Best Smoker Barges 1-5 large [Vol 7]
Discussion
Motorrad said:
The car really is rather nice but I've already identified two areas to bring up to scratch. The first and most serious is the engine mounts which are tired but not totally shot. If anyone here has any idea of what that will cost and a good garage to carry out the work I'd be interested to hear.
Nice car. Almost identical to mine same age, colour, and engine! Feb top mounts are about £75 a side. They are not a terrible job to DIY but need some planning and persistence. There are three real problems: 1) Getting the engine lifted high enough to get to the top bolts (high is the answer) 2) Breaking the top bolt 3) getting the old mounts out and new ones in. It made a massive difference to my car along with all the other rubbery bits in the front suspension and steering that I replaced at a similar time.
If you are a member of the Mercedes Owners Club I posted a thread on there about the job. If you fancy having a go yourself have a read.
r129sl said:
Hey, you're getting the hang of it!
I think one of the best things about the 124 is that it takes 195/65 R 15 tyres. Even Michelins are only £50 each. And they last forever.
Anyway, I digress.
IMHO, the saloon is the best 124. It is the best because it is infra dig. The cool guys want a coupé or even a 'vert. The cult guys want an estate. But first and foremost, the 124 is an high quality saloon car. Everything else is a compromise of the core design. For maximum 124ness, you need the saloon. Besides, being the least desirable, it is actually thus the most cool.
Diesels are cheapest to run by far but quite hard to come by in fair condition, these days, but... Charles Ironside has two. An E300 diesel saloon with the 24valve engine, air con and, wait for it, the best colour of all, smoke silver, king of silvers. And he also has an interstellar mileage (but not really) E300 diesel T (i.e. an estate car) with a mega specification, pretty much everything except leather upholstery (I am guessing it was bought new by a rich Indian with good taste). I think they're both within budget, he's had both for a while, and I know for certain his prices can be chipped.
Then there is this saloon. Bare spec. 12valve motor (possibly the smoothest and most reliable diesel engine ever made). Very unusual colours, red over tan. It has been for sale forever so probably could be chipped. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1990G-MERCEDES-BENZ-300D...
Otherwise, given the need for economy, I would seek out either a 200 E or a 220 E (or an E200 or E220) with the 16valve engine in whatever format you fancy. An earlier 8valve 230 E will not be too thirsty but there aren't many about with a/c.
A great post, as usual, and again I find myself drawn to the 12v diesel - I generally dislike diesels but I feel I will have to try one. I think one of the best things about the 124 is that it takes 195/65 R 15 tyres. Even Michelins are only £50 each. And they last forever.
Anyway, I digress.
IMHO, the saloon is the best 124. It is the best because it is infra dig. The cool guys want a coupé or even a 'vert. The cult guys want an estate. But first and foremost, the 124 is an high quality saloon car. Everything else is a compromise of the core design. For maximum 124ness, you need the saloon. Besides, being the least desirable, it is actually thus the most cool.
Diesels are cheapest to run by far but quite hard to come by in fair condition, these days, but... Charles Ironside has two. An E300 diesel saloon with the 24valve engine, air con and, wait for it, the best colour of all, smoke silver, king of silvers. And he also has an interstellar mileage (but not really) E300 diesel T (i.e. an estate car) with a mega specification, pretty much everything except leather upholstery (I am guessing it was bought new by a rich Indian with good taste). I think they're both within budget, he's had both for a while, and I know for certain his prices can be chipped.
Then there is this saloon. Bare spec. 12valve motor (possibly the smoothest and most reliable diesel engine ever made). Very unusual colours, red over tan. It has been for sale forever so probably could be chipped. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1990G-MERCEDES-BENZ-300D...
Otherwise, given the need for economy, I would seek out either a 200 E or a 220 E (or an E200 or E220) with the 16valve engine in whatever format you fancy. An earlier 8valve 230 E will not be too thirsty but there aren't many about with a/c.
The W124 4 door is the lightest and I understand the strongest (from one of the books I have, I will try and dig out the exact stats). I have always liked 4 door, rear wheel drive executive cars with a straight 6 engine out front (preferably from the 80s or 90s). The estate feels a bit like a range rover to drive though, very airy.
I am entirely biased as a bit of a W124 nut, however they are all old cars now so need a significant amount of maintenance to make them drive like the are supposed to. I don't want to add everything up, but my £1,250 example has certainly had over £4k spent on it so far, and I will probably end up at £8k by the time I am done. For an undesirable body shape and engine...!
I do love it though.
Skye was stunning this morning - a clear sunny winter morning, Applecross was moody and misty, and driving back it was amusing to watch the 'estimated time of arrival' rapidly decreasing for the first part of the journey before I eased off on the A9, which was fine (I had to get back for work reasons).
1k miles covered this weekend and I enjoyed every one of them with the old girl behaving herself perfectly (aside from a slightly creaking seat - any ideas?), I do like wringing a straight 6 out to ensure appropriate progress is made; the car is only as fast as a modern TDI but this means there's no issue driving the thing as intended, removing the miles in comfort and with a nice sound.
Hotel in Skye - good rates, excellent staff, nice whisky and food
Moody Applecross
The cows, and that special light you get over on the west coast
As strange as it sounds a barge really is the idea car for such a journey as the distance traveled can be long, and the roads poorly finished. If you haven't been get over to the west coast!
0a said:
58k mile 260 with velour http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1987-MERCEDES-260-E-AUTO...
48 minutes left and priced at £701. 58k miles and 6 cylinder. And green.Edited by 0a on Tuesday 25th November 21:43
Right, now it's (finally) been to the car wash, some photos of the newly-acquired barge. Becoming informally known in the household as 'The Sherman' (tank).
Whilst the fuel consumption on the drive down, round town it has proven slightly lower than I had first hoped....
In due course I think a day with some leather cleaner and elbow grease will do the interior a world of good; and when it goes in for a service in the new year there are a few niggles I'll need to get done (passenger window makes a worrying noise).
Whilst the fuel consumption on the drive down, round town it has proven slightly lower than I had first hoped....
In due course I think a day with some leather cleaner and elbow grease will do the interior a world of good; and when it goes in for a service in the new year there are a few niggles I'll need to get done (passenger window makes a worrying noise).
r129sl said:
So you did the coastal route to Shielding? I know those coos. And then burned over to Inverness?
Creaking seat, could it be the seat belt buckle, which attaches to a rail on the transmission tunnel? Try wiggling it and, eventually, removing the seat and tightening it up.
Shieldaig? Indeed, a fantastic drive and thanks for the recommendation - I realise I did it before and really enjoyed it then (several times, including with the old e23!). The road east is quite something, a mere couple of MPH short of the quoted top speed of a 300e could quite easily have been achieved Creaking seat, could it be the seat belt buckle, which attaches to a rail on the transmission tunnel? Try wiggling it and, eventually, removing the seat and tightening it up.
The creak happens when you lean back on the seat, so it sounds like I'll need to remove it. One thing I noticed is that the passenger side seat is far more supportive - I guess 173k miles, 90+% with only a driver provide a good comparison of an aged seat vs a new seat. I will be following you with the padding renewal!
brickwall said:
Right, now it's (finally) been to the car wash, some photos of the newly-acquired barge. Becoming informally known in the household as 'The Sherman' (tank).
Whilst the fuel consumption on the drive down, round town it has proven slightly lower than I had first hoped....
In due course I think a day with some leather cleaner and elbow grease will do the interior a world of good; and when it goes in for a service in the new year there are a few niggles I'll need to get done (passenger window makes a worrying noise).
e65s must be the modern barge bargain - so much car for the money, and it also looks quite similar to the new 7 (to my eyes anyway). I would guess it's the last petrol 7 to sell in significant numbers as well. Whilst the fuel consumption on the drive down, round town it has proven slightly lower than I had first hoped....
In due course I think a day with some leather cleaner and elbow grease will do the interior a world of good; and when it goes in for a service in the new year there are a few niggles I'll need to get done (passenger window makes a worrying noise).
W124 people,
My drivers door lock barrel is occasionally a bit stiff regardless of which of the three keys is used. Ignition, passenger door, boot and glovebox all perfect.
Any ideas? A squirt of GT86 didn't make any difference! Like I say, doesn't happen all the time. Only occasionally.
My drivers door lock barrel is occasionally a bit stiff regardless of which of the three keys is used. Ignition, passenger door, boot and glovebox all perfect.
Any ideas? A squirt of GT86 didn't make any difference! Like I say, doesn't happen all the time. Only occasionally.
MJK 24 said:
W124 people,
My drivers door lock barrel is occasionally a bit stiff regardless of which of the three keys is used. Ignition, passenger door, boot and glovebox all perfect.
Any ideas? A squirt of GT86 didn't make any difference! Like I say, doesn't happen all the time. Only occasionally.
I had the same issue 2 years ago - a squirt of WD40 'fixed' it and I have not done anything since. There are lots of stories on the web about lock barrels having to be changed though. My drivers door lock barrel is occasionally a bit stiff regardless of which of the three keys is used. Ignition, passenger door, boot and glovebox all perfect.
Any ideas? A squirt of GT86 didn't make any difference! Like I say, doesn't happen all the time. Only occasionally.
r129sl said:
Hey, you're getting the hang of it!
I think one of the best things about the 124 is that it takes 195/65 R 15 tyres. Even Michelins are only £50 each. And they last forever.
Anyway, I digress.
IMHO, the saloon is the best 124. It is the best because it is infra dig. The cool guys want a coupé or even a 'vert. The cult guys want an estate. But first and foremost, the 124 is an high quality saloon car. Everything else is a compromise of the core design. For maximum 124ness, you need the saloon. Besides, being the least desirable, it is actually thus the most cool.
Diesels are cheapest to run by far but quite hard to come by in fair condition, these days, but... Charles Ironside has two. An E300 diesel saloon with the 24valve engine, air con and, wait for it, the best colour of all, smoke silver, king of silvers. And he also has an interstellar mileage (but not really) E300 diesel T (i.e. an estate car) with a mega specification, pretty much everything except leather upholstery (I am guessing it was bought new by a rich Indian with good taste). I think they're both within budget, he's had both for a while, and I know for certain his prices can be chipped.
Then there is this saloon. Bare spec. 12valve motor (possibly the smoothest and most reliable diesel engine ever made). Very unusual colours, red over tan. It has been for sale forever so probably could be chipped. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1990G-MERCEDES-BENZ-300D...
Otherwise, given the need for economy, I would seek out either a 200 E or a 220 E (or an E200 or E220) with the 16valve engine in whatever format you fancy. An earlier 8valve 230 E will not be too thirsty but there aren't many about with a/c.
Thanks very much for taking the time to post. I know what you're saying about 'counter culture' and I'd be happy with a saloon for sure.I think one of the best things about the 124 is that it takes 195/65 R 15 tyres. Even Michelins are only £50 each. And they last forever.
Anyway, I digress.
IMHO, the saloon is the best 124. It is the best because it is infra dig. The cool guys want a coupé or even a 'vert. The cult guys want an estate. But first and foremost, the 124 is an high quality saloon car. Everything else is a compromise of the core design. For maximum 124ness, you need the saloon. Besides, being the least desirable, it is actually thus the most cool.
Diesels are cheapest to run by far but quite hard to come by in fair condition, these days, but... Charles Ironside has two. An E300 diesel saloon with the 24valve engine, air con and, wait for it, the best colour of all, smoke silver, king of silvers. And he also has an interstellar mileage (but not really) E300 diesel T (i.e. an estate car) with a mega specification, pretty much everything except leather upholstery (I am guessing it was bought new by a rich Indian with good taste). I think they're both within budget, he's had both for a while, and I know for certain his prices can be chipped.
Then there is this saloon. Bare spec. 12valve motor (possibly the smoothest and most reliable diesel engine ever made). Very unusual colours, red over tan. It has been for sale forever so probably could be chipped. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1990G-MERCEDES-BENZ-300D...
Otherwise, given the need for economy, I would seek out either a 200 E or a 220 E (or an E200 or E220) with the 16valve engine in whatever format you fancy. An earlier 8valve 230 E will not be too thirsty but there aren't many about with a/c.
I think my desire for sensible fuel consumption comes from me getting tax relief on fuel. As I'm a director I can claim the 45ppm reducing to 20, so the difference covers thinks like rubber etc. I'm steadily improving on the spanners and can service both my Toyotas with relative ease.
But neither of them are, no matter how hard I stare or squint, a 124.
I'll be keeping a close eye on the thread for something a bit different. If I have to sacrifice then I suppose it could be the air con. My wife's commute to work is only 6 miles so on hot days a swap may be in order.
That red/tan car is exactly the sort of thing I mean. The sort of thing you don't see anymore. A nice period piece.
Thanks again.
CAT D but doesn't it look good - CLS 500 7 speed, in budget with 76k miles: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
SL 500 with 41k miles and only a few hundred over budget: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
SL 500 with 41k miles and only a few hundred over budget: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
brickwall said:
Right, now it's (finally) been to the car wash, some photos of the newly-acquired barge. Becoming informally known in the household as 'The Sherman' (tank).
Whilst the fuel consumption on the drive down, round town it has proven slightly lower than I had first hoped....
In due course I think a day with some leather cleaner and elbow grease will do the interior a world of good; and when it goes in for a service in the new year there are a few niggles I'll need to get done (passenger window makes a worrying noise).
Looking good, I do miss mine. Have to ask what's that sitting on the far right of the second picture? Whilst the fuel consumption on the drive down, round town it has proven slightly lower than I had first hoped....
In due course I think a day with some leather cleaner and elbow grease will do the interior a world of good; and when it goes in for a service in the new year there are a few niggles I'll need to get done (passenger window makes a worrying noise).
Edited by cat220 on Sunday 30th November 21:31
0a said:
SL 500 with 41k miles and only a few hundred over budget: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
Tinted windows. Hmmmmmm.0a said:
r129sl said:
So you did the coastal route to Shielding? I know those coos. And then burned over to Inverness?
Creaking seat, could it be the seat belt buckle, which attaches to a rail on the transmission tunnel? Try wiggling it and, eventually, removing the seat and tightening it up.
Shieldaig? Indeed, a fantastic drive and thanks for the recommendation - I realise I did it before and really enjoyed it then (several times, including with the old e23!). The road east is quite something, a mere couple of MPH short of the quoted top speed of a 300e could quite easily have been achieved Creaking seat, could it be the seat belt buckle, which attaches to a rail on the transmission tunnel? Try wiggling it and, eventually, removing the seat and tightening it up.
radiodanno said:
I'll be keeping a close eye on the thread for something a bit different. If I have to sacrifice then I suppose it could be the air con. My wife's commute to work is only 6 miles so on hot days a swap may be in order.
That red/tan car is exactly the sort of thing I mean. The sort of thing you don't see anymore. A nice period piece.
Thanks again.
How about this for counter-culture? Cooler than a penguin's flip flop.That red/tan car is exactly the sort of thing I mean. The sort of thing you don't see anymore. A nice period piece.
Thanks again.
You said that you might be drawn to an unusual interior, and latterly that you could live without aircon. I offer you this (even though it's technically too cheap for the thread):
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
Sublime. Just imagine the stories those seats could tell!
cat220 said:
brickwall said:
Right, now it's (finally) been to the car wash, some photos of the newly-acquired barge. Becoming informally known in the household as 'The Sherman' (tank).
Whilst the fuel consumption on the drive down, round town it has proven slightly lower than I had first hoped....
In due course I think a day with some leather cleaner and elbow grease will do the interior a world of good; and when it goes in for a service in the new year there are a few niggles I'll need to get done (passenger window makes a worrying noise).
Looking good, I do miss mine. Have to ask what's that sitting on the far right of the second picture? Whilst the fuel consumption on the drive down, round town it has proven slightly lower than I had first hoped....
In due course I think a day with some leather cleaner and elbow grease will do the interior a world of good; and when it goes in for a service in the new year there are a few niggles I'll need to get done (passenger window makes a worrying noise).
Edited by cat220 on Sunday 30th November 21:31
radiodanno said:
If I have to sacrifice then I suppose it could be the air con. My wife's commute to work is only 6 miles so on hot days a swap may be in order.
I ran a 124 with black leather and no air con (or, at least, no working air con) for a couple of years. Just open the sunroof at low speed and tilt it at high speed. All the heat goes out the top. But I'd rather have air con.MJK 24 said:
W124 people,
My drivers door lock barrel is occasionally a bit stiff regardless of which of the three keys is used. Ignition, passenger door, boot and glovebox all perfect.
Any ideas? A squirt of GT86 didn't make any difference! Like I say, doesn't happen all the time. Only occasionally.
Graphite spray oil (or something) is supposed to be best for locks. Believe it or not, a new lock, coded to the car, is both available and not horrendously pricey. I had to get a new ignition barrel and I seem to recall it was only £30.My drivers door lock barrel is occasionally a bit stiff regardless of which of the three keys is used. Ignition, passenger door, boot and glovebox all perfect.
Any ideas? A squirt of GT86 didn't make any difference! Like I say, doesn't happen all the time. Only occasionally.
cat220 said:
0a said:
r129sl said:
So you did the coastal route to Shielding? I know those coos. And then burned over to Inverness?
Creaking seat, could it be the seat belt buckle, which attaches to a rail on the transmission tunnel? Try wiggling it and, eventually, removing the seat and tightening it up.
Shieldaig? Indeed, a fantastic drive and thanks for the recommendation - I realise I did it before and really enjoyed it then (several times, including with the old e23!). The road east is quite something, a mere couple of MPH short of the quoted top speed of a 300e could quite easily have been achieved Creaking seat, could it be the seat belt buckle, which attaches to a rail on the transmission tunnel? Try wiggling it and, eventually, removing the seat and tightening it up.
Good roads: I have been looking at this little circuit, largely because Evo magazine has started using it. Not far from Edinburgh, not far from Newcastle. I did the B6357 years ago, at least 15, in a BMW E38 728i and I recall it was brilliant. Any appetite for a group outing? I've no idea whether there are any decent pubs, I suspect not. (In case the link doesn't work it is Hawick-Newcastleton-Hawick using the B6399-B6357-B6088, though the last bit is crap.)
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Hawick,+Scottish...
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