Best smoker barges 1-5 large [Vol 9]
Discussion
E24man said:
Whilst I enjoy this thread I sometimes can't over the 'middle-aged courdoroy and tweed' love of the three-pointed star. Granted there are some interesting high end examples and AMG offerings but quite honestly I can't ever imagine being or feeling old enough to desire a Mercedes Benz.
As for E32's, what's not to like......
Other than the chintzy stripes and dreadful wheels, not much As for E32's, what's not to like......
Edited by E24man on Wednesday 10th February 16:47
I suppose I am 'middle-aged courdoroy and tweed' and have no 3 pointed stars in my history, present or near future (can't rule it out
)I currently have 2 Jags and a Land Rover and a history of other Land Rovers - a 110, a Defender 90 and other Discos and RR Classic though.
Must be a different tweed.
Not quite sure about the tweed and corduroy label for MB fans, although one look at the event reports in the Mercedes Club magazine suggests you may have the merest glimmer of a point.
On the silouhette / tumblehome comment, it would appear imitation is the sincerest form of flattery - 219 CLS was cast as the "Jag fighter" while in development, e.g.: http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/fi... And before the haters wade in, I for one can see the parallels!
On the silouhette / tumblehome comment, it would appear imitation is the sincerest form of flattery - 219 CLS was cast as the "Jag fighter" while in development, e.g.: http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/fi... And before the haters wade in, I for one can see the parallels!
Braved Essex on Saturday to look at a £895 735 E38 and a £1,000 E430. The 735 went very well, bar the habitual shimmy under braking at 60-70ish, but had surface rust on the rear arches and was unforgiveably plastered in V8 and ALPINA badges that weren't there in the listing shots (my blurted protest to the owner - "Why must people do that?" - died awkwardly away as I realised that of course he was responsible).
The E430 though was superb, and I bought it. Doom blue Elegance, fantastically low spec for a V8: manual unheated leather (doom grey), cruise and climate control is pretty much your lot. I'm guessing it clocked up most of its 140k ferrying executives around as the only sign of interior wear is on one side of the rear carpet. Aftermarket stereo is a bit of a downer, the a/c takes a while to chill out (gets there, though, so may actually "just need a recharge"), the sunroof is u/s and I don't think the headlamp washers work. Beyond these trifles it's in astonishingly good nick for a W210 - other than a tiny bit of bubbling at the bottom of a rear door (I honestly would have missed it if he hadn't pointed it out) there is zero rust. Unheard of! Vendor reckoned the wings have been done at some point. Recently had a wheel refurb, new cats, gearbox oil change and spark plugs (big plus as there are 16 of them). Super-clean under the bonnet, a tribute to the vendor (he had five cars including a C32 estate and a lovely 1985 single-carb Saab 900 he picked me up in when I went to Colchester station last night).
What a smooth ride back home. I have never driven a more serene V8 - speed seems to accumulate almost surreptitiously, but accumulate it most certainly does, and swiftly enough to humble the M25's healthy population of xenon-eyed tailgaters. Did get a decent howl out of it under Extreme Kickdown though. Curious to think this unassuming mid-range dullard beats my E31 840 to 60.
Anyway - very pleased with it. I'm living the timewarp Uber cabbie's dream (intention is to wake up from this when my 840 finally returns from the dead).
Bad photos:
The E430 though was superb, and I bought it. Doom blue Elegance, fantastically low spec for a V8: manual unheated leather (doom grey), cruise and climate control is pretty much your lot. I'm guessing it clocked up most of its 140k ferrying executives around as the only sign of interior wear is on one side of the rear carpet. Aftermarket stereo is a bit of a downer, the a/c takes a while to chill out (gets there, though, so may actually "just need a recharge"), the sunroof is u/s and I don't think the headlamp washers work. Beyond these trifles it's in astonishingly good nick for a W210 - other than a tiny bit of bubbling at the bottom of a rear door (I honestly would have missed it if he hadn't pointed it out) there is zero rust. Unheard of! Vendor reckoned the wings have been done at some point. Recently had a wheel refurb, new cats, gearbox oil change and spark plugs (big plus as there are 16 of them). Super-clean under the bonnet, a tribute to the vendor (he had five cars including a C32 estate and a lovely 1985 single-carb Saab 900 he picked me up in when I went to Colchester station last night).
What a smooth ride back home. I have never driven a more serene V8 - speed seems to accumulate almost surreptitiously, but accumulate it most certainly does, and swiftly enough to humble the M25's healthy population of xenon-eyed tailgaters. Did get a decent howl out of it under Extreme Kickdown though. Curious to think this unassuming mid-range dullard beats my E31 840 to 60.
Anyway - very pleased with it. I'm living the timewarp Uber cabbie's dream (intention is to wake up from this when my 840 finally returns from the dead).
Bad photos:
SpeckledJim said:
BeirutTaxi said:
dbdb said:
MG511 said:
While we're on an American theme... http://www.barons-auctions.com/auction_details.php...
You look at that and then think of what Europe was producing in 1984, amazing!
American car makers had lost their way by then. If you go back a further 20-30 years, the comparison reverses for most cars. You look at that and then think of what Europe was producing in 1984, amazing!
I like quite a few American cars, but my favourites were all built before 1980. I like their unrestrained nature; I find most German cars and many European cars generally, to be dull, flavourless things in comparison, with only their work-a-day competence to recommend them.
It's what attracts me to Jags; they're not so boring and restrained (albeit perhaps not so efficient either) - and have a trans-Atlantic hybrid character in some ways.
Each to his own I guess, but it brings variety to the thread!
Edited by dbdb on Wednesday 10th February 12:34
And the main, main reason to buy a Jaguar >>> silhouette.
Buying an X300 on a whim has therefore resulted in a car of very pleasant surprises. I'd never previously bothered to find out how mechanically robust an X300 was, nor how nicely they drive, nor how stupidly cheap the bits that fail are to sort, nor how they were one of the safest NCAP rated cars of it's time (that bit amazed me). I just fancied A Proper Jag and was prepared to live with a bit of heartache for a month or two until I'd ticked the ownership box and it went to Ebay. It now looks a keeper.
It's always a delight when a car exceeds expectations. I've owned far too many, usually of far greater value, that have done the opposite.
sjc said:
BeirutTaxi said:
SpeckledJim said:
BeirutTaxi said:
dbdb said:
MG511 said:
While we're on an American theme... http://www.barons-auctions.com/auction_details.php...
You look at that and then think of what Europe was producing in 1984, amazing!
American car makers had lost their way by then. If you go back a further 20-30 years, the comparison reverses for most cars. You look at that and then think of what Europe was producing in 1984, amazing!
I like quite a few American cars, but my favourites were all built before 1980. I like their unrestrained nature; I find most German cars and many European cars generally, to be dull, flavourless things in comparison, with only their work-a-day competence to recommend them.
It's what attracts me to Jags; they're not so boring and restrained (albeit perhaps not so efficient either) - and have a trans-Atlantic hybrid character in some ways.
Each to his own I guess, but it brings variety to the thread!
Edited by dbdb on Wednesday 10th February 12:34
And the main, main reason to buy a Jaguar >>> silhouette.
So indomitably (yet benevolently, natch) does Jaguar own the silhouette territory, you might rarely hear the word in other contexts.
Also >>> tumblehome and turn under. Lovely. Just tumblehome and turn under. Mmm.
Edited by SpeckledJim on Wednesday 10th February 14:49
When I bought it I was wondering whether to keep it for a short while only, however I've really gelled with it. It's not as good as more modern cars yet for some unexplained reason I always give it a second look after parting with it for the day. I may even take out a small saucer of milk for it later.
Before the 190 I was looking at a boggo hatch to get me around - The APR/interest alone on the 3 year finance offered cost the same as the purchase price of the Mercedes.
Does anyone on the thread own a W126? I'm really interested in having a look around one some time just to see what they're like
olly755 said:
SpeckledJim said:
BeirutTaxi said:
dbdb said:
MG511 said:
While we're on an American theme... http://www.barons-auctions.com/auction_details.php...
You look at that and then think of what Europe was producing in 1984, amazing!
American car makers had lost their way by then. If you go back a further 20-30 years, the comparison reverses for most cars. You look at that and then think of what Europe was producing in 1984, amazing!
I like quite a few American cars, but my favourites were all built before 1980. I like their unrestrained nature; I find most German cars and many European cars generally, to be dull, flavourless things in comparison, with only their work-a-day competence to recommend them.
It's what attracts me to Jags; they're not so boring and restrained (albeit perhaps not so efficient either) - and have a trans-Atlantic hybrid character in some ways.
Each to his own I guess, but it brings variety to the thread!
Edited by dbdb on Wednesday 10th February 12:34
And the main, main reason to buy a Jaguar >>> silhouette.
Buying an X300 on a whim has therefore resulted in a car of very pleasant surprises. I'd never previously bothered to find out how mechanically robust an X300 was, nor how nicely they drive, nor how stupidly cheap the bits that fail are to sort, nor how they were one of the safest NCAP rated cars of it's time (that bit amazed me). I just fancied A Proper Jag and was prepared to live with a bit of heartache for a month or two until I'd ticked the ownership box and it went to Ebay. It now looks a keeper.
It's always a delight when a car exceeds expectations. I've owned far too many, usually of far greater value, that have done the opposite.
And some pics of the Alpina B10 would be good too
BeirutTaxi said:
Problem is that I'm getting somewhat emotionally attached to my 190.
When I bought it I was wondering whether to keep it for a short while only, however I've really gelled with it. It's not as good as more modern cars yet for some unexplained reason I always give it a second look after parting with it for the day. I may even take out a small saucer of milk for it later.
Why is that a problem? Just accumulate more cars When I bought it I was wondering whether to keep it for a short while only, however I've really gelled with it. It's not as good as more modern cars yet for some unexplained reason I always give it a second look after parting with it for the day. I may even take out a small saucer of milk for it later.
I am like that with my w124. I love it even though it's rubbish in so many ways. It is in the garage and I actually miss it (despite having the SL). I will hopefully collect it this week. £430 for a full service, change of gearbox oil, fixing the driver's window, new steering belt, servicing the brakes (were a bit grumbly, apparently the pads are fine) including all parts. Not too bad.
I managed to find the tool in the SL to manually tighten the windscreen roof fixings so it's now not beeping at me. The roof is refusing to go down however, and the roll bar refusing to go up. I tried disconnecting the battery for a few hours, but all it did was to lose my radio 4 presets. I am yet to have a good read about on the web, but it sounds like it needs resetting however you do that. I have a busy week to may get time to do so at the weekend. Bloody thing!
BeirutTaxi said:
If I was to do the Jag thing I would go for an X350. They are twice the price of the X300 and X308 but a huge, huge step forward in terms of quality.
The X350 is a cracking car by all accounts but I doubt it will go down in the history books as a truly great Jag, more of a transitional footnote. The X300/308s, on the other hand, are great old skool jaguars. I suppose it all depends what 'doing the jag thing' means to different people. If it means owning and running one, then the newer car is far superior, but if it means getting an understanding of jaguar's dna, then the older cars are more of an experience, all imho. And they only really fall to bits when neglected by unappreciative morons, mainly.
deadslow said:
BeirutTaxi said:
If I was to do the Jag thing I would go for an X350. They are twice the price of the X300 and X308 but a huge, huge step forward in terms of quality.
The X350 is a cracking car by all accounts but I doubt it will go down in the history books as a truly great Jag, more of a transitional footnote. The X300/308s, on the other hand, are great old skool jaguars. I suppose it all depends what 'doing the jag thing' means to different people. If it means owning and running one, then the newer car is far superior, but if it means getting an understanding of jaguar's dna, then the older cars are more of an experience, all imho. And they only really fall to bits when neglected by unappreciative morons, mainly.
So what I actually meant by 'I want the newer car to avoid problems' is 'I want the older car for the soul and character'
Darrens (HaylingJag) XJ40R is just awesome. So special. Have a look around it if you ever get the chance.
Darren is also the definition of an old school Jag owner - ie lots of cigarettes, smoking rear tyres and a good laugh
JF87 said:
Braved Essex on Saturday to look at a £895 735 E38 and a £1,000 E430. The 735 went very well, bar the habitual shimmy under braking at 60-70ish, but had surface rust on the rear arches and was unforgiveably plastered in V8 and ALPINA badges that weren't there in the listing shots (my blurted protest to the owner - "Why must people do that?" - died awkwardly away as I realised that of course he was responsible).
The E430 though was superb, and I bought it. Doom blue Elegance, fantastically low spec for a V8: manual unheated leather (doom grey), cruise and climate control is pretty much your lot. I'm guessing it clocked up most of its 140k ferrying executives around as the only sign of interior wear is on one side of the rear carpet. Aftermarket stereo is a bit of a downer, the a/c takes a while to chill out (gets there, though, so may actually "just need a recharge"), the sunroof is u/s and I don't think the headlamp washers work. Beyond these trifles it's in astonishingly good nick for a W210 - other than a tiny bit of bubbling at the bottom of a rear door (I honestly would have missed it if he hadn't pointed it out) there is zero rust. Unheard of! Vendor reckoned the wings have been done at some point. Recently had a wheel refurb, new cats, gearbox oil change and spark plugs (big plus as there are 16 of them). Super-clean under the bonnet, a tribute to the vendor (he had five cars including a C32 estate and a lovely 1985 single-carb Saab 900 he picked me up in when I went to Colchester station last night).
What a smooth ride back home. I have never driven a more serene V8 - speed seems to accumulate almost surreptitiously, but accumulate it most certainly does, and swiftly enough to humble the M25's healthy population of xenon-eyed tailgaters. Did get a decent howl out of it under Extreme Kickdown though. Curious to think this unassuming mid-range dullard beats my E31 840 to 60.
Anyway - very pleased with it. I'm living the timewarp Uber cabbie's dream (intention is to wake up from this when my 840 finally returns from the dead).
Bad photos:
Fantastic, glad you're happy with it and welcome to "Club Doom Blue" The E430 though was superb, and I bought it. Doom blue Elegance, fantastically low spec for a V8: manual unheated leather (doom grey), cruise and climate control is pretty much your lot. I'm guessing it clocked up most of its 140k ferrying executives around as the only sign of interior wear is on one side of the rear carpet. Aftermarket stereo is a bit of a downer, the a/c takes a while to chill out (gets there, though, so may actually "just need a recharge"), the sunroof is u/s and I don't think the headlamp washers work. Beyond these trifles it's in astonishingly good nick for a W210 - other than a tiny bit of bubbling at the bottom of a rear door (I honestly would have missed it if he hadn't pointed it out) there is zero rust. Unheard of! Vendor reckoned the wings have been done at some point. Recently had a wheel refurb, new cats, gearbox oil change and spark plugs (big plus as there are 16 of them). Super-clean under the bonnet, a tribute to the vendor (he had five cars including a C32 estate and a lovely 1985 single-carb Saab 900 he picked me up in when I went to Colchester station last night).
What a smooth ride back home. I have never driven a more serene V8 - speed seems to accumulate almost surreptitiously, but accumulate it most certainly does, and swiftly enough to humble the M25's healthy population of xenon-eyed tailgaters. Did get a decent howl out of it under Extreme Kickdown though. Curious to think this unassuming mid-range dullard beats my E31 840 to 60.
Anyway - very pleased with it. I'm living the timewarp Uber cabbie's dream (intention is to wake up from this when my 840 finally returns from the dead).
Bad photos:
0a said:
BeirutTaxi said:
Problem is that I'm getting somewhat emotionally attached to my 190.
When I bought it I was wondering whether to keep it for a short while only, however I've really gelled with it. It's not as good as more modern cars yet for some unexplained reason I always give it a second look after parting with it for the day. I may even take out a small saucer of milk for it later.
Why is that a problem? Just accumulate more cars When I bought it I was wondering whether to keep it for a short while only, however I've really gelled with it. It's not as good as more modern cars yet for some unexplained reason I always give it a second look after parting with it for the day. I may even take out a small saucer of milk for it later.
I am like that with my w124. I love it even though it's rubbish in so many ways. It is in the garage and I actually miss it (despite having the SL). I will hopefully collect it this week. £430 for a full service, change of gearbox oil, fixing the driver's window, new steering belt, servicing the brakes (were a bit grumbly, apparently the pads are fine) including all parts. Not too bad.
I managed to find the tool in the SL to manually tighten the windscreen roof fixings so it's now not beeping at me. The roof is refusing to go down however, and the roll bar refusing to go up. I tried disconnecting the battery for a few hours, but all it did was to lose my radio 4 presets. I am yet to have a good read about on the web, but it sounds like it needs resetting however you do that. I have a busy week to may get time to do so at the weekend. Bloody thing!
Heard an advert on the radio today offering up to £2000 scrappage allowance against a new hatchback on finance. Quite happy to stick with my 201,000 mile 190.
Edited by BeirutTaxi on Wednesday 10th February 19:26
That E430 looks brilliant. I like midnight blue (is it midnight or azurite?) and it polishes up superbly.
Thoughts on w126/E32.
I ran a w126 for about five years. It was great. It was very high quality. But it also seemed like an old car, quite unlike the w124, w201 and r129. Whereas those cars are unashamedly modern in their handling, the 126 felt old. It had fabulous directional stability and it was capable when pressed but it could be hard work with occasionally surprising suspension noise. I think it is more like a big, fast 123 than a 124. It is certainly closer to its 116 predecessor than its 140 successor. The Mercedes watershed came after the 126 with the introduction of the 201.
The E32, which I have never driven but always wanted, by contrast strikes me as a statement of modernity 1986-style. It's bodywork is so crisp, clean, uncluttered. It looks lithe and athletic; unadorned and all the better for it. It is a design which still looks fresh to my eye. Likewise the interior. To my mind it has the greater Teutonic qualities of simplicity and efficiency than the 126; a Spartan large luxury car, almost. Indeed, whereas the 126 is quite luxurious in the traditional sense of being cosseting and lavish, the E32 strikes me as luxurious in the true sense of efficient and effective. The six is a statement of European efficiency next to the American plenty of the Daimler V8 (although of course the m117 was actually ultra-efficient in period). It made its E23 predecessor look bloated and ancient; and its E38 successor seems unnecessarily decadent.
Thoughts on corduroy and tweed.
These fabrics are superbly suited to use in clothing. They are at home in almost any situation. They combine the qualities of elegance, comfort and practicality added to which they have a dash of old money class. They are capable of high performance in extremis without having to compromise in everyday situations. They provide the basis of clothing for the thinking man who is unconcerned by the vagaries of passing fashion, one who seeks out practical and stylish—but nonetheless discreet—apparel rather than the envy of fools who know no better. If a man could have but one suit it would be fashioned from corduroy or tweed and it might well be a suit to last a lifetime.
Edit: and middle age is the best yet: I seem to recall youth being decidedly disappointing.
Thoughts on w126/E32.
I ran a w126 for about five years. It was great. It was very high quality. But it also seemed like an old car, quite unlike the w124, w201 and r129. Whereas those cars are unashamedly modern in their handling, the 126 felt old. It had fabulous directional stability and it was capable when pressed but it could be hard work with occasionally surprising suspension noise. I think it is more like a big, fast 123 than a 124. It is certainly closer to its 116 predecessor than its 140 successor. The Mercedes watershed came after the 126 with the introduction of the 201.
The E32, which I have never driven but always wanted, by contrast strikes me as a statement of modernity 1986-style. It's bodywork is so crisp, clean, uncluttered. It looks lithe and athletic; unadorned and all the better for it. It is a design which still looks fresh to my eye. Likewise the interior. To my mind it has the greater Teutonic qualities of simplicity and efficiency than the 126; a Spartan large luxury car, almost. Indeed, whereas the 126 is quite luxurious in the traditional sense of being cosseting and lavish, the E32 strikes me as luxurious in the true sense of efficient and effective. The six is a statement of European efficiency next to the American plenty of the Daimler V8 (although of course the m117 was actually ultra-efficient in period). It made its E23 predecessor look bloated and ancient; and its E38 successor seems unnecessarily decadent.
Thoughts on corduroy and tweed.
These fabrics are superbly suited to use in clothing. They are at home in almost any situation. They combine the qualities of elegance, comfort and practicality added to which they have a dash of old money class. They are capable of high performance in extremis without having to compromise in everyday situations. They provide the basis of clothing for the thinking man who is unconcerned by the vagaries of passing fashion, one who seeks out practical and stylish—but nonetheless discreet—apparel rather than the envy of fools who know no better. If a man could have but one suit it would be fashioned from corduroy or tweed and it might well be a suit to last a lifetime.
Edit: and middle age is the best yet: I seem to recall youth being decidedly disappointing.
Edited by r129sl on Wednesday 10th February 19:31
BeirutTaxi said:
deadslow said:
BeirutTaxi said:
If I was to do the Jag thing I would go for an X350. They are twice the price of the X300 and X308 but a huge, huge step forward in terms of quality.
The X350 is a cracking car by all accounts but I doubt it will go down in the history books as a truly great Jag, more of a transitional footnote. The X300/308s, on the other hand, are great old skool jaguars. I suppose it all depends what 'doing the jag thing' means to different people. If it means owning and running one, then the newer car is far superior, but if it means getting an understanding of jaguar's dna, then the older cars are more of an experience, all imho. And they only really fall to bits when neglected by unappreciative morons, mainly.
So what I actually meant by 'I want the newer car to avoid problems' is 'I want the older car for the soul and character'
Darrens (HaylingJag) XJ40R is just awesome. So special. Have a look around it if you ever get the chance.
Darren is also the definition of an old school Jag owner - ie lots of cigarettes, smoking rear tyres and a good laugh
A very comfortable place to spend time.
Unfortunately it's stuck with the hideous visage of the wretched X-Type, which is the only thing I'm less than keen about.
Having said that, I'm still keeping an eye-out to add an XJ12C to the fleet.
r129sl said:
Thoughts on w126/E32.
I ran a w126 for about five years. It was great. It was very high quality. But it also seemed like an old car, quite unlike the w124, w201 and r129. Whereas those cars are unashamedly modern in their handling, the 126 felt old. It had fabulous directional stability and it was capable when pressed but it could be hard work with occasionally surprising suspension noise. I think it is more like a big, fast 123 than a 124. It is certainly closer to its 116 predecessor than its 140 successor. The Mercedes watershed came after the 126 with the introduction of the 201.
Sadly the multi link wasn't on the W126, however, the 190 was hugely important in that it was a foundation for many future Mercedes that followed it.
Mercedes use to be the king of innovation! I don't think any people who slate Mercedes understand the history or importance, particularly the significance in the design of the little W201.
Edited by BeirutTaxi on Wednesday 10th February 19:56
On a completely different note, was really only planning to post up this link, which is in no way at all feeling completely pointless following the Buick
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
Tidy looking big Volvo for not too much wedge (and a £650 850 posted on the best-of-the-basement thread from the same search).
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
Tidy looking big Volvo for not too much wedge (and a £650 850 posted on the best-of-the-basement thread from the same search).
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