Best smoker barges 1-5 large [Vol 10]

[bmthnick1981]

CampDavid said:

Jag came back at the weekend. Since the diff failed about 2 years ago I've been really quite busy, so, it's had the diff replaced, a full repaint and the wheels are to be refurbed shortly. I should probably get the brake disks replaced as there's some wobble and the tyres really need to go at 8 years old but it's back, it works and it's bloody fast. Not sure how it'll feel with good tyres but right now it feel ludicrous.

Looks fantastic David, refurbed wheels will set it off. Whether or not you stretch to the brakes and tyres depends on whether or not it is a long term proposition I guess. I still have fond memories of my old 98 XJR, the supercharger made such an addictive whine when pressing on.

[bmthnick1981]

BigBen said:

Well done Nick, that looks fantastic. My SL55 seems to have sold today so 'your' CL600 will come to the fore as my main high days and holidays car.

Hi Ben, glad to hear the SL55 has sold and that the CL600 will be pushed up the pecking order to main high days and holidays car. I see from previous posts you have managed to sort a few of the niggles out, I'm glad the car is in good hands.

[k-ink]

bmthnick1981 said:

Barge update. Out of budget but my cl600 and e220 Cdi have been replaced with this;



2006 w211 e63 AMG with 35,000 miles. Doesn't really qualify for the thread but thought some may be interested!

I bet that sounds fantastic! I agree with other posts, these are rather subtle.

What were the reasons switching from the CL? Age, bills, engine note?

[Caruso]

0a said:

540 touring 85k miles and £1,695: http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C749324#



Owner claims good condition and new tyres.

Interesting Reg number too.

[Jodyone]

0a said:

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C726032#

E23 735 that the chap claims has been used as his daily for 40k miles and 3 years

I don't often see BMW's I'd covet, but this is one. Thinking about it, this era (I don't know BMW model designations) was great across the range: when I was a kid, I dreamed of a 635CSi (and still do!), and the 3/5/7 series all looked awesome too. The next ones (early 90's?) don't do it for me.

[TheLordJohn]

Regarding my previous, I've looked at it now, and there are two bushes and clips, one at each end of the gear selector rod.
Which is a part-threaded bar which connects the base of the gearstick to the lever on the gearbox.
Does anyone know where would be best to source such a part?
Also, found out it's a W124 230. Bit of a piece of st (like everything else in Gibraltar) actually.

Thanks in advance, Stuart.

[deadslow]

Jodyone said:

0a said:

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C726032#

E23 735 that the chap claims has been used as his daily for 40k miles and 3 years

I don't often see BMW's I'd covet, but this is one. Thinking about it, this era (I don't know BMW model designations) was great across the range: when I was a kid, I dreamed of a 635CSi (and still do!), and the 3/5/7 series all looked awesome too. The next ones (early 90's?) don't do it for me.

like very much.

[SuperHangOn]

Oh yes. Current owner 12 years! Just about the best colour combo?





http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1991-MERCEDES-500SL-32-A...

[Lowtimer]

I much prefer that green one for colours. But really no-one else's opinion matters on colour: if you like it, you like it.

[rm163603]

279 said:

alec.e said:

rm163603 said:

I've been looking at the W221 S600s recently. They look amazing value especially compared to the S65s.

I know this is the 1 to 5 large thread but this really caught my eye:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...



I think the interior looks great and it's loaded with every possible toy.

MOT history has a weird year where mileage jumps 50K miles but I think it looks like a mis entry by the tester rather than anything onerous...

I saw that one too, love the exterior & interior colours, but not sure if I could live with the wood, looks a bit too orange in the photos. I personally prefer a nice richer brown walnut, like my jag:


Can't stop thinking about that V12! May put the Jag up for sale next year, but if anybody is interested let me know

I would seriously consider remapping the S600, 605hp & 980nm torque once tuned!

The interiors are nicer on the equivalent Jaguar are nicer and truth be told, I think the Jaguars look prettier than the Mercedes in all guises, but the V12 is on another level compared to the Jaguar V8s in my opinion, even the later Supercharged 5.0. Similar power outputs when standard or lightly modified, but the torque of a standard 600 is a good 150ftlb more at similar revs than even an 'R' X351.

Although personally I feel that the W221 S600s are a bit strong given there were not many mechanical updates to speak of: ~£18,000 for a tidy example of a 05/06 W221 compared to maybe ~£8k for a tidy 03/04 W220 with the same mechanicals and many similar toys, although, I'll be the first to admit W220/C215s do feel a little bit 'dated' in terms of competing with modern "mega barges" in terms of design and ergonomics so I can completely understand why someone would go for the newer cars.

A remap is definitely recommended! Had my W220 done at eurocharged a couple of weeks ago and I'm very impressed.

The difference in values between W220 and W221 S600s is one of the things that bothers me although the W221 does look a lot more modern and less awkward.

Having said that the post facelift W220s seem to make much stronger money as you'd expect.

This one for example: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Benz-S600-5-5-a...

Mind you 8K for a 12 year old version vs a 10 year old version does still seem a big difference.

Does anyone know if a later W220 or early W221 would be the more 'reliable' option.

I'm guessing coil packs and ABC would still be the two big things to watch out for.

[jonnydm]

BlueMR2 said:

jonnydm said:

Sitting at work, nursing a sore head. Think I might have just bought a W140. Thoughts on this?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-W140-S500-Silve...

Have you picked this up yet? Any more info?

Plenty of small touches, like the boot handle that pops out so your hand doesn't get dirty when you open and close it, then retracts when you shut the boot.

Going to pick this up tomorrow evening hopefully. Will make sure to give an update - looking forward to this.

[Trustmeimadoctor]

Just seen a e60 with funny leather it was textured kind of like crock skin on headrest and the thigh support any ideas what it's called?

[CharlesdeGaulle]

TheLordJohn said:

Regarding my previous, I've looked at it now, and there are two bushes and clips, one at each end of the gear selector rod.
Which is a part-threaded bar which connects the base of the gearstick to the lever on the gearbox.
Does anyone know where would be best to source such a part?
Also, found out it's a W124 230. Bit of a piece of st (like everything else in Gibraltar) actually.

My Lord - I suspect your post has got missed amongst the other stuff. I'd recommend a re-post of the original content with this one, and you may get a better response. r129sl is a bit of a ninja on Mercs, and there's plenty of other expertise, so someone here will be able to help.

[Lowtimer]

rm163603 said:

The difference in values between W220 and W221 S600s is one of the things that bothers me although the W221 does look a lot more modern and less awkward.

The age factor itself is far from insignificant. The average flash motor in the main depreciation phase falls in value by roughly 50% every three years, and that's before you factor in a major model change. Two years worth of that plus a very visible model change and the price differential looks right to me.

Also, with the 220 and 221, is there not also the additional factor that the 220 has a reputation for being from the Chrysler era, with all the rust and quality problems that era is associated with? I don't know for sure whether the rot factor was as true for S-Class of that era as it was for the E-Class, but I suspect the market worries about it.

[0a]

After a slight delay, I collect the 190 2.6 tomorrow and we will be setting off for Ireland. 1st night is Dublin, then I'm heading south-west from there (nowhere booked). I can't wait.

I pick it up first thing tomorrow - it's has the ball joints, shocks and springs done. It needed the ball joints, but at 76k miles probably didn't need the rest. It should drive well though... very excited!

[CharlesdeGaulle]

0a said:

After a slight delay, I collect the 190 2.6 tomorrow and we will be setting off for Ireland. 1st night is Dublin, then I'm heading south-west from there (nowhere booked). I can't wait.

Are you meeting any of our NI contingent? Judging by the MB Club magazine, there's a very active MB crowd over there.

[rm163603]

Lowtimer said:

rm163603 said:

The difference in values between W220 and W221 S600s is one of the things that bothers me although the W221 does look a lot more modern and less awkward.

The age factor itself is far from insignificant. The average flash motor in the main depreciation phase falls in value by roughly 50% every three years, and that's before you factor in a major model change. Two years worth of that plus a very visible model change and the price differential looks right to me.

Also, with the 220 and 221, is there not also the additional factor that the 220 has a reputation for being from the Chrysler era, with all the rust and quality problems that era is associated with? I don't know for sure whether the rot factor was as true for S-Class of that era as it was for the E-Class, but I suspect the market worries about it.

Thanks for that.

I believe the post 2003 facelift W220 cars are galvanised so don't suffer the rot issues the earlier ones are blighted with.

To me the W220 facelift cars look like a good option.

[0a]

CharlesdeGaulle said:

0a said:

After a slight delay, I collect the 190 2.6 tomorrow and we will be setting off for Ireland. 1st night is Dublin, then I'm heading south-west from there (nowhere booked). I can't wait.

Are you meeting any of our NI contingent? Judging by the MB Club magazine, there's a very active MB crowd over there.

Not this time, but I suspect I will be back sometime soon (and we could have a future barge loser meeting there!).

It should be a resonable run from Edinburgh - I might take the weekend to return up via the highlands on the way back!

[rm163603]

SuperHangOn said:

Oh yes. Current owner 12 years! Just about the best colour combo?





http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1991-MERCEDES-500SL-32-A...

I love the way the seatbelt has been carefully positioned to hide seat bolster wear.

I've seen this quite a bit recently....

Looks lovely though.

[0a]

rm163603 said:

SuperHangOn said:

Oh yes. Current owner 12 years! Just about the best colour combo?





http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1991-MERCEDES-500SL-32-A...

I love the way the seatbelt has been carefully positioned to hide seat bolster wear.

I've seen this quite a bit recently....

Looks lovely though.

That looks great. From memory (I have not seen it for a while) my r129 has the nastier airbag wheel. I should hopefully have it sorted out soon.