Best smoker barges 1-5 large [vol11]

[dscam]

derin100 said:

CharlesdeGaulle said:

This isn't really a barge, and isn't really the 'best of' anything, but the seller has been stalking me ever since I first asked for more detail after posting (here) one of those one-picture/one-sentence rubbish ads that feature from time to time.

I want an SLC, and I want it to have velour, but I don't think I want this. If someone fancied sorting it all out and then selling to me at a loss I'm all ears, otherwise I offer it for your delectation.

I'm no softie, but some of the pictures (look at them all, I dare you) terrify me. Anyone fancy a challenge?

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/mercedes-benz/...

That's terrible. You are asking for pain.

Normally there is always room for optimism but in this case it really looks impossible to see how this could be made good - particularly with an asking price of £6k! Even if the car were free I'm not sure the rule of man maths would work.

[PowerslideSWE]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

That is mega. I can live with while tbh. Black leather, dual climate and cruise. In the wrong country however.

[irish boy]

sparks_E39 said:

Nice! Regarding the earlier comments about needing the bigger engine, I get it, however this won't be doing a lot of miles and will not be used for motorway/long hauls very often. The odd trip from Dorset to North Wales and to Heathrow once a year. I can find a few 2.0's around, the higher powered versions seem a bit thin on the ground. Are the advantages of the 2.6 more high end? We're possibly getting a new car financed through work (discounted as I'm in the motor trade) so it won't be my daily, probably 3-4K a year. Sadly it will live outside, but I can cover it up.

Wouldn't worry about the bigger engine. I've a diesel auto with a mighty 90 bhp, only does around 3-4k per year but I took it out of the uk a couple of times last year and it gets quieter/more refined the faster it gets. A steady 100 cruise is no issues to it, and it will do it all day in reliable comfort. I've never driven a 1.8/2.0 but with more power it cant be any worse.

[Lowtimer]

sparks_E39 said:

A sorted E39 is a lovely thing, however it just needs so much "sorting" to keep it right testing my patience and my wallet. BMW were shocking when it came to rust protection. I will look back to my two with fondness, but time for something different I think. A W124 is another beauty, however they seem to command a premium over the 190.

I fear you may be viewing the multitudes of 201 and 124 classes that have suffered significant rust via rose-tinted glasses, ditto the amount of money that people, including some regular posters here, have spent on rectifying them. Don't tell the good folk on mercedes-190.co.uk that the cars are immune from rust, or you'll be deafened by the sound of hollow laughter.

In terms of their overall corrosion resistance they are all streets ahead of the contemporary stuff that Ford, GM, Rover etc were pumping out, which is a big reason why the likes of the Carlton, Omega and Rover 800 are just not seen in everyday transport today in the numbers that old Mercs and BMWs are. But they are old and the protection that comes from galvanising eventually gives up.

Edited by Lowtimer on Sunday 26th February 10:00

[CharlesdeGaulle]

sparks_E39 said:

Nice! Regarding the earlier comments about needing the bigger engine, I get it, however this won't be doing a lot of miles and will not be used for motorway/long hauls very often. The odd trip from Dorset to North Wales and to Heathrow once a year. I can find a few 2.0's around, the higher powered versions seem a bit thin on the ground. Are the advantages of the 2.6 more high end? We're possibly getting a new car financed through work (discounted as I'm in the motor trade) so it won't be my daily, probably 3-4K a year. Sadly it will live outside, but I can cover it up.

The advice generally offered here with regard to all old cars, but notably Mercs as we see so many, is to buy the very best you can find or afford, regardless of engine size, spec or colour. I think there's a lot in that, as a car bought for sentimental reasons, to do a low mileage each year, won't be satisfying if it proves unreliable or costly, so absolutely get the best you can find.

However, you sound like you'll be keeping it for a long time, so buy what you want and can live with in the long term. Get a colour you like, and get an engine that is ideal for what you want. Remember that all of the range was suitbale for its day, so they don't become obsolete overnight, but lots of motorway driving will probably favour a bigger engine. If it's pootling you want, any engine will do.

They make a great choice as a usable starter classic, and there are lots around for less than 2k in decent nick.

[CharlesdeGaulle]

mondayo said:

I think something like this would make a lovely weekend wafter for carrying the family about...the mx5 I have doesn't have great rear legroom for the sproglets.
http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Benz-W124-300CE-2...

Just check before you commit. Whilst rear leg room isn't too bad, there really isn't that much in there. It'll be fine for children, but adults would struggle to fit behind me in my A124.

[sparks_E39]

CharlesdeGaulle said:

sparks_E39 said:

Nice! Regarding the earlier comments about needing the bigger engine, I get it, however this won't be doing a lot of miles and will not be used for motorway/long hauls very often. The odd trip from Dorset to North Wales and to Heathrow once a year. I can find a few 2.0's around, the higher powered versions seem a bit thin on the ground. Are the advantages of the 2.6 more high end? We're possibly getting a new car financed through work (discounted as I'm in the motor trade) so it won't be my daily, probably 3-4K a year. Sadly it will live outside, but I can cover it up.

The advice generally offered here with regard to all old cars, but notably Mercs as we see so many, is to buy the very best you can find or afford, regardless of engine size, spec or colour. I think there's a lot in that, as a car bought for sentimental reasons, to do a low mileage each year, won't be satisfying if it proves unreliable or costly, so absolutely get the best you can find.

However, you sound like you'll be keeping it for a long time, so buy what you want and can live with in the long term. Get a colour you like, and get an engine that is ideal for what you want. Remember that all of the range was suitbale for its day, so they don't become obsolete overnight, but lots of motorway driving will probably favour a bigger engine. If it's pootling you want, any engine will do.

They make a great choice as a usable starter classic, and there are lots around for less than 2k in decent nick.

Thank you, I'd rather get a good one yes irrespective of it's engine. The 2.0 must be sufficient on the motorway? Looking at the stats none of them are particularly quick.. I mainly drive around town in Poole and around the Dorset countryside. An open ended question perhaps but what can I expect running costs wise? The E39 530i cost me around £1000-£1500 a year just in maintenance.

[Zonergem]

mondayo said:

And this one is lovely looking. Slightly over thread budget but it's price does at least start with a 5 (just).
I think something like this would make a lovely weekend wafter for carrying the family about...the mx5 I have doesn't have great rear legroom for the sproglets.
http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Benz-W124-300CE-2...

Edited by mondayo on Sunday 26th February 07:55

I got quite excited when Freewheeler first advertised this car in January. Sensible miles, decent sounding provenance etc. First advertised at 6995, now price dropped IIRC.

Turns out the car went through Brightwells last year with rusty wings and general poor condition for £900. I don't begrudge anyone taking a car and doing it up, but I'd want to know exactly what was done and what was ignored/glossed over.

Edited by Zonergem on Sunday 26th February 19:04

[0a]

sparks_E39 said:

CharlesdeGaulle said:

sparks_E39 said:

Nice! Regarding the earlier comments about needing the bigger engine, I get it, however this won't be doing a lot of miles and will not be used for motorway/long hauls very often. The odd trip from Dorset to North Wales and to Heathrow once a year. I can find a few 2.0's around, the higher powered versions seem a bit thin on the ground. Are the advantages of the 2.6 more high end? We're possibly getting a new car financed through work (discounted as I'm in the motor trade) so it won't be my daily, probably 3-4K a year. Sadly it will live outside, but I can cover it up.

The advice generally offered here with regard to all old cars, but notably Mercs as we see so many, is to buy the very best you can find or afford, regardless of engine size, spec or colour. I think there's a lot in that, as a car bought for sentimental reasons, to do a low mileage each year, won't be satisfying if it proves unreliable or costly, so absolutely get the best you can find.

However, you sound like you'll be keeping it for a long time, so buy what you want and can live with in the long term. Get a colour you like, and get an engine that is ideal for what you want. Remember that all of the range was suitbale for its day, so they don't become obsolete overnight, but lots of motorway driving will probably favour a bigger engine. If it's pootling you want, any engine will do.

They make a great choice as a usable starter classic, and there are lots around for less than 2k in decent nick.

Thank you, I'd rather get a good one yes irrespective of it's engine. The 2.0 must be sufficient on the motorway? Looking at the stats none of them are particularly quick.. I mainly drive around town in Poole and around the Dorset countryside. An open ended question perhaps but what can I expect running costs wise? The E39 530i cost me around £1000-£1500 a year just in maintenance.

I do think it's important to be realistic about the 190. They are old cars now. While they are simple to work on (my mechanic loves them) and you won't get the electrical gremlins of say an e39, age alone means that issues will come up. I spent a reasonable amount on a lowish mile 2.6 and have done ball joints, the speedo cable (also done in my w124, seems to be a common old Merc problem), and all the springs and shocks. The good news is that if you keep an eye out most parts are really cheap. I stockpile them when I see them cheap or there's an offer on. And you only have one wiper blade to replace!

You should also be clear that this is a classic car. The refinement is down on a w124, let alone something like an e39. It only has 4 gears and top is quite low geared. Diff whine at speed is quite common in the 190. On the upside the ride quality is excellent for a small car - far better than a colleague's 320d, and the engine in my 6 cylinder car sounds nice. I also think you won't lose money if you buy right - the 190 seems to be getting more appreciated.

[r129sl]

0a said:

sparks_E39 said:

CharlesdeGaulle said:

sparks_E39 said:

Nice! Regarding the earlier comments about needing the bigger engine, I get it, however this won't be doing a lot of miles and will not be used for motorway/long hauls very often. The odd trip from Dorset to North Wales and to Heathrow once a year. I can find a few 2.0's around, the higher powered versions seem a bit thin on the ground. Are the advantages of the 2.6 more high end? We're possibly getting a new car financed through work (discounted as I'm in the motor trade) so it won't be my daily, probably 3-4K a year. Sadly it will live outside, but I can cover it up.

The advice generally offered here with regard to all old cars, but notably Mercs as we see so many, is to buy the very best you can find or afford, regardless of engine size, spec or colour. I think there's a lot in that, as a car bought for sentimental reasons, to do a low mileage each year, won't be satisfying if it proves unreliable or costly, so absolutely get the best you can find.

However, you sound like you'll be keeping it for a long time, so buy what you want and can live with in the long term. Get a colour you like, and get an engine that is ideal for what you want. Remember that all of the range was suitbale for its day, so they don't become obsolete overnight, but lots of motorway driving will probably favour a bigger engine. If it's pootling you want, any engine will do.

They make a great choice as a usable starter classic, and there are lots around for less than 2k in decent nick.

Thank you, I'd rather get a good one yes irrespective of it's engine. The 2.0 must be sufficient on the motorway? Looking at the stats none of them are particularly quick.. I mainly drive around town in Poole and around the Dorset countryside. An open ended question perhaps but what can I expect running costs wise? The E39 530i cost me around £1000-£1500 a year just in maintenance.

I do think it's important to be realistic about the 190. They are old cars now. While they are simple to work on (my mechanic loves them) and you won't get the electrical gremlins of say an e39, age alone means that issues will come up. I spent a reasonable amount on a lowish mile 2.6 and have done ball joints, the speedo cable (also done in my w124, seems to be a common old Merc problem), and all the springs and shocks. The good news is that if you keep an eye out most parts are really cheap. I stockpile them when I see them cheap or there's an offer on. And you only have one wiper blade to replace!

You should also be clear that this is a classic car. The refinement is down on a w124, let alone something like an e39. It only has 4 gears and top is quite low geared. Diff whine at speed is quite common in the 190. On the upside the ride quality is excellent for a small car - far better than a colleague's 320d, and the engine in my 6 cylinder car sounds nice. I also think you won't lose money if you buy right - the 190 seems to be getting more appreciated.

Oa is right: the 124 is significantly more refined than the 201.

If I were buying another 201, I'd buy the 2.6. It's not about the performance—the car is so light that it feels very agile and sprightly even with the 105bhp petrol engine—it is about the refinement. In automatic form they are running at 3,500 to 4,500rpm at motorway speed and the four cylinder, while sweet enough for a four cylinder, gets more than a little tedious. Ross was right: charming though the Spartan is, it's a pain on long distances and doesn't get used for such.

I am a dissenting voice to the buy-the-best-you-can-afford advice. In my experience, just about all 124s and 201s have serious backlog maintenance requirements. I prefer to buy towards the cheaper end of the market in the knowledge that I will have to fettle pretty much everything during the first year of ownership but I will then have a car in which I am confident. So far as I can tell, all the pricey cars have is a bit more shine and a bit less rust and a lot more £££. They still need new suspension and loads of other bits. The attitude to vehicle maintenance in the UK is appalling. Hardly anybody maintains his car: most just let it slowly decline and keep up a happy state of denial.

[ian316]

r129sl said:

Oa is right: the 124 is significantly more refined than the 201.

If I were buying another 201, I'd buy the 2.6. It's not about the performance—the car is so light that it feels very agile and sprightly even with the 105bhp petrol engine—it is about the refinement. In automatic form they are running at 3,500 to 4,500rpm at motorway speed and the four cylinder, while sweet enough for a four cylinder, gets more than a little tedious. Ross was right: charming though the Spartan is, it's a pain on long distances and doesn't get used for such.

I am a dissenting voice to the buy-the-best-you-can-afford advice. In my experience, just about all 124s and 201s have serious backlog maintenance requirements. I prefer to buy towards the cheaper end of the market in the knowledge that I will have to fettle pretty much everything during the first year of ownership but I will then have a car in which I am confident. So far as I can tell, all the pricey cars have is a bit more shine and a bit less rust and a lot more £££. They still need new suspension and loads of other bits. The attitude to vehicle maintenance in the UK is appalling. Hardly anybody maintains his car: most just let it slowly decline and keep up a happy state of denial.

You sounds like your describing most of my neighbours, whenever i'm doing something to my car the question is always what's broke on it now, explaining your just checking things over has them baffled

[Jimmy Recard]

Every Wednesday lunch time at my old job I used to go and check oil, coolant and tyres on my car. The receptionist wandered over one day and it went something like this:

"Your car is always broken."
"Eh? It's never broken once in the entire time I've had it. New brake discs is about all I've ever put on it."
"So why is the bonnet always open?"
"Every so often I just have a look at the oil and coolant to check it's working properly."
"Why?"
"As I said, to make sure it's working properly."
"That's really sad."

And she sauntered back to reception.

[0a]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I think you are right here cmoose. But so is r129. I'm of the opinion that overpaying for old mercs is a false economy - they all need the wings sorting, a respray, and all suspension conponents replaced. Merc engines of this era are fine at 50k or 250k. I've never had a problem there.

I have 10 days of holiday to take in march. I might drive over to Eastern Europe rather than flying - I will take the w124 as it has the highest reliability factor of all my cars.

Edited by 0a on Sunday 26th February 14:08

[E24man]

Jimmy Recard said:

Every Wednesday lunch time at my old job I used to go and check oil, coolant and tyres on my car. The receptionist wandered over one day and it went something like this:

"Your car is always broken."
"Eh? It's never broken once in the entire time I've had it. New brake discs is about all I've ever put on it."
"So why is the bonnet always open?"
"Every so often I just have a look at the oil and coolant to check it's working properly."
"Why?"
"As I said, to make sure it's working properly."
"That's really sad."

And she sauntered back to reception.

Oh come on PH, I'll have to do it if you're all slacking.

Was she fit?

[CharlesdeGaulle]

It's easy to catastroph-ise old car ownership. Sure, you can 'do a Jonathan' and make the car as good as it ever was, undoing years of neglect. Most of us, maybe Lowtimer aside, won't ever do that. And, I'd argue, for most of us it isn't necessary. There will be normal maintenance, and probably some restorative maintenance, but it's usually manageable and fairly predictable. I've had quite a few old cars, and I like to think they have been well looked after in my care, and some have been significantly improved. Not one of them has cost me anything like the amount I'd have lost in depreciation on a modern, and as a happy accident I've managed to sell virtually all my cars for more than I paid.

This chap wants a car that reminds him of a much-loved relative, to do 4k a year in, and which will live outside. In the context of his e39 vs 201 question, the 190 is a no-brainer at his budget, which is closer to bottom thread limit than top. I say go for it.

[CharlesdeGaulle]

E24man said:

Oh come on PH, I'll have to do it if you're all slacking.

Was she fit?

A fair question. A similarly fair observation is that Jimmy Recard's chat-up sucks!

[W00DY]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I remember that. Still properly lovely although I preferred my Barolo and cream combination.

[mccrackenj]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Has been for sale for weeks, I would have thought someone would snap it up at that price. Maybe not so great in the metal as is in pics?

[Jimmy Recard]

E24man said:

Oh come on PH, I'll have to do it if you're all slacking.

Was she fit?

Not bad actually, but she had a real meathead boyfriend and she was pretty unpleasant as a person

[mccrackenj]

W00DY said:

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I remember that. Still properly lovely although I preferred my Barolo and cream combination.

I remember the pics of yours, lovely colour. Wasn't it, for want of a better term, 'one coat' paint too? i.e. not clearcoat over base? I would have loved to have a go at that with a machine polisher & some top quality polishes & waxes.