Best smoker barges 1-5 large [Vol 18]
Discussion
I've been tasked to sell my brother-in-laws 2011 E class estate as he "doesn't do all that social media stuff". I've listed on a couple of facebay sites and here, but any other recommendations. Its got high miles so isn't hugely priced and in thread budget, but would like to avoid the "whats your best price bruv" crowd as much as i can! 
Dapster said:
Mini S Class spec C350 with Caramac interior. Barely run in and well specced
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1329549
That's full on "a treat for myself on my retirement" spec, presumably the old boy made it to around 78 and has now hung up his keys https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1329549
. I like it (not sure I've ever said that about a C class before), as Derventio says it's rare to see one without silver plastic trim and black plastic seats, which is a decidedly low rent look.Seats design and leather look more like something you'd find in an "executive coach" than an "executive car" though.
I went into Car and Classic to look at that C350, nice BTW. I noticed quite a few Auction listings pending/coming soon. Is this a new string to their bow in Collecting Cars fashion or have I just not noticed it before?
I wouldn't be in C&C much. In general auctions do seem to be getting more popular.
I wouldn't be in C&C much. In general auctions do seem to be getting more popular.
Another long time lurker here with a purchase to add. The similarities with J_Wood3 do not end there!
After learning the working from home is going to be the case going forward, the goal was to sell the 5 year old diesel Yeti, and buy something cheap and sensible to aid an imminent house move.
So, while browsing sensible Mondeos and Honda Accords, I bought a sight unseen 5.0 V8 Mercedes.
Here is where the similarities with J_Wood3’s post come in, it’s another silver E500. 125k miles, lots of jobs done. It was offered on the Mercedes forum for £2750, so just phoned up and agreed. Lots of jobs already done, and a good and detailed ad made it an easy decision.
So far, absolutely loving it. Had a Saab 9-5 HOT Aero a couple of years ago, and although that has 260bhp (ish), a big naturally aspirated engine is incomparable in both it’s effortless power delivery, and it’s immediacy when pressing on.
After learning the working from home is going to be the case going forward, the goal was to sell the 5 year old diesel Yeti, and buy something cheap and sensible to aid an imminent house move.
So, while browsing sensible Mondeos and Honda Accords, I bought a sight unseen 5.0 V8 Mercedes.
Here is where the similarities with J_Wood3’s post come in, it’s another silver E500. 125k miles, lots of jobs done. It was offered on the Mercedes forum for £2750, so just phoned up and agreed. Lots of jobs already done, and a good and detailed ad made it an easy decision.
So far, absolutely loving it. Had a Saab 9-5 HOT Aero a couple of years ago, and although that has 260bhp (ish), a big naturally aspirated engine is incomparable in both it’s effortless power delivery, and it’s immediacy when pressing on.
I put this on the "other" thread but I'm very taken with it so I'm sharing it here
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103180...
There is a big premium if you want a proper petrol engine in any later MB, they don't seem to sell nearly as many as BMW do, but that's a lovely looking example of a car that is usually thoroughly un-lovely. 17" wheels and SE spec, so the ride should be superb.
ETA - £2,750 for that E500 above is an utter bargain. Sight unseen too, meaning you can feel super smug if it works out. Are those weels OE? They look aftermarket in styling but it looks like they have the little holes MB alloys always have.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103180...
There is a big premium if you want a proper petrol engine in any later MB, they don't seem to sell nearly as many as BMW do, but that's a lovely looking example of a car that is usually thoroughly un-lovely. 17" wheels and SE spec, so the ride should be superb.
ETA - £2,750 for that E500 above is an utter bargain. Sight unseen too, meaning you can feel super smug if it works out. Are those weels OE? They look aftermarket in styling but it looks like they have the little holes MB alloys always have.
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 19th April 10:39
Ref. the Evoque/Velar conversation, my slight beard might be helpful if I can recall my memories after working for them for many years. This is hardly trade secret stuff, all available in the public domain.
The Evoque (plus Discovery Sport, and Jag E-Pace) are all based on an old front wheel drive platform called D8, from the days when Ford owned JLR. Many tweaks over the years of course, but never really designed as a premium platform. You can only fit 3/4 pot transverse engines in there so no 3 litre. These are FWD until rear traction is needed. Packaging challenges when trying to fit modern exhaust after treatments into the older design platform, so have some well known DPF weakness there. Steel platform, heavy (relatively).
The Velar (plus Jag F-Pace, XF and XE) are based on the much newer, partially aluminium, D7a platform. Available with larger longitudinal engines including V8s, and now RWD biased until traction requires FWD. Not designed for ultimate off road capability, nor burdened with the whole weight/cost penalty that requires.
The FFRR, RRS, Defender and Disco 5 are all on the premium, mainly aluminium, D7u platform. Plenty of room for large capacity and horsepower. All the engineering and capability for off road use.
As you rise up the platform tree, you get the engineering improvements that deliver the premium experiences - torsional rigidity, suspension mounting points, torque handing capability, drivetrain isolation and the like. These also come with a significant engineering cost though, hence why the platform underpins the more expensive models.
Most customers don't know, or care about the underlying platform and it's core capability - hence Evoque is the best selling car for JLR by a distance, and customers love it. But buying something from a range that is *capable* of handling the 500+ps engines mean the core platform is engineered for such, and you get the benefits regardless of engine. Probably why we all like barges, the whole range is engineered to cope with the 600ps V12 version that only ever sold in tiny numbers.
Martin.
The Evoque (plus Discovery Sport, and Jag E-Pace) are all based on an old front wheel drive platform called D8, from the days when Ford owned JLR. Many tweaks over the years of course, but never really designed as a premium platform. You can only fit 3/4 pot transverse engines in there so no 3 litre. These are FWD until rear traction is needed. Packaging challenges when trying to fit modern exhaust after treatments into the older design platform, so have some well known DPF weakness there. Steel platform, heavy (relatively).
The Velar (plus Jag F-Pace, XF and XE) are based on the much newer, partially aluminium, D7a platform. Available with larger longitudinal engines including V8s, and now RWD biased until traction requires FWD. Not designed for ultimate off road capability, nor burdened with the whole weight/cost penalty that requires.
The FFRR, RRS, Defender and Disco 5 are all on the premium, mainly aluminium, D7u platform. Plenty of room for large capacity and horsepower. All the engineering and capability for off road use.
As you rise up the platform tree, you get the engineering improvements that deliver the premium experiences - torsional rigidity, suspension mounting points, torque handing capability, drivetrain isolation and the like. These also come with a significant engineering cost though, hence why the platform underpins the more expensive models.
Most customers don't know, or care about the underlying platform and it's core capability - hence Evoque is the best selling car for JLR by a distance, and customers love it. But buying something from a range that is *capable* of handling the 500+ps engines mean the core platform is engineered for such, and you get the benefits regardless of engine. Probably why we all like barges, the whole range is engineered to cope with the 600ps V12 version that only ever sold in tiny numbers.
Martin.
Martin30 said:
Ref. the Evoque/Velar conversation, my slight beard might be helpful if I can recall my memories after working for them for many years. This is hardly trade secret stuff, all available in the public domain.
The Evoque (plus Discovery Sport, and Jag E-Pace) are all based on an old front wheel drive platform called D8, from the days when Ford owned JLR. Many tweaks over the years of course, but never really designed as a premium platform. You can only fit 3/4 pot transverse engines in there so no 3 litre. These are FWD until rear traction is needed. Packaging challenges when trying to fit modern exhaust after treatments into the older design platform, so have some well known DPF weakness there. Steel platform, heavy (relatively).
The Velar (plus Jag F-Pace, XF and XE) are based on the much newer, partially aluminium, D7a platform. Available with larger longitudinal engines including V8s, and now RWD biased until traction requires FWD. Not designed for ultimate off road capability, nor burdened with the whole weight/cost penalty that requires.
The FFRR, RRS, Defender and Disco 5 are all on the premium, mainly aluminium, D7u platform. Plenty of room for large capacity and horsepower. All the engineering and capability for off road use.
As you rise up the platform tree, you get the engineering improvements that deliver the premium experiences - torsional rigidity, suspension mounting points, torque handing capability, drivetrain isolation and the like. These also come with a significant engineering cost though, hence why the platform underpins the more expensive models.
Most customers don't know, or care about the underlying platform and it's core capability - hence Evoque is the best selling car for JLR by a distance, and customers love it. But buying something from a range that is *capable* of handling the 500+ps engines mean the core platform is engineered for such, and you get the benefits regardless of engine. Probably why we all like barges, the whole range is engineered to cope with the 600ps V12 version that only ever sold in tiny numbers.
Martin.
Great post, thank you.The Evoque (plus Discovery Sport, and Jag E-Pace) are all based on an old front wheel drive platform called D8, from the days when Ford owned JLR. Many tweaks over the years of course, but never really designed as a premium platform. You can only fit 3/4 pot transverse engines in there so no 3 litre. These are FWD until rear traction is needed. Packaging challenges when trying to fit modern exhaust after treatments into the older design platform, so have some well known DPF weakness there. Steel platform, heavy (relatively).
The Velar (plus Jag F-Pace, XF and XE) are based on the much newer, partially aluminium, D7a platform. Available with larger longitudinal engines including V8s, and now RWD biased until traction requires FWD. Not designed for ultimate off road capability, nor burdened with the whole weight/cost penalty that requires.
The FFRR, RRS, Defender and Disco 5 are all on the premium, mainly aluminium, D7u platform. Plenty of room for large capacity and horsepower. All the engineering and capability for off road use.
As you rise up the platform tree, you get the engineering improvements that deliver the premium experiences - torsional rigidity, suspension mounting points, torque handing capability, drivetrain isolation and the like. These also come with a significant engineering cost though, hence why the platform underpins the more expensive models.
Most customers don't know, or care about the underlying platform and it's core capability - hence Evoque is the best selling car for JLR by a distance, and customers love it. But buying something from a range that is *capable* of handling the 500+ps engines mean the core platform is engineered for such, and you get the benefits regardless of engine. Probably why we all like barges, the whole range is engineered to cope with the 600ps V12 version that only ever sold in tiny numbers.
Martin.
Your last point is why the cheapest version of an expensive car is often better "value" than the tricked out expensive version of a cheap car; all the extras in the cheap care are fripperies and trim, with the expensive car your money is going to making the platform and car better. It's also why I have never been particularly taken with very expensive versions of what is fundamentally a pretty cheap car, like the BMW M3/M4, AMG C class etc and feel the value they offer is pretty weak compared to the proper sportscars you can get for the same money.
CharlesdeGaulle said:
Hateful things. Dad had one as a loaner for about 2 months when his company car was stolen . It was Brown, with varying levels of Brown velour/plastic inside. I've hated brown cars ever since. 
As a young boy it was the only car to make me vomit regularly as a back seat passenger. I would feel car sick on the journey from East Putney to Wimbledon Common or Richmond park when going for dog walks. That's about 10-15 minutes in total.
On a longer trip, it also made our dog vomit too.
Under damped/bouncy suspension. (i didn't diagnose that back then of course).
And despite it being a new car, it regularly failed to start first time.
I've not posted in here - I'm usually far more at home in the shed thread.
I picked this up yesterday, 3.0 V6 petrol, 118k miles. Sport trim but some desirable options ticked off. The petrol cars are usually quite sparse in equipment, the company car aimed diesels were usually the well specified models. I usually prefer Caramac and bits of timber, and grey isn't my go to colour, either. The interior is light, though so they payoff is good.
Anyway, pics.
I picked this up yesterday, 3.0 V6 petrol, 118k miles. Sport trim but some desirable options ticked off. The petrol cars are usually quite sparse in equipment, the company car aimed diesels were usually the well specified models. I usually prefer Caramac and bits of timber, and grey isn't my go to colour, either. The interior is light, though so they payoff is good.
Anyway, pics.
mattman said:
I've been tasked to sell my brother-in-laws 2011 E class estate as he "doesn't do all that social media stuff". I've listed on a couple of facebay sites and here, but any other recommendations. Its got high miles so isn't hugely priced and in thread budget, but would like to avoid the "whats your best price bruv" crowd as much as i can!
Any chance you can link to an ad? mattman said:
I've been tasked to sell my brother-in-laws 2011 E class estate as he "doesn't do all that social media stuff". I've listed on a couple of facebay sites and here, but any other recommendations. Its got high miles so isn't hugely priced and in thread budget, but would like to avoid the "whats your best price bruv" crowd as much as i can!
Just post details mate, we don't mind And where it is, too.
That S Type above is a delight.
Nice looking E320 but scant description and very short MOT history.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCEDES-320-CE/2549470...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCEDES-320-CE/2549470...
A mixed weekend for the Superb semibarge, this weekend. It proved suitably adept at carting various white goods around whilst I helped Master Derventio move some stuff into his new flat.
However, I also discovered that the front tyres have worn down on the inner edge quite seriously, over a width of about 3/4" the cords aren't quite showing but it cannot be far off! I only noticed when the wheels were cranked right over on full lock. The rest of the tyre has at least 4-5mm of tread left, much to my annoyance. Note to self: check tyres more often. Thankfully, nowadays, 18" wheels are no longer thought of as overly large so I can get a pair of decent tyres for £55 each fitted. Then it will getting the tracking adjusted!
Sorting through some paperwork, I have also spotted that the DSG box will be due a service shortly. There is a local VAG specialist indy that does it for £189, all in, so that's not to bad. (And far cheaper than the alternative
)
I'm still not sure about these DSG 'boxes. Low speed changes can be a bit jerky but once past 3rd gear, the changes are pretty smooth. The kickdown is sometimes a bit slow, too. Sometimes, it cannot work out which gear to give you and when this is coupled with a bit of turbo lag, the response is not quite as deft as some would lead you to believe.
Maybe I have just been conditioned by years of torque converter 'box ownership. I can however see how they would work well with a sporty, powerful petrol.
However, I also discovered that the front tyres have worn down on the inner edge quite seriously, over a width of about 3/4" the cords aren't quite showing but it cannot be far off! I only noticed when the wheels were cranked right over on full lock. The rest of the tyre has at least 4-5mm of tread left, much to my annoyance. Note to self: check tyres more often. Thankfully, nowadays, 18" wheels are no longer thought of as overly large so I can get a pair of decent tyres for £55 each fitted. Then it will getting the tracking adjusted!
Sorting through some paperwork, I have also spotted that the DSG box will be due a service shortly. There is a local VAG specialist indy that does it for £189, all in, so that's not to bad. (And far cheaper than the alternative
)I'm still not sure about these DSG 'boxes. Low speed changes can be a bit jerky but once past 3rd gear, the changes are pretty smooth. The kickdown is sometimes a bit slow, too. Sometimes, it cannot work out which gear to give you and when this is coupled with a bit of turbo lag, the response is not quite as deft as some would lead you to believe.
Maybe I have just been conditioned by years of torque converter 'box ownership. I can however see how they would work well with a sporty, powerful petrol.
mattman said:
I've been tasked to sell my brother-in-laws 2011 E class estate as he "doesn't do all that social media stuff". I've listed on a couple of facebay sites and here, but any other recommendations. Its got high miles so isn't hugely priced and in thread budget, but would like to avoid the "whats your best price bruv" crowd as much as i can!
Interested! Feel free to ping me the link. (Can't find a 2011 E-Class privately listed in the classifieds here).Martin30 said:
Ref. the Evoque/Velar conversation, my slight beard might be helpful if I can recall my memories after working for them for many years. This is hardly trade secret stuff, all available in the public domain.
The Evoque (plus Discovery Sport, and Jag E-Pace) are all based on an old front wheel drive platform called D8, from the days when Ford owned JLR. Many tweaks over the years of course, but never really designed as a premium platform. You can only fit 3/4 pot transverse engines in there so no 3 litre. These are FWD until rear traction is needed. Packaging challenges when trying to fit modern exhaust after treatments into the older design platform, so have some well known DPF weakness there. Steel platform, heavy (relatively).
The Velar (plus Jag F-Pace, XF and XE) are based on the much newer, partially aluminium, D7a platform. Available with larger longitudinal engines including V8s, and now RWD biased until traction requires FWD. Not designed for ultimate off road capability, nor burdened with the whole weight/cost penalty that requires.
The FFRR, RRS, Defender and Disco 5 are all on the premium, mainly aluminium, D7u platform. Plenty of room for large capacity and horsepower. All the engineering and capability for off road use.
As you rise up the platform tree, you get the engineering improvements that deliver the premium experiences - torsional rigidity, suspension mounting points, torque handing capability, drivetrain isolation and the like. These also come with a significant engineering cost though, hence why the platform underpins the more expensive models.
Most customers don't know, or care about the underlying platform and it's core capability - hence Evoque is the best selling car for JLR by a distance, and customers love it. But buying something from a range that is *capable* of handling the 500+ps engines mean the core platform is engineered for such, and you get the benefits regardless of engine. Probably why we all like barges, the whole range is engineered to cope with the 600ps V12 version that only ever sold in tiny numbers.
Martin.
Great info Martin, have you got any on the x351 XJ platform I quite fancy one.The Evoque (plus Discovery Sport, and Jag E-Pace) are all based on an old front wheel drive platform called D8, from the days when Ford owned JLR. Many tweaks over the years of course, but never really designed as a premium platform. You can only fit 3/4 pot transverse engines in there so no 3 litre. These are FWD until rear traction is needed. Packaging challenges when trying to fit modern exhaust after treatments into the older design platform, so have some well known DPF weakness there. Steel platform, heavy (relatively).
The Velar (plus Jag F-Pace, XF and XE) are based on the much newer, partially aluminium, D7a platform. Available with larger longitudinal engines including V8s, and now RWD biased until traction requires FWD. Not designed for ultimate off road capability, nor burdened with the whole weight/cost penalty that requires.
The FFRR, RRS, Defender and Disco 5 are all on the premium, mainly aluminium, D7u platform. Plenty of room for large capacity and horsepower. All the engineering and capability for off road use.
As you rise up the platform tree, you get the engineering improvements that deliver the premium experiences - torsional rigidity, suspension mounting points, torque handing capability, drivetrain isolation and the like. These also come with a significant engineering cost though, hence why the platform underpins the more expensive models.
Most customers don't know, or care about the underlying platform and it's core capability - hence Evoque is the best selling car for JLR by a distance, and customers love it. But buying something from a range that is *capable* of handling the 500+ps engines mean the core platform is engineered for such, and you get the benefits regardless of engine. Probably why we all like barges, the whole range is engineered to cope with the 600ps V12 version that only ever sold in tiny numbers.
Martin.
Grote said:
Another long time lurker here with a purchase to add. The similarities with J_Wood3 do not end there!
After learning the working from home is going to be the case going forward, the goal was to sell the 5 year old diesel Yeti, and buy something cheap and sensible to aid an imminent house move.
So, while browsing sensible Mondeos and Honda Accords, I bought a sight unseen 5.0 V8 Mercedes.
Here is where the similarities with J_Wood3’s post come in, it’s another silver E500. 125k miles, lots of jobs done. It was offered on the Mercedes forum for £2750, so just phoned up and agreed. Lots of jobs already done, and a good and detailed ad made it an easy decision.
So far, absolutely loving it. Had a Saab 9-5 HOT Aero a couple of years ago, and although that has 260bhp (ish), a big naturally aspirated engine is incomparable in both it’s effortless power delivery, and it’s immediacy when pressing on.
Well done Grote. This is BOF's old car... I prefer the OEM look. Hopefully you'll hang around so that all 4/5 of us can exchange notes.After learning the working from home is going to be the case going forward, the goal was to sell the 5 year old diesel Yeti, and buy something cheap and sensible to aid an imminent house move.
So, while browsing sensible Mondeos and Honda Accords, I bought a sight unseen 5.0 V8 Mercedes.
Here is where the similarities with J_Wood3’s post come in, it’s another silver E500. 125k miles, lots of jobs done. It was offered on the Mercedes forum for £2750, so just phoned up and agreed. Lots of jobs already done, and a good and detailed ad made it an easy decision.
So far, absolutely loving it. Had a Saab 9-5 HOT Aero a couple of years ago, and although that has 260bhp (ish), a big naturally aspirated engine is incomparable in both it’s effortless power delivery, and it’s immediacy when pressing on.
Certainly will, and yes it is indeed his old car. Already had a result of painting and fitting 2 new parking sensors, which fixed the whole system. This is useful at nearly 5 metres long!. Enjoyed your thread on readers cars though, although hoping (unrealistically obviously) to avoid many huge bills.
Still looking for excuses to drive it more, can't say that for many of my previous cars.
Still looking for excuses to drive it more, can't say that for many of my previous cars.
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