Best Smoker Barges 1-5 large [Vol 7]
Discussion
W124 said:
Part of barging is always the joy of running one of these old cars relatively cheaply.
I'd rather have a barge I enjoyed driving, looking at, cleaning and spending time in that cost a little more than having something slightly cheaper to run that didn't "do it" for me. For me, cars are about the blend between engineering, refinement, practicality, performance, aesthetics and just general "desire". Sadly, no matter how good the LS400 is it holds absolutely no spark for me. It's just so, so dreary.
It might not be as good but I'd take an E38 740i over one any day.
confused_buyer said:
Long hunts for parking spaces
I remember leaving my W140 (LWB) in a multi storey one night. I had backed it up as close to the wall as I could get it and it still looked like it had rolled forward because the nose stuck out so far! A few people walked past it and shook their heads with disgust. 
slippery said:
confused_buyer said:
Long hunts for parking spaces
I remember leaving my W140 (LWB) in a multi storey one night. I had backed it up as close to the wall as I could get it and it still looked like it had rolled forward because the nose stuck out so far! A few people walked past it and shook their heads with disgust. 
The E38 Sport has aged very gracefully. I like them for many reasons, including the way the dash is traditional in its layout. Did they make many V12s? Most of the Sports seem to be 728/740. A colleague had an nearly new 750i in Velvet Blue with Magnolia hide piped to match the exterior which I drove quite often. He kept it for over 10 years after previously being a serial changer.
E65Ross said:
They are really nice cars E38s.
I'd absolutely love to try a V12 one (or any V12 barge for that matter! Only V12 I've been in is a DB9)
The V12 is awesome. A couple of friends have had them and one let me borrow his for a couple of weeks as a daily drive.I'd absolutely love to try a V12 one (or any V12 barge for that matter! Only V12 I've been in is a DB9)
The other took his a few years ago all the way from Scotland to Italy on a touring holiday. I think he's just getting near to paying off the fuel bill now.
I think the engine figures don't even really do it justice. It's the way that power is delivered from that 5.4 version. It's so creamy smooth it's almost too good!
I'm feeling my two choices are supported to a large degree, particularly the E38.
I guess I can understand why the W140 divides opinion a bit more; for me it just has all the characteristics of what qualifies as an ultimate barge in the criteria we look for on this thread. Just a few pages back I also expressed some admiration for a good Mk4 LS400 - undeniably they will go forever with minimal fretting and they could never be described as an outstanding looker (particularly the interior), but this is a kind of perverse charm for me.
Nonetheless, I could still not rank it above an S-Class or E38 if I had to ultimately choose only one (or two!)
I guess I can understand why the W140 divides opinion a bit more; for me it just has all the characteristics of what qualifies as an ultimate barge in the criteria we look for on this thread. Just a few pages back I also expressed some admiration for a good Mk4 LS400 - undeniably they will go forever with minimal fretting and they could never be described as an outstanding looker (particularly the interior), but this is a kind of perverse charm for me.
Nonetheless, I could still not rank it above an S-Class or E38 if I had to ultimately choose only one (or two!)
Great discussion on what is the 'best' barge, interesting to read the views of others. Here's my view for what it's worth...
For me the 'best' barge is a saloon, a BIG saloon, yes we have coupes and estates on here and they are barges, but the best barges are (to me) the BIG saloons so E38s, W140s, W126 SELs, Bentleys, and Rollers etc. E39's and W124's are great, but I think a car needs to be bigger to be the best barge.
Next the 'best' barge must have a big petrol engine and preferably in a V8 or V12 configuration. So an S600 W140, a 560 SEL, a 750 e38 or a 6.0 Phaeton or A8, etc.
Finally I want a bit of what I subjectively consider to be charm or class. That for me, like others, excludes the LS400. I still want to own one at some point I just think they are too bland to be the 'best'. I think this final criteria, for me, also excludes some later Mercs, maybe the W220, I think a W140 V12 is more appealing than a W220 V12.
So all of that said what is my best barge? I think probably, possibly it's a W126 560 SEL or a late W140 S600. I may change my mine next week or even next hour though!
For me the 'best' barge is a saloon, a BIG saloon, yes we have coupes and estates on here and they are barges, but the best barges are (to me) the BIG saloons so E38s, W140s, W126 SELs, Bentleys, and Rollers etc. E39's and W124's are great, but I think a car needs to be bigger to be the best barge.
Next the 'best' barge must have a big petrol engine and preferably in a V8 or V12 configuration. So an S600 W140, a 560 SEL, a 750 e38 or a 6.0 Phaeton or A8, etc.
Finally I want a bit of what I subjectively consider to be charm or class. That for me, like others, excludes the LS400. I still want to own one at some point I just think they are too bland to be the 'best'. I think this final criteria, for me, also excludes some later Mercs, maybe the W220, I think a W140 V12 is more appealing than a W220 V12.
So all of that said what is my best barge? I think probably, possibly it's a W126 560 SEL or a late W140 S600. I may change my mine next week or even next hour though!
I'm really enjoying the thoughts on 'ultimate barge' - and it's not an easy one to answer. For me some of the cars posted here, however wonderful, are not true smoker barges - step forward R129 (soft top, plus just slightly too sporting) and anything estate (too practical). To be a true smoker barge it has to be a four-door saloon designed to carry both a driver and passengers in the rear, both of whom can enjoy the waft.
With that as context, if I had to run one 1-5 smoker as a daily barge it would be an LS400/430, simply because they are so reliable and relatively economical for a V8 - no Ross-style unexpected bork.
If, on the other hand, the barge was just for weekend pleasure, it would have to be a W126 560. I might say SEC rather than SEL but that might break my own rules above (not designed per se for the pleasure of the rear-seat occupants).
I'd reject the W140 simply because however well-engineered it is, it currently sits in an awkward spot of not being old enough to be characterful, and yet not being new enough for the neighbours to think you've paid multiples of the actual purchase price.
With that as context, if I had to run one 1-5 smoker as a daily barge it would be an LS400/430, simply because they are so reliable and relatively economical for a V8 - no Ross-style unexpected bork.
If, on the other hand, the barge was just for weekend pleasure, it would have to be a W126 560. I might say SEC rather than SEL but that might break my own rules above (not designed per se for the pleasure of the rear-seat occupants).
I'd reject the W140 simply because however well-engineered it is, it currently sits in an awkward spot of not being old enough to be characterful, and yet not being new enough for the neighbours to think you've paid multiples of the actual purchase price.
bmthnick1981 said:
Great discussion on what is the 'best' barge, interesting to read the views of others. Here's my view for what it's worth...
For me the 'best' barge is a saloon, a BIG saloon, yes we have coupes and estates on here and they are barges, but the best barges are (to me) the BIG saloons so E38s, W140s, W126 SELs, Bentleys, and Rollers etc. E39's and W124's are great, but I think a car needs to be bigger to be the best barge.
Next the 'best' barge must have a big petrol engine and preferably in a V8 or V12 configuration. So an S600 W140, a 560 SEL, a 750 e38 or a 6.0 Phaeton or A8, etc.
Finally I want a bit of what I subjectively consider to be charm or class. That for me, like others, excludes the LS400. I still want to own one at some point I just think they are too bland to be the 'best'. I think this final criteria, for me, also excludes some later Mercs, maybe the W220, I think a W140 V12 is more appealing than a W220 V12.
So all of that said what is my best barge? I think probably, possibly it's a W126 560 SEL or a late W140 S600. I may change my mine next week or even next hour though!
Nicely put. For me the 'best' barge is a saloon, a BIG saloon, yes we have coupes and estates on here and they are barges, but the best barges are (to me) the BIG saloons so E38s, W140s, W126 SELs, Bentleys, and Rollers etc. E39's and W124's are great, but I think a car needs to be bigger to be the best barge.
Next the 'best' barge must have a big petrol engine and preferably in a V8 or V12 configuration. So an S600 W140, a 560 SEL, a 750 e38 or a 6.0 Phaeton or A8, etc.
Finally I want a bit of what I subjectively consider to be charm or class. That for me, like others, excludes the LS400. I still want to own one at some point I just think they are too bland to be the 'best'. I think this final criteria, for me, also excludes some later Mercs, maybe the W220, I think a W140 V12 is more appealing than a W220 V12.
So all of that said what is my best barge? I think probably, possibly it's a W126 560 SEL or a late W140 S600. I may change my mine next week or even next hour though!
Got me thinking about W126's now...
I think if I had the required disposable income I would happily run a modern car for everyday needs and then routinely rotate a selection of barges as weekend smokers and just to have something interesting in the garage. This thread alone has provided enough inspiration to keep that system going for 2-3 years!
andy43 said:
This could well be an absolute s
tter close up, but for £675 who cares 
Yes I know it's under a grand, but I'm factoring in collection from Southampton
Will watch with interest. Could be incredibly cheap barging!tter close up, but for £675 who cares Yes I know it's under a grand, but I'm factoring in collection from Southampton
Although I prefer the '90 onwards cars with different seats I do like the colour combination of this 300 and it's nicer than the usual blues etc.
dscam said:
andy43 said:
This could well be an absolute stter close up, but for £675 who cares
Yes I know it's under a grand, but I'm factoring in collection from Southampton
Will watch with interest. Could be incredibly cheap barging!tter close up, but for £675 who cares Yes I know it's under a grand, but I'm factoring in collection from Southampton
Although I prefer the '90 onwards cars with different seats I do like the colour combination of this 300 and it's nicer than the usual blues etc.
0a said:
Rollcage said:
edo said:
r129sl said:
edo said:
Tidy 540i.
MW 5 SERIES 540i 4dr Auto 4.4
73000 miles
WHITE, Very Rare Car, Alloy Wheels, Full Black Leather Interior With Optional Sports Seats, Lots Of History And All Old M.O.T's, Very Well Looked After Example, Cruise Control, Multi Function Steering Wheel, 6 Disc CD Changer, Air Conditioning, Digital Climate Control, Remote Central Locking, 3 Keys, Alarm And Immobilliser, Electric Mirrors, Electric Windows, Trip Computer, Front Centre Armrest, Front Fog Lights, Original Tool Kit, Traction Control, Anti Lock Brakes, Airbags. £2,495
Running costs
Gorgeous. Link?MW 5 SERIES 540i 4dr Auto 4.4
73000 miles
WHITE, Very Rare Car, Alloy Wheels, Full Black Leather Interior With Optional Sports Seats, Lots Of History And All Old M.O.T's, Very Well Looked After Example, Cruise Control, Multi Function Steering Wheel, 6 Disc CD Changer, Air Conditioning, Digital Climate Control, Remote Central Locking, 3 Keys, Alarm And Immobilliser, Electric Mirrors, Electric Windows, Trip Computer, Front Centre Armrest, Front Fog Lights, Original Tool Kit, Traction Control, Anti Lock Brakes, Airbags. £2,495
Running costs
I always get put off by the E39 black leather - it looks like the seats are covered with bin bags!
Despite being a big fan of the 540 Touring I can't help but agree with what makes a true Barge. For me that means something a bit boat like in it's demeanor. The closest I've experienced to barge perfection was a Bentley Turbo R. From behind the helm you selected drive via the column mounted lever with it's indicator above the steering boss like a ship's telegraph. With drive engaged you press the accelerator. Like a ferry leaving the dock there's no immediate movement, just a distant rumbling from the engine room followed by a squatting of the rear end before finally headway starts to be made.
The next nearest was a W126 500SEL.
The next nearest was a W126 500SEL.
An ultimate barge does have to be a 4 door, large and imposing car. Probably with 8 or 12 cylinders.
However I think there is a 'barge philosophy' that applies to many cars - a preference to comfort, or being a pleasant easy car to drive with a nice interior, and the rejection of hard suspension in the pointless quest of 'sportiness' which has little use in real life off the track.
A bargain barge should have had a high list price, and be fairly unloved now due to size, image, or the fact it has a reasonable sized petrol engine. A 4 cylinder diesel can never be a bargain barge, and in my opinion nor should any diesel (controversial!) as even in 6 cylinder configuration they are unrefined and against the spirit of relaxed bargain barging (though I understand why people buy them).
However I think there is a 'barge philosophy' that applies to many cars - a preference to comfort, or being a pleasant easy car to drive with a nice interior, and the rejection of hard suspension in the pointless quest of 'sportiness' which has little use in real life off the track.
A bargain barge should have had a high list price, and be fairly unloved now due to size, image, or the fact it has a reasonable sized petrol engine. A 4 cylinder diesel can never be a bargain barge, and in my opinion nor should any diesel (controversial!) as even in 6 cylinder configuration they are unrefined and against the spirit of relaxed bargain barging (though I understand why people buy them).
0a said:
Please can someone buy this?
It's about 30 miles from me which, having flown to Edinburgh for the A8 is nothing! However, on top of our 'proper' cars (a diesel Mercedes and a VW Up!) I already have a 1994 Audi 2.6 Cabriolet and an A84.2 Quattro on the drive. Not sure I can justify another barge quite yet... ;-)Though I am now watching it on eBay...
Slight Non-Smoker Barge £1-5K large detour...
I was invited to display my 840Ci Sport as one of a few cars on the BMW Car Club stand at the German Prestige Car Show at Donnington Race Track on the 27th April along with cars from the Porsche and Mercedes-Benz Clubs.
To that end (and having never ever actually displayed one of my cars at any sort of show before), I've spent the last few weeks getting it all serviced, two new catalysts and generally prepping it. I didn't want to bring shame and disgrace upon the BMW Car Club at my first ever event.
Unfortunately, it ain't gonna happen now! At short notice, the event has been cancelled.
Fortunately, I took lots of photos along the way. So, although it won't be on display at Donnington, I've put some photos up in the Gallery Section on my website to display it there instead:
http://www.bmwclassics.co.uk/gallery/index.php?spg...
I was invited to display my 840Ci Sport as one of a few cars on the BMW Car Club stand at the German Prestige Car Show at Donnington Race Track on the 27th April along with cars from the Porsche and Mercedes-Benz Clubs.
To that end (and having never ever actually displayed one of my cars at any sort of show before), I've spent the last few weeks getting it all serviced, two new catalysts and generally prepping it. I didn't want to bring shame and disgrace upon the BMW Car Club at my first ever event.
Unfortunately, it ain't gonna happen now! At short notice, the event has been cancelled.
Fortunately, I took lots of photos along the way. So, although it won't be on display at Donnington, I've put some photos up in the Gallery Section on my website to display it there instead:
http://www.bmwclassics.co.uk/gallery/index.php?spg...
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