Best smoker barges 1-5 large [Vol 18]

[Emeye]

plasticpig said:

LetsTryAgain said:

And despite my instinctive aversion to everything VAG, has anyone any experience of these?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Touareg-3-2-Grey-Air...

Petrol, naturally, sensible mileage, longer term ownership and MOT history respectable to say the least.

Edited by LetsTryAgain on Wednesday 7th April 13:12

Indirectly yes. They are a bit like an L322 Range Rover in terms of reliability. At that age they suffer from similar gremlins. The difference being is there is probably a decent indie Land Rover specialist quite close to you to fix an L322.

I always thought the interior on these were really nice. Saying that, a friend had a courtesy Cayenne 3.2 from a Porsche dealership, which is pretty much the bling bling version of these, and he said it was one of the worst most underpowered piles of st he had ever had the misfortune to drive. That may be Porsche expectations, but unless you are going to get a huge engined V10 or W12 or whatever they fitted to the VW, I don't see the point in getting a petrol Toe-rag (those big engines may even have been diesel) - the performance will be the same but the mpg will be poor. You could argue petrol reliability over diesel for shorter journeys, but could this be the same 3.2 engine that gets stretch chain or guide issues on the A3 and Golf R32?

[W00DY]

Emeye said:

plasticpig said:

LetsTryAgain said:

And despite my instinctive aversion to everything VAG, has anyone any experience of these?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Touareg-3-2-Grey-Air...

Petrol, naturally, sensible mileage, longer term ownership and MOT history respectable to say the least.

Edited by LetsTryAgain on Wednesday 7th April 13:12

Indirectly yes. They are a bit like an L322 Range Rover in terms of reliability. At that age they suffer from similar gremlins. The difference being is there is probably a decent indie Land Rover specialist quite close to you to fix an L322.

I always thought the interior on these were really nice. Saying that, a friend had a courtesy Cayenne 3.2 from a Porsche dealership, which is pretty much the bling bling version of these, and he said it was one of the worst most underpowered piles of st he had ever had the misfortune to drive. That may be Porsche expectations, but unless you are going to get a huge engined V10 or W12 or whatever they fitted to the VW, I don't see the point in getting a petrol Toe-rag (those big engines may even have been diesel) - the performance will be the same but the mpg will be poor. You could argue petrol reliability over diesel for shorter journeys, but this could be the same 3.2 engine that gets stretch chain or guide issues on the A3 and Golf R32?

The 3.2 isn't fast, but it's a nice engine that sounds good and is a million times more pleasant than the 2.5 TDI. Miserable fuel economy though, so you might as well get a V8 if you can find one.

[plasticpig]

W00DY said:

The 3.2 isn't fast, but it's a nice engine that sounds good and is a million times more pleasant than the 2.5 TDI. Miserable fuel economy though, so you might as well get a V8 if you can find one.

I have only driven one off road. A V10 diesel. Actually very capable off road and I quite enjoyed it. Loads of torque!

[tobinen]

An acquaintance has a 2.5 derv Toerag and it was so-so reliability-wise from what I gather. Her husband ran an Allroad. He was a QC so had the required deep pockets.

[0a]

Over budget, but I rather like it. 33k mile e34 535.

[Derventio]

Just spotted this:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103220...

The 9-5 Estate really is a handsome thing. Or is that just me?

I'm sure this would appeal to many on here. Actually, come to think of it, If I didn't already have the Skoda Superb Estate semibarge, I reckon I would be on the phone. The last Saab I drove was a 99 with the 1850 triumph engine, fitted with the twin carb manifold and SUs from a Dolomite............

Derventio heads off in search of Saab 99s for sale

Edited by Derventio on Wednesday 7th April 16:13

[Derventio]

A deficit of cylinders but despite wheel trims, a surfeit of class and style compared to a lot of modern stuff!

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103109...

[Derventio]

0a said:

Over budget, but I rather like it. 33k mile e34 535.

You cannot tease us with such a machine and not post a link......

[bolidemichael]

Derventio said:

Just spotted this:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103220...

The 9-5 Estate really is a handsome thing. Or is that just me?

I'm sure this would appeal to many on here. Actually, come to think of it, If I didn't already have the Skoda Superb Estate semibarge, I reckon I would be on the phone. The last Saab I drove was a 99 with the 1850 triumph engine, fitted with the twin carb manifold and SUs from a Dolomite............

Derventio heads off in search of Saab 99s for sale

Edited by Derventio on Wednesday 7th April 16:13

Oof that's lovely.

[cornershop]

Derventio said:

0a said:

Over budget, but I rather like it. 33k mile e34 535.

You cannot tease us with such a machine and not post a link......

This car was for sale privately for a few months - the mileage may not be accurate as a Speedometer change was involved.
Nice otherwise though

[bolidemichael]

dscam said:

bolidemichael said:

TyrannosauRoss Lex said:

bolidemichael said:

TyrannosauRoss Lex said:

What happened to SJ, anyway?

He was here and then, not.

Well yes I gathered that much I was wondering why he'd disappeared.

I couldn't help myself

One infers from the niggardliness of r129sl's update that there is a degree of discretion involved; it's on a need to know basis and we... (blankety blank blank blank).

Intriguingly, we also know that S and J are also the initials of a significant other... possibly a girl with tulips in a basket? Sara Jane? Seductress Juniper?

Splendid deployment of “niggardliness” there Michael. Perhaps unsurprising it is not seen more often in these modern times but I doff my cap nonetheless.

Great to hear that SJ is merely on gardening leave. I look forward to his triumphant return.

Thank you DS. Low tolerance is anathema to a chap raised on Monty Python, Blackadder and the suchlike.

[JeremyH5]

W00DY said:

LetsTryAgain said:

This E39 T in Imola is a bit of me -

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-5-series-sport-tour...

That looks like value to me. A rare and very desirable spec being a 530iT Sport in Imola. Best wishes to you and the Mrs and the new little person.

I agree, barely run in at those miles. If the body is as good as it looks for rust avoidance it would be a good long term prospect.

[Bonefish Blues]

Krikkit said:

Welcome

Which gen of the C70 are you thinking?

Apropos of not much, that second 70 is my car

[Dapster]

2 hours left on the auction and this old girl has only reached £9.5 bags of your sand. I know it's well over the "thread plus sensible margin" but it's featured on these pages before and it looks an absolute minter!



https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/auctions/1996-merc...

[ian316]

LetsTryAgain said:

Standard thread response.

Off topic post myself but Mrs LTA is now in the hospital.
She had a fairly terrible night from 21:30 and didn't really get any sleep at all.
I can't join her due to the general populations appalling capitulation last March - June, but I'll either be picking her up later today to 'progress' at home or I'll be joining her.
Slightly thread end - the S211 will be doing 'first drive home' duties, touch wood.

Edited by LetsTryAgain on Wednesday 7th April 09:21

I wish Mrs LTA all the best

[g3org3y]

ian316 said:

LetsTryAgain said:

Standard thread response.

Off topic post myself but Mrs LTA is now in the hospital.
She had a fairly terrible night from 21:30 and didn't really get any sleep at all.
I can't join her due to the general populations appalling capitulation last March - June, but I'll either be picking her up later today to 'progress' at home or I'll be joining her.
Slightly thread end - the S211 will be doing 'first drive home' duties, touch wood.

Edited by LetsTryAgain on Wednesday 7th April 09:21

I wish Mrs LTA all the best

Echo that. Fingers crossed. Keep us updated LTA.

[B'stard Child]

21st Century Man said:

Many thanks for all the commiserations.

I was progressing the claim through my insurer, but the third party's insurers have contacted me and are taking responsibility, my choice of bodyshop. I've closed off the claim through my insurer.

Somebody pinch me, it's not supposed to be this straightforward right? Famous last words!

They probably don't want the credit hire costs of the equivalent car

My condolences on your recent damage to a very unusual barge

[dscam]

BigBen said:

Derventio said:

In other news, all these pictures of SLs have really fired up the old brain cells. For those that actually run an R230 SL, how problematic is the roof and how susceptible to iron oxidisation are they? Do they have the SBC system as per the E-class of that era?

Edited by Derventio on Wednesday 7th April 08:03

The roof is generally fine as long as you keep an eye on the boot seals and don't allow all the roof motors and electronics to sit at the bottom of a lake.

They do rust a bit in particular around the rear arches but not really anywhere else so not too expensive to sort.

The main worry is the ABC suspension which is capable of throwing up four figure bills on a regular basis, the ones without a proper engine don't have this but then you would only have six cylinders which comes with its own set of problems.

They don't have the same SBC as the E-class so you are ok on that score.

Ben

As an R230 owner I wouldn’t disagree with any of BB’s points.

I would however still heartily recommend an SL350 - it’s by no means lacking in performance for everyday driving and perfectly fine for cruising which after all should be it’s natural habitat. If you look for an 07 or 08 in 3.5 guise you should be fine in avoiding the balance shaft issues but a check of the engine number from one of the many online resources can put your mind at rest. Plenty of 3.7 options out there too. Just don’t get caught out buying one of the very few 350s that were optioned with ABC (tell tale switch beside the gear shift).

I tackled the rear window seal on mine and it has ensured it’s completely watertight. It’s a design flaw on every R230 and remained on the R231. Expect to have to sort it but if done right that should be a one time job. I wrote a detailed thread with pictures on the popular MB fora.

In general the seals on the folding roof should be treated with gummipfledge or similar to keep them supple and effective. Often overlooked.

Panoramic roof is a nice option. The larger AMG alloys enhance the looks a lot IMO but quality tyres will be reassuringly expensive.

Ben also mentions in his other reply issues with water ingress on the near side engine bay causing damage to ECUs. This is almost always due to leaves and debris blocking the very lowest and inaccessible part of air intake. It is often superficially cleaned out by the ‘technician’ but in fact can hide a huge amount of hidden crap - the only sure way is to remove which is a bit labour intensive but otherwise a very good job to tackle yourself and know it’s done properly. The natural drainage route is also inexplicably blocked by a factory grommet which can then also be removed to remedy this issue from future problems.

There are two batteries and both should be 100% to avoid rogue electrical woes. The engine bay mounted one is solely for starting the car. The one in the boot does everything else. If not used regularly make sure a dedicated AGM appropriate trickle charger is used to maintain it.

Like a lot of thread-fodder they are c.£70k cars which have now often been run on a shoe string by grifters and wide boys and moved-on at the first big bill. A decent war chest is needed but I’d say a grand per year would be realistic.

Hope that helps.

[dscam]

g3org3y said:

ian316 said:

LetsTryAgain said:

Standard thread response.

Off topic post myself but Mrs LTA is now in the hospital.
She had a fairly terrible night from 21:30 and didn't really get any sleep at all.
I can't join her due to the general populations appalling capitulation last March - June, but I'll either be picking her up later today to 'progress' at home or I'll be joining her.
Slightly thread end - the S211 will be doing 'first drive home' duties, touch wood.

Edited by LetsTryAgain on Wednesday 7th April 09:21

I wish Mrs LTA all the best

Echo that. Fingers crossed. Keep us updated LTA.

Best wishes LTA.

[BigBen]

dscam said:

I tackled the rear window seal on mine and it has ensured it’s completely watertight. It’s a design flaw on every R230 and remained on the R231. Expect to have to sort it but if done right that should be a one time job. I wrote a detailed thread with pictures on the popular MB fora.

I also did that myself and it wasn't a bad job at all. Also remember amusingly having an argument with someone on here who insisted it was impossible to fix yourself and and only new seals from MB could fix it (which everyone except him knew they don't.)

Good point on the panoramic roof and AMG wheels, mine had both and was all the better for it.