Best smoker barges 1-5 large [Vol 13]
Discussion
E65Ross said:
Yes, 2 weeks is a bit short. Under my ownership it went 3 weeks without starting at some point and was fine. Maybe a solar trickle charger is an option?
Tried one of those, made bugger all difference 
I think the only real solution is a new battery and getting it properly registered to the car. It's MOT time in a few weeks, i'll see what happens at that before I make any decision.
SimonTheSailor said:
derin100 said:
SimonTheSailor said:
derin100 said:
What are these like ? Are they from the age of ruinous rust ?
https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mercedes-ben...
Sounds like it isn't just the rust on wings and sills you have to worry about, its all around the suspension mountings where it can fall away.
Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):
corrosion of front and rear suspension components
Hmm.
K12beano said:
derin100 said:
Does Palmier have more than one alias or disguise?
As I have (obviously) met the true M. Palmier, I would say (guess) that I think there are other Fleabay sellers simply doing a similar “thing”.The true M. P wouldn’t need multiple accounts (unless particularly dodgy) and the chap I met was a genuine sort with a credible story... and still only sells just a few cars.
That’s my tuppence anyway
Maybe is an alias account actually!
dscam said:
K12beano said:
derin100 said:
Does Palmier have more than one alias or disguise?
As I have (obviously) met the true M. Palmier, I would say (guess) that I think there are other Fleabay sellers simply doing a similar “thing”.The true M. P wouldn’t need multiple accounts (unless particularly dodgy) and the chap I met was a genuine sort with a credible story... and still only sells just a few cars.
That’s my tuppence anyway
Maybe is an alias account actually!
longblackcoat said:
That was certainly my experience - the car rusted simply everywhere. Loved the engine and gearbox, the smoothness of the ride and the general Mercedesness, but that was the worst car I’ve ever had for rust. Somewhat ironically, my current S211 is the best car for shrugging off, well, everything. At 14 years and 200k miles it still has not a spot of corrosion on the body, and mother other than surface discolouration on the underside.
Good to see you on here, LBC. Very much used to enjoy your contributions on autoshi*e. SimonTheSailor said:
Looks a lovely car and wouldn't mind wafting around in it. Doesn't sound like HonestJohn and his team like it ! -
https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mercedes-ben...
Sounds like it isn't just the rust on wings and sills you have to worry about, its all around the suspension mountings where it can fall away.
That site is highly variable in terms of the usefulness of the advice. A lot of their reports are hysterical nonsense while they they miss out on the really useful stuff that is common knowledge on owners forums. https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mercedes-ben...
Sounds like it isn't just the rust on wings and sills you have to worry about, its all around the suspension mountings where it can fall away.
However I have to agree with them about the W210, you would need to inspect it incredibly thoroughly for rust. I can't think of any post mid 90s cars that rot structurally (well, everywhere) in the way that the W210 can do, not even cheap disposable stuff like the Ford Ka. I looked at them around 7 or 8 years ago and gave up after looking at over half a dozen "mint" cars only to find they were completely rotten.
If that car had come from any other manufacturer it would be forgotten or a complete joke.
dme123 said:
SimonTheSailor said:
Looks a lovely car and wouldn't mind wafting around in it. Doesn't sound like HonestJohn and his team like it ! -
https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mercedes-ben...
Sounds like it isn't just the rust on wings and sills you have to worry about, its all around the suspension mountings where it can fall away.
That site is highly variable in terms of the usefulness of the advice. A lot of their reports are hysterical nonsense while they they miss out on the really useful stuff that is common knowledge on owners forums. https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mercedes-ben...
Sounds like it isn't just the rust on wings and sills you have to worry about, its all around the suspension mountings where it can fall away.
However I have to agree with them about the W210, you would need to inspect it incredibly thoroughly for rust. I can't think of any post mid 90s cars that rot structurally (well, everywhere) in the way that the W210 can do, not even cheap disposable stuff like the Ford Ka. I looked at them around 7 or 8 years ago and gave up after looking at over half a dozen "mint" cars only to find they were completely rotten.
If that car had come from any other manufacturer it would be forgotten or a complete joke.
(TBH If it was a good one, I probably still wouldn't have bought it for her. I couldn't do that to the car! How do you destroy an E39 with 62K miles on the clock? Ask my sister, she'll show you how!)
derin100 said:
Hmmm... I guess I won't be following the auction as a potential replacement for my sister then who lives in Hastings (-on- sea!) and does know the arse end of a sponge and car shampoo from anything else!
(TBH If it was a good one, I probably still wouldn't have bought it for her. I couldn't do that to the car! How do you destroy an E39 with 62K miles on the clock? Ask my sister, she'll show you how!)
To counter my own point, well known threadist R129sl has an E430 saloon that he rates highly. How about a V70? My ex-OH destroys every car through horrendous abuse, inept driving, and neglect but her T5 stood up to the most horrendous treatment without issue. It got oil top ups only when I drove it and noticed the oil light flickering: "oh yes it does that all the time".(TBH If it was a good one, I probably still wouldn't have bought it for her. I couldn't do that to the car! How do you destroy an E39 with 62K miles on the clock? Ask my sister, she'll show you how!)
Her 3 year old XC60 is already starting to have a rather shagged out feel to it
Lowtimer said:
NitJay said:
Don’t worry, I’ll let you know if he tries to WBAC it and I don’t go for it....I’m a bit put off by these tales of sudden rust and I have concern over anything with an auto box at this mileage.
Out of interest what’s wrong with the 528i, is it just that the later 530i was more powerful? I have a real soft spot for an I6 but I would guess the 540i is the favoured variant around here.
A lot of us prefer the 2.8 or 3.0 six to the V8, especially as manuals are reasonably widely available. The 2.8 is lovely and so is the 3.0. The 2.8 has better throttle response as it's a cable throttle rather than the electronic type but the 3.0 has significantly more oomph, and while the 2.8 is exceptionally tuneful, the 3.0 is a lot nicer sounding than the more modern sixes.Out of interest what’s wrong with the 528i, is it just that the later 530i was more powerful? I have a real soft spot for an I6 but I would guess the 540i is the favoured variant around here.
Edited by Lowtimer on Saturday 23 February 13:55
Edit: I’m a fan of the w210 but they do rust. Mine seems fine underneath but the fringes of the body are starting to go. I don’t think I’ll titivate it. However, it is a superb long-distance car. I’ve done 300miles today, four up, at very high speed, and it was a great companion. Otley to Northumberland in 1hr45, if you must know.
Edited by r129sl on Saturday 23 February 21:45
Finally bought something today!
It was a toss up between a W211 E320 estate and a Legacy 3.0R estate. I went with the Legacy in the end. The Merc had my spidey senses tingling. The Legacy is a nice straight example and hopefully the cylinder count allows entry? Big sunroof and cream leather interior make it a nice place to be. The drivetrain is incredibly smooth and I'm hoping the mpg doesn't prove to be too ruiness as it will only be doing around 4k miles a year.
Picking it up on Monday evening so I'll post a few pics then.
It was a toss up between a W211 E320 estate and a Legacy 3.0R estate. I went with the Legacy in the end. The Merc had my spidey senses tingling. The Legacy is a nice straight example and hopefully the cylinder count allows entry? Big sunroof and cream leather interior make it a nice place to be. The drivetrain is incredibly smooth and I'm hoping the mpg doesn't prove to be too ruiness as it will only be doing around 4k miles a year.
Picking it up on Monday evening so I'll post a few pics then.
Lowtimer said:
NitJay said:
Don’t worry, I’ll let you know if he tries to WBAC it and I don’t go for it....I’m a bit put off by these tales of sudden rust and I have concern over anything with an auto box at this mileage.
Out of interest what’s wrong with the 528i, is it just that the later 530i was more powerful? I have a real soft spot for an I6 but I would guess the 540i is the favoured variant around here.
A lot of us prefer the 2.8 or 3.0 six to the V8, especially as manuals are reasonably widely available. The 2.8 is lovely and so is the 3.0. The 2.8 has better throttle response as it's a cable throttle rather than the electronic type but the 3.0 has significantly more oomph, and while the 2.8 is exceptionally tuneful, the 3.0 is a lot nicer sounding than the more modern sixes.Out of interest what’s wrong with the 528i, is it just that the later 530i was more powerful? I have a real soft spot for an I6 but I would guess the 540i is the favoured variant around here.
Some have posted that E39s are that old and the suspension possibly so worn that most us wouldn't notice, but the I6 E39s have rack and pinion steering so may have purer, more wholesome steering than the V8s.
Some V8 E39s have watercooled alternators which is an expensive job if that needs sorting. Alternator replacement can also be a pain on the transverse V6 Alfas too.
Another thing about the 528i is it seems many may have delivered more than the quoted BHP figures.
derin100 said:
Hmmm... I guess I won't be following the auction as a potential replacement for my sister then who lives in Hastings (-on- sea!) and does know the arse end of a sponge and car shampoo from anything else!
(TBH If it was a good one, I probably still wouldn't have bought it for her. I couldn't do that to the car! How do you destroy an E39 with 62K miles on the clock? Ask my sister, she'll show you how!)
I know I sound like a broken record, but a 211 (post facelift) for your sister would likely be as bulletproof as you can get. No realistic problems with rust, no SBC, and the engines just run and run. Only real issue is springs (fronts can simply snap) and (potentially) injector seals on the diesels.(TBH If it was a good one, I probably still wouldn't have bought it for her. I couldn't do that to the car! How do you destroy an E39 with 62K miles on the clock? Ask my sister, she'll show you how!)
I too am a fan of the w210 drivetrain, but also fell victim to the tinworm. In my case it let water in and fried some electrics just before Christmas, so I abandoned it at my local garage.... He fixed it in his spare time over 6 weeks and moved it on. A solid one is a very good car though.
carinaman said:
Thanks Lowtimer. I didn't know that the 528i had a mechanical rather than electronic throttle linkage...
I could have sworn the throttle on my late, double Vanos 528i had an electronic throttle? I think it was only the earlier, single Vanos E39 528i that had a mechanical linkage. The engine felt strong though.carinaman said:
Some have posted that E39s are that old and the suspension possibly so worn that most us wouldn't notice, but the I6 E39s have rack and pinion steering so may have purer, more wholesome steering than the V8s.
At their present ages of 15 to 24 years old all E39s have shagged suspension unless they have had it properly rebuilt within living memory, meaning ALL the bushes, including rear subframe, and dampers. Quite possibly top mounts (especially if it's been on bigger than 17" wheels and/or some sort of lowered aftermarket suspension). For cars in good order the steering is perfectly acceptable on the V8 models but it is better on the sixes. On a petrol six you can also feel the reduction in front-end weight over either the diesel six (iron block rather than light alloy, plus the weight of the turbo and intercooler gubbins) or the petrol V8 (just big and heavy, plus different and heavier steering and front suspension).
A manual 530i is about 140kg lighter than an auto 540i and that's about eight per cent, most of it at the front. It makes quite a difference. A 528i is about another 35kg lighter than a 530i, so 175 kg, 10 per cent lighter in total than a 540i slusher, and the equivalent of two pie eaters.
The 530i is also 85 kg lighter than the diesel 530d, only one pie eater but it still makes a definite difference to the agility. My 530i turns in a lot more eagerly than my 525d or 530D used to,
Edited by Lowtimer on Saturday 23 February 23:21
Waaay over budget. And not really enough cylinders. But the lack of miles 
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1083835
However it looks odd in this pic as if the body and wheels have been badly photoshopped together. Or were they all so high?
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1083835
However it looks odd in this pic as if the body and wheels have been badly photoshopped together. Or were they all so high?
Lowtimer said:
carinaman said:
Some have posted that E39s are that old and the suspension possibly so worn that most us wouldn't notice, but the I6 E39s have rack and pinion steering so may have purer, more wholesome steering than the V8s.
At their present ages of 15 to 24 years old all E39s have shagged suspension unless they have had it properly rebuilt within living memory, meaning ALL the bushes, including rear subframe, and dampers. Quite possibly top mounts (especially if it's been on bigger than 17" wheels and/or some sort of lowered aftermarket suspension). For cars in good order the steering is perfectly acceptable on the V8 models but it is better on the sixes. On a petrol six you can also feel the reduction in front-end weight over either the diesel six (iron block rather than light alloy, plus the weight of the turbo and intercooler gubbins) or the petrol V8 (just big and heavy, plus different and heavier steering and front suspension).
A manual 530i is about 140kg lighter than an auto 540i and that's about eight per cent, most of it at the front. It makes quite a difference. A 528i is about another 35kg lighter than a 530i, so 175 kg, 10 per cent lighter in total than a 540i slusher, and the equivalent of two pie eaters.
The 530i is also 85 kg lighter than the diesel 530d, only one pie eater but it still makes a definite difference to the agility. My 530i turns in a lot more eagerly than my 525d or 530D used to,
Edited by Lowtimer on Saturday 23 February 23:21
With a reference to the 535i as a six, I imagine you are talking about the E34 rather than the E39, in which case I would agree.
In E39 form, I think there are many roads and conditions where a manual 530i is as quick, or quicker than an automatic 540i. If it's any combination of twisty, tight, bumpy or wet/greasy I would be very confident in that.
At the other extreme, flat out on the autobahn the 540i is 5 mph faster, but will have to stop more often for fuel.
Stuff in the middle, traffic-lights GP or point-and-squirt A-roads connecting roundabouts, the 540i will of course ease away quite happily. Autocar's original road test 528i did 0-100 in 18 secs, which is none too shabby even today, A 540i auto is about 16 secs 0-100, so quite a lot faster. Manual 540i significantly better than that.
In E39 form, I think there are many roads and conditions where a manual 530i is as quick, or quicker than an automatic 540i. If it's any combination of twisty, tight, bumpy or wet/greasy I would be very confident in that.
At the other extreme, flat out on the autobahn the 540i is 5 mph faster, but will have to stop more often for fuel.
Stuff in the middle, traffic-lights GP or point-and-squirt A-roads connecting roundabouts, the 540i will of course ease away quite happily. Autocar's original road test 528i did 0-100 in 18 secs, which is none too shabby even today, A 540i auto is about 16 secs 0-100, so quite a lot faster. Manual 540i significantly better than that.
No, I meant the E39 I6 530i would keep pace with an E39 V8 535i but not the larger V8's. The I6 exceptions would be be the Alpina 3.2's and 3.3's with 540i matching pace, but even those would stuggle against the Alpina V8 & V8S, M5 and Hartge offerings.
With nigh on 50bhp and 100lb/ft short on the 540i I'm far from convinced of your assertions of the performance of the 530i; you're effectively saying a 228bhp 530i would keep pace with a 265bhp Alpina B10 3.2, a 280bhp Alpina B10 3.3 and a 286bhp 540i... really?
Spot on about the age of the E39 steering and suspension components now though; and nowhere near as durable as the previous generations components.
With nigh on 50bhp and 100lb/ft short on the 540i I'm far from convinced of your assertions of the performance of the 530i; you're effectively saying a 228bhp 530i would keep pace with a 265bhp Alpina B10 3.2, a 280bhp Alpina B10 3.3 and a 286bhp 540i... really?
Spot on about the age of the E39 steering and suspension components now though; and nowhere near as durable as the previous generations components.
Edited by E24man on Sunday 24th February 08:38
Salmonofdoubt said:
Waaay over budget. And not really enough cylinders. But the lack of miles
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1083835
However it looks odd in this pic as if the body and wheels have been badly photoshopped together. Or were they all so high?
Whilst nice, I think it's priced oddly. I can understand it being more expensive, but are there really (m)any people willing to part with £17k for a 2 litre 190E? I presume it's a 2, not a 1.8?https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1083835
However it looks odd in this pic as if the body and wheels have been badly photoshopped together. Or were they all so high?
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