My 1988 Mercedes W126 560SEC & Clio 182
Discussion
Well in my efforts at procrastinating to put off writing a report I thought I would make a thread about my cars. Apologies for the bad photography skills.
Out for a trip last winter
During last summers road trip (bottom right of piccy)
Anyone recognize the place?
The Clio has been superb. I bought it about 17 months ago, and since then it has only needed 3 lightbulbs. I also replaced the tires with Michelin PS3s and the difference is superb, the grip is hugely improved in both wet and dry conditions. It went on a 2500 mile road trip round the alps and the Mediterranean last summer and performed fantastically. It is a joy to drive and is currently averaging 39mpg on a mixed cycle with no effort at all at driving economically! Dead chuffed with it, I was thinking I would keep it for 3 years or so before getting something else but I have now decided to keep it indefinitely as I can't think of anything else that could offer the same blend of fun, practicality, reliability and cheapness.
The beast:
Some sticker action
Half a rain forest and many cows died to make the interior
At a PH meet
The 560 is just the most effortless thing I have ever had the pleasure of being in. I've only had it a few months but am loving it so far. The boot is vast and it seats 4 in comfort. The seats are the most comfy chairs I have ever sat in, with 10 way electrical adjustment and two level heating
. The performance is deceptive, it doesn't feel fast as it is so quiet and smooth but stomp on the go pedal and there is a bit of a rumble, a shove in the back and then very quickly some very naughty numbers on the speedo! Currently it is averaging about 23-24mpg but I suspect only because I drive it in such a lazy fashion. Still, for a big V8 barge that really isn't bad at all I think. The 90L gives a decent 400 mile range.
It recently took me and two friends to Paris and back for a weekend and fitted an entire apartments worth of belongings in the boot on the way back with space to spare! The French police seemed to think I must be drug dealer or pimp though, as at the port an the way home we got searched very thoroughly by 7 armed French police and asked questions about exactly what we were doing for about half an hour
.
Anyway, feel free to comment
Out for a trip last winter
During last summers road trip (bottom right of piccy)
Anyone recognize the place?
The Clio has been superb. I bought it about 17 months ago, and since then it has only needed 3 lightbulbs. I also replaced the tires with Michelin PS3s and the difference is superb, the grip is hugely improved in both wet and dry conditions. It went on a 2500 mile road trip round the alps and the Mediterranean last summer and performed fantastically. It is a joy to drive and is currently averaging 39mpg on a mixed cycle with no effort at all at driving economically! Dead chuffed with it, I was thinking I would keep it for 3 years or so before getting something else but I have now decided to keep it indefinitely as I can't think of anything else that could offer the same blend of fun, practicality, reliability and cheapness.
The beast:
Some sticker action
Half a rain forest and many cows died to make the interior
At a PH meet
The 560 is just the most effortless thing I have ever had the pleasure of being in. I've only had it a few months but am loving it so far. The boot is vast and it seats 4 in comfort. The seats are the most comfy chairs I have ever sat in, with 10 way electrical adjustment and two level heating
. The performance is deceptive, it doesn't feel fast as it is so quiet and smooth but stomp on the go pedal and there is a bit of a rumble, a shove in the back and then very quickly some very naughty numbers on the speedo! Currently it is averaging about 23-24mpg but I suspect only because I drive it in such a lazy fashion. Still, for a big V8 barge that really isn't bad at all I think. The 90L gives a decent 400 mile range. It recently took me and two friends to Paris and back for a weekend and fitted an entire apartments worth of belongings in the boot on the way back with space to spare! The French police seemed to think I must be drug dealer or pimp though, as at the port an the way home we got searched very thoroughly by 7 armed French police and asked questions about exactly what we were doing for about half an hour
.Anyway, feel free to comment
.ReaperCushions said:
What sort of reddies does one have to part with to aquire such a beast?
Anywhere from £1500 for a slightly dodgy one to £7k for an absolute minter. Good value I think for what you get!davepoth said:
One would hope you dress like a pimp in the Merc.
I've got me some of these in there, 80s shades for an 80s machine 
. Top Gun shades
Still working on the pimp suit.
Martin_Hx said:
My old man has the 560 SEL, which i think is the same but 4 door ? Anyway dont shoot me if im wrong
Its one of the best waftmobiles around, stick your foot down and it just gets much quicker ! Very very comfy aswell, electric everything and pretty bullet proof !
Yes, same engine in the long wheelbase 4 door saloon body. They are pretty much the last word in wafting luxury!Its one of the best waftmobiles around, stick your foot down and it just gets much quicker ! Very very comfy aswell, electric everything and pretty bullet proof !
dbdb said:
Lovely old thing, the Merc. I remember adverts for those Italvolanti steering wheels in the late '80s. They were frighteningly expensive.
I didn't know anything about them until I read that and then googled them! I like it, nothing like the feel of leather gloves on polished walnut to make you feel good about the world. gf15 said:
The 560 is a wonderful machine!
Well done!
Thanks Well done!
RS133 said:
Top of the San Bernadino Pass?
Yep , awesome road.RS133 said:
Did you notice any effects of the altitude on the engine? Mine hated the lack of oxygen.
Really noticed a drop in willingness to rev and it's torque. That was immediately solved at lower altitudes.
Yes, there was a noticeable drop in power at altitude. There was plenty left though so it wasn't too much of an issue. We also found that we got altitude headaches on the really high passes, particularly on the Col de la Bonnette! Really noticed a drop in willingness to rev and it's torque. That was immediately solved at lower altitudes.
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