Best smoker barges 1-5 large [vol11]

[namealreadytaken]

Just a barge update really. The car just ticked over 156k, all is well.

In the past month I changed a couple of bulbs, put a new head unit in and cleaned it once. Nothing else to report really, it keeps on wafting along. Tomorrow I intend to flush and change the coolant system as I am unsure when it was last done. My side project is rebuilding a spare set of front seats with new foam supports from a W124 (common alteration for more support) and making sure the springs are not broken.

The new head unit has bluetooth, has a microphone and DAB which is nice to have. it is a bit too modern and I know I will be frowned upon but I managed to match the colours fairly well and it sounds much better with my new speakers.

Some photos:








I know my side parking area has little to be desired, no gravel ETC etc

[ian316]

Gravels not all it's cracked up to be, if you're doing your own maintenance believe me

[CharlesdeGaulle]

This currently represents the shiniest bit of my as-yet-undriven 1973 Merc 350 SLC.



Bonnet needed to be resprayed to address some cracking, along with a load of less photogenic but perhaps rather more important work that is underway. This includes under-body welding and bulkhead repairs, as well as really important stuff like restoration of the chrome windscreen wipers (seriously).

Some might recall that this was an advised-against auction purchase, bought unseen (natch) car that was (sort-of) bought on a whim. So far, all I've done of any substance is to commit to expenditure. I have actually seen it in the metal though, and it was something of a relief that I didn't feel suicidal after that. More details here in due course if they'd be welcome, and probably a Reader's Thread once I have the car in my possession and have a driving impression to offer.

[Big Pants]

StrokesUK said:

Definitely go 3.0, I'm getting around 33mpg at the pump on mine not driving like a nun, engine is wonderful. Much smoother and more refined, much much more powerful, and even more reliable. I do believe it is barely any heavier as well.

I've been running a 3.0R Spec B for 3 years now, 55 plate so £270 VED, if I remember correctly. At the right end of the band, anyway.

The H6 is a wonderful engine that just keeps on giving until you run out of bravery and the car's comfortable and utterly surefooted. It's also been incredibly reliable, tyres, the inevitable exhaust fix (replaced with a stainless steel one) at the Y piece and, perhaps strangely, 2 batteries have been the major expenditure other than routine servicing, which is every 10k. I get 23.7 regardless of town or motorway, unless I find the patience and requirement for 100 miles+ with the cruise control at 70, in which case I've seen 30+ MPG. But you don't buy one for MPG.

Definitely go 3.0!

[hornetrider]

Have we had this E500 Elegance estate yet?

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252973712466

Seems very thread in JRB and tiny wheels.

[r129sl]

CharlesdeGaulle said:

This currently represents the shiniest bit of my as-yet-undriven 1973 Merc 350 SLC.



Bonnet needed to be resprayed to address some cracking, along with a load of less photogenic but perhaps rather more important work that is underway. This includes under-body welding and bulkhead repairs, as well as really important stuff like restoration of the chrome windscreen wipers (seriously).

Some might recall that this was an advised-against auction purchase, bought unseen (natch) car that was (sort-of) bought on a whim. So far, all I've done of any substance is to commit to expenditure. I have actually seen it in the metal though, and it was something of a relief that I didn't feel suicidal after that. More details here in due course if they'd be welcome, and probably a Reader's Thread once I have the car in my possession and have a driving impression to offer.

I really don't think this will let you down if you titivate it nicely. You have hankered after one for a while—a bit odd, the SLC being the gentleman's coupé and all that, but we can all dream —they are seriously good to drive and very useable, and unless I am a banana they have some shooting up in value to do yet. I'd be interested in a Reader's Ride thread.

[Krikkit]

I'd be very much interested in some more CdG, lovely things!

[CharlesdeGaulle]

idiotgap said:

If the mexican hats alloys you have are the same size as mine you might be able to get some relatively cheap michelins. I think most however are slightly larger, harder to find tyres for and not cheap.

Idiotgap - My current tyres are 205 70 R14. Are they the same size as yours?

Any thoughts anyone? I've discovered a Nexen or a Semperit in that size, but not a sensibly-priced Michelin. I may get the white walls swapped so that the band is on the inside, but new tyres probably make sense anyway. Are Nexen and Semperit decent?

[Krikkit]

Generally Nexens are pretty good - not as good as a top-drawer Michelin etc, but decent mid-range. I'd certainly take a new set over some old whitewalls.

[mattwhite709]

Managed to pick up my first BMW/RWD/estate and love it so far all for £1,250.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/282493938561?_trksid=p20...

It does need the air con re gassing and a set of new front wipers but I am very happy with it so far.

[0a]

CharlesdeGaulle said:

This currently represents the shiniest bit of my as-yet-undriven 1973 Merc 350 SLC.



Bonnet needed to be resprayed to address some cracking, along with a load of less photogenic but perhaps rather more important work that is underway. This includes under-body welding and bulkhead repairs, as well as really important stuff like restoration of the chrome windscreen wipers (seriously).

Some might recall that this was an advised-against auction purchase, bought unseen (natch) car that was (sort-of) bought on a whim. So far, all I've done of any substance is to commit to expenditure. I have actually seen it in the metal though, and it was something of a relief that I didn't feel suicidal after that. More details here in due course if they'd be welcome, and probably a Reader's Thread once I have the car in my possession and have a driving impression to offer.

What a lovely bonnet you have CDG!

You'll do fine out of this in the end no doubt. Your appreciation is paying for these works.

[tog]

CharlesdeGaulle said:

Idiotgap - My current tyres are 205 70 R14. Are they the same size as yours?

Any thoughts anyone? I've discovered a Nexen or a Semperit in that size, but not a sensibly-priced Michelin. I may get the white walls swapped so that the band is on the inside, but new tyres probably make sense anyway. Are Nexen and Semperit decent?

Blockley do a 205 70 R14. £189 each (not sure if that is + or inc VAT), so cheaper than a Cinturato but still not exactly sensible.

[TiminYorkshire]

StrokesUK said:

Definitely go 3.0, I'm getting around 33mpg at the pump on mine not driving like a nun, engine is wonderful. Much smoother and more refined, much much more powerful, and even more reliable. I do believe it is barely any heavier as well.

Is that in Outback or Legacy flavor, auto or manual? Does sound good...

Edited by TiminYorkshire on Tuesday 6th June 08:47

[nobrakes]

hornetrider said:

Have we had this E500 Elegance estate yet?

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252973712466

Seems very thread in JRB and tiny wheels.

Too many accessories. I'd want a "Classic" model. Seriously though, ok they are not hot hatches, but surely very Q/sleeperish.

[Krikkit]

What a dreadful advert as well - it's a wonder they make any money at all with such dreadful pictures and pitiful descriptions...

[r129sl]

nobrakes said:

hornetrider said:

Have we had this E500 Elegance estate yet?

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252973712466

Seems very thread in JRB and tiny wheels.

Too many accessories. I'd want a "Classic" model. Seriously though, ok they are not hot hatches, but surely very Q/sleeperish.

MBUK in its dictatorish wisdom did not permit the E500 to be purchased in Classic trim.

That car looks a bit tatty to me. But it could be a very nice, low key fast and comfortable estate car. It has nappa leather, which is 1000 times nicer than the standard issue stuff.

[Krikkit]

I presume the way to tell is that the plastileather is perforated, but the Nappa isn't? I bow to your beard r129

[Speed addicted]

SilverSixer said:

hornetrider said:

sawman said:

Easternlight said:

Don't these suffer the curse of £500 VED?

Depends on the year, i think the later models with the SI drive carry the 500 ved. Mine does and has the SI. When I bought it, the 3.0 versions were typically cheaper, possibly because folks were put off by the tax bill. In fact I looked at a 4 cyl model at the time, it was the same spec apart from the motor and 2k more expensive, man maths dictated that this would pay for several years tax. There is little difference in the mpg
I have had it for 3.5 years and 65k miles, its a great car, I cant think of a better allrounder, except maybe a polestar v60

Just need to buy one 55 plate or earlier to get cheaper tax. 500 tax kicks in March 06 on 06 plates.

2.5s need cambelts, 3.0s are chain. So deploy some man maths and never mind the VED. I'd have a 3.0, obvs preferably a 55 or earlier though.

To be fair the cambelt needs changed at 60k miles, it's not like you'll be doing it every year.
I have the 2.5 it's decent enough but not exactly a rocket. I do kind of hanker after the 3.0, or a 2.5 turbo from the Impreza.

When I bought mine this year the 3.0s were as lot more expensive, my left knee is on the way out so a move to an auto 3.0 may be on the cards at some point!

[SilverSixer]

Speed addicted said:

SilverSixer said:

hornetrider said:

sawman said:

Easternlight said:

Don't these suffer the curse of £500 VED?

Depends on the year, i think the later models with the SI drive carry the 500 ved. Mine does and has the SI. When I bought it, the 3.0 versions were typically cheaper, possibly because folks were put off by the tax bill. In fact I looked at a 4 cyl model at the time, it was the same spec apart from the motor and 2k more expensive, man maths dictated that this would pay for several years tax. There is little difference in the mpg
I have had it for 3.5 years and 65k miles, its a great car, I cant think of a better allrounder, except maybe a polestar v60

Just need to buy one 55 plate or earlier to get cheaper tax. 500 tax kicks in March 06 on 06 plates.

2.5s need cambelts, 3.0s are chain. So deploy some man maths and never mind the VED. I'd have a 3.0, obvs preferably a 55 or earlier though.

To be fair the cambelt needs changed at 60k miles, it's not like you'll be doing it every year.
I have the 2.5 it's decent enough but not exactly a rocket. I do kind of hanker after the 3.0, or a 2.5 turbo from the Impreza.

When I bought mine this year the 3.0s were as lot more expensive, my left knee is on the way out so a move to an auto 3.0 may be on the cards at some point!

I've had two cambelt failures in my life, both on cars within their cambelt service parameters. I now seek out chain driven motors.

~ *twitch, twitch*

[Krikkit]

I've also had a couple of chain failures, now I prefer belts as they're easier to change. I usually shave 20% off the quoted life and do a precautionary change on purchase. I do them myself though, so a lot less costly than sending it to the man.