball joints are worn. If the ball joints fail on these cars it could result in an accident, since you will loose the ability to steer and the wheel will jam itself against the wheel arch.
It's a fairly big job on the 190E's. Circa £250.
I don't know about the 201, but on the 124 it is a very straight forward job. The ball joints are about £15 each from Merc and it should be less than an hour's labour. The exception to this is if you have a 300-24 or a 320. On these cars the ball joint is welded into the lower control arm and the whole arm needs to be replaced. The price from Merc doesn't bear thinking about; Febi or Lemförder LCAs are about £100 each.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff