Best smoker barges 1-5 large [Vol 19]
Discussion
Dapster said:
CharlesdeGaulle said:
Is Nick Froome, w124.com or .co, still dealing? I think I recall reading that he'd stopped due to these cars being such high mileage and needing work now, but I'm not sure where I saw that. What's he up to now, anyone know?
He used to post here as Bolide, and always signed his posts anyway, but I've not noticed him for a while.
We must have read the same thread as I too remember seeing this - quite recently too. He said he couldn't source good cars but I think he specialised in the estates which always lead a harder life and the chances of finding good ones is getting understandably vanishingly small.He used to post here as Bolide, and always signed his posts anyway, but I've not noticed him for a while.
Evening chaps, on the topic of suspension.
We did a lovely 250 mile drive today in the S211, unfortunately it was a hospital check-up. Made a day of it as the weather was gorgeous, dinner afterwards in an actual restaurant, first time since last summer, then we had a paddle along the beach. Was like Spain so warm even at 8pm.
Anyway can I pick the collective brains? A few months ago I got new tyres on rear and some suspension refreshing on the front. Rear tyres were worn on inside so after the work I got the tracking and alignment done as the steering wheel was at an angle. Operative showed me slight wear on inside of fronts but plenty of wear yet so no rush to change.
The main road trips I've been doing are the hospital run and when up to about 60+ there's a patter through the steering. Fine lower speeds and ok under braking or steering. Almost feels like flat spot on the tyres.
I got the front tyres replaced 5 weeks ago and it was worse so deffo not the tyres. Mentioned to owner of alignment place and he reckons the tyres aren't balanced properly but I always use same tyre guy, never an issue before plus was same on old tyres.
It's not overly major but just takes edge off a nice driving car. Anyone any insight? Is it front bearings? I've no experience of bearing failings but I've no noticeable noise that some say they get. Could it be the new suspension and if so what?
Sorry for long post but wanted to add the details to save questions. Cheers.
ETA this might be the excuse I need to upgrade my barge
We did a lovely 250 mile drive today in the S211, unfortunately it was a hospital check-up. Made a day of it as the weather was gorgeous, dinner afterwards in an actual restaurant, first time since last summer, then we had a paddle along the beach. Was like Spain so warm even at 8pm.
Anyway can I pick the collective brains? A few months ago I got new tyres on rear and some suspension refreshing on the front. Rear tyres were worn on inside so after the work I got the tracking and alignment done as the steering wheel was at an angle. Operative showed me slight wear on inside of fronts but plenty of wear yet so no rush to change.
The main road trips I've been doing are the hospital run and when up to about 60+ there's a patter through the steering. Fine lower speeds and ok under braking or steering. Almost feels like flat spot on the tyres.
I got the front tyres replaced 5 weeks ago and it was worse so deffo not the tyres. Mentioned to owner of alignment place and he reckons the tyres aren't balanced properly but I always use same tyre guy, never an issue before plus was same on old tyres.
It's not overly major but just takes edge off a nice driving car. Anyone any insight? Is it front bearings? I've no experience of bearing failings but I've no noticeable noise that some say they get. Could it be the new suspension and if so what?
Sorry for long post but wanted to add the details to save questions. Cheers.
ETA this might be the excuse I need to upgrade my barge
Edited by MercedesClassic on Wednesday 9th June 23:51
bolidemichael said:
You went to check up on the hospital? Was it okay and in tact?
Possible warped front brake discs is my immediate suggestion.
Apologies for the distasteful humour, hope you're okay etc etc kisses.
Hahahaha the hospital is like my cars, like trigger's broom, all new nothing original.Possible warped front brake discs is my immediate suggestion.
Apologies for the distasteful humour, hope you're okay etc etc kisses.
I'm ok thanks, she says I'll survive but I'll be up and down the road frequently for next 2 years for checkups so I want my steed to cosset me especially when the dark wet days return.
I was thinking it wasn't warped discs as it's ok braking and only over about 50mph so sitting on motorway at 70 there's a bit of a vibration through the steering which is tiresome. Pardon the pun.
Rare to find an x350 xjr within thread at the moment. This one does appear to have been written off twice and is not without its problems, but on the plus side it is neither black or silver.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-Jaguar-xjr-superch...
He says in the advert "drives good", then at the bottom "please don’t expect to turn up and drive car home , it needs attention and remedial work". So which is it then? If it's just leaking air suspension there's no reason why you wouldn't be able to drive it home - sounds like it has something a lot more serious wrong with it.
MercedesClassic said:
Hahahaha the hospital is like my cars, like trigger's broom, all new nothing original.
I'm ok thanks, she says I'll survive but I'll be up and down the road frequently for next 2 years for checkups so I want my steed to cosset me especially when the dark wet days return.
I was thinking it wasn't warped discs as it's ok braking and only over about 50mph so sitting on motorway at 70 there's a bit of a vibration through the steering which is tiresome. Pardon the pun.
I suggest checking the wheels are still circular - lift the car, and spin the wheels while eyeballing the inner rim. I don’t know what size wheels you have, but certainly the larger sizes in 211s are prone to a buckle, and on the front they will give the steering a wobble. Some tyre fitters will notice and flag it up, but with others you’re sometimes lucky if they put it on the right way round. I'm ok thanks, she says I'll survive but I'll be up and down the road frequently for next 2 years for checkups so I want my steed to cosset me especially when the dark wet days return.
I was thinking it wasn't warped discs as it's ok braking and only over about 50mph so sitting on motorway at 70 there's a bit of a vibration through the steering which is tiresome. Pardon the pun.
bolidemichael said:
I've just checked the invoice. £98.40+VAT for two wheel bearings and 6.2 hours labour... £700+VAT 
My 97 129 had a verbal advisory for a front bearing. I couldn’t figure out the correct part number and had no clue who makes “good” bearings so ordered one from MB, which is not far off that price for one - around about £80 after discount and VAT IIRC. The manufacturer is NTN, Japanese IIRC, and I bought a branded bearing identical to the MB boxed item for £13 from Autodoc. £4 for the dust cap and a few bolts and I’ve got the self same kit as MB for less than a quarter of the price. Kinky said:
Don't think this has been posted yet, but a decent looking Alfa 164 V6 Cloverleaf.
ebayed here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALFA-ROMEO-164-3-0-V6-C...
Not keen on the wheels bit otherwise delicious. ebayed here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALFA-ROMEO-164-3-0-V6-C...
Japanese import lwb Sovereign with a clean MOT and just 39k on the clock. Half thread with 12 hours to go.....
Dozens of well set up pictures taken by the auction house photographer then strangely, half a dozen at the end of the "owners own" taken on a 1995 Kodak disposable....
https://themarket.co.uk/listings/jaguar/sovereign-...
Dozens of well set up pictures taken by the auction house photographer then strangely, half a dozen at the end of the "owners own" taken on a 1995 Kodak disposable....
https://themarket.co.uk/listings/jaguar/sovereign-...
maxwellwd said:
I had an XJR for about a year. Had a few things that I had to remedy, new valve block and compressor as kept playing up. Fuel straps, battery, a couple of ball joints etc.
The biggest expense was the corrosion. Sure they don't rust per se, but they certainly corrode, the difference with aluminum it just doesn't spread like steel. Would be surprised if your XJ6 has never had paint. Not all bodyshops in my experience will work on them either.
Had to replace an 02 sensor as well. Having said all of that, was a bloody fantastic car. So quiet comfortable and quick, do miss it. But sold on to the parish here.
And it's still going strong The biggest expense was the corrosion. Sure they don't rust per se, but they certainly corrode, the difference with aluminum it just doesn't spread like steel. Would be surprised if your XJ6 has never had paint. Not all bodyshops in my experience will work on them either.
Had to replace an 02 sensor as well. Having said all of that, was a bloody fantastic car. So quiet comfortable and quick, do miss it. But sold on to the parish here.
Passed the MOT with flying colours, tester said he hadn't seen one in such good condition. I've not used it that much, but it's a great car - quick and comfy, and surprisingly economical. I'm averaging 24mpg, and got 29mpg on a long run to Glasgow.
There is a small bit of corrosion on the nsf wing which I'm monitoring, nothing too bad at the moment. It noticeably settles on its suspension if parked up for a fortnight but always raises fine and no errors. When pulling away you have to be very careful with the throttle, it's very sensitive - suspect it's the torque converter as 1st to 2nd can sometimes be a bit jerky. The gearbox had a fluid change not that long ago so might be solenoids - will get The Man to have a look.
Funny you mentioned the battery - I just put a new one in. No issues with starting etc but I was getting the occasional DSC not available message, and the cruise control only worked intermittently. New battery has fixed these issues, car also starts with a noticeable flare of revs now.
One of the street chaplain ladies helping out with parking at the vaccination centre was very impressed with it, said it was a beautiful car. I suspect she was keen to live out the Jaaaag stereotype, she definitely looked a bit hussy.
bolidemichael said:
TyrannosauRoss Lex said:
bolidemichael said:
0a said:
TyrannosauRoss Lex said:
First drive on the motorway in the LS460 today since having the wheel bearing replaced.
All I can say is that the wheel bearing must have been grumbling a little for some time. The car is really quiet now. On smooth roads the only thing you can hear is a little wind noise around the tops of the doors and that's it, it's definitely whisper quiet at 100.
Those are the most satisfying fixes - ones which have gradually crept up on you. Was it a cheap fix? I seem to remember doing wheel bearings on my LS400 was quite pricy and my The Man swore he would not do them on another LS400!All I can say is that the wheel bearing must have been grumbling a little for some time. The car is really quiet now. On smooth roads the only thing you can hear is a little wind noise around the tops of the doors and that's it, it's definitely whisper quiet at 100.
john_1983 said:
And it's still going strong Passed the MOT with flying colours, tester said he hadn't seen one in such good condition.
I've not used it that much, but it's a great car - quick and comfy, and surprisingly economical. I'm averaging 24mpg, and got 29mpg on a long run to Glasgow.
There is a small bit of corrosion on the nsf wing which I'm monitoring, nothing too bad at the moment. It noticeably settles on its suspension if parked up for a fortnight but always raises fine and no errors. When pulling away you have to be very careful with the throttle, it's very sensitive - suspect it's the torque converter as 1st to 2nd can sometimes be a bit jerky. The gearbox had a fluid change not that long ago so might be solenoids - will get The Man to have a look.
Funny you mentioned the battery - I just put a new one in. No issues with starting etc but I was getting the occasional DSC not available message, and the cruise control only worked intermittently. New battery has fixed these issues, car also starts with a noticeable flare of revs now.
One of the street chaplain ladies helping out with parking at the vaccination centre was very impressed with it, said it was a beautiful car. I suspect she was keen to live out the Jaaaag stereotype, she definitely looked a bit hussy.
It's funny how "29mpg on a long run" is deemed good amongst us Passed the MOT with flying colours, tester said he hadn't seen one in such good condition. I've not used it that much, but it's a great car - quick and comfy, and surprisingly economical. I'm averaging 24mpg, and got 29mpg on a long run to Glasgow.
There is a small bit of corrosion on the nsf wing which I'm monitoring, nothing too bad at the moment. It noticeably settles on its suspension if parked up for a fortnight but always raises fine and no errors. When pulling away you have to be very careful with the throttle, it's very sensitive - suspect it's the torque converter as 1st to 2nd can sometimes be a bit jerky. The gearbox had a fluid change not that long ago so might be solenoids - will get The Man to have a look.
Funny you mentioned the battery - I just put a new one in. No issues with starting etc but I was getting the occasional DSC not available message, and the cruise control only worked intermittently. New battery has fixed these issues, car also starts with a noticeable flare of revs now.
One of the street chaplain ladies helping out with parking at the vaccination centre was very impressed with it, said it was a beautiful car. I suspect she was keen to live out the Jaaaag stereotype, she definitely looked a bit hussy.
I just gave the diesel Passat 2013 back and it was dull as a grey Monday morning but it used less than half the fuel of the LS460. Even on a trip around town it was getting 45+mpg and on a motorway slog it did 70.That said, it was lovely to get the barge back!
TyrannosauRoss Lex said:
bolidemichael said:
TyrannosauRoss Lex said:
bolidemichael said:
0a said:
TyrannosauRoss Lex said:
First drive on the motorway in the LS460 today since having the wheel bearing replaced.
All I can say is that the wheel bearing must have been grumbling a little for some time. The car is really quiet now. On smooth roads the only thing you can hear is a little wind noise around the tops of the doors and that's it, it's definitely whisper quiet at 100.
Those are the most satisfying fixes - ones which have gradually crept up on you. Was it a cheap fix? I seem to remember doing wheel bearings on my LS400 was quite pricy and my The Man swore he would not do them on another LS400!All I can say is that the wheel bearing must have been grumbling a little for some time. The car is really quiet now. On smooth roads the only thing you can hear is a little wind noise around the tops of the doors and that's it, it's definitely whisper quiet at 100.
W00DY said:
Kinky said:
Don't think this has been posted yet, but a decent looking Alfa 164 V6 Cloverleaf.
ebayed here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALFA-ROMEO-164-3-0-V6-C...
Not keen on the wheels bit otherwise delicious. ebayed here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALFA-ROMEO-164-3-0-V6-C...
although as per my past experience with Alfas - no matter how much work done, or spent on caring for it, or rocking it to sleep every night in a dust free, damp free garage - you always shut your eyes ever time you turn the key in the ignition and prey to the alfa gods in the sky to be kind to me today.....
Stegel said:
MercedesClassic said:
Hahahaha the hospital is like my cars, like trigger's broom, all new nothing original.
I'm ok thanks, she says I'll survive but I'll be up and down the road frequently for next 2 years for checkups so I want my steed to cosset me especially when the dark wet days return.
I was thinking it wasn't warped discs as it's ok braking and only over about 50mph so sitting on motorway at 70 there's a bit of a vibration through the steering which is tiresome. Pardon the pun.
I suggest checking the wheels are still circular - lift the car, and spin the wheels while eyeballing the inner rim. I don’t know what size wheels you have, but certainly the larger sizes in 211s are prone to a buckle, and on the front they will give the steering a wobble. Some tyre fitters will notice and flag it up, but with others you’re sometimes lucky if they put it on the right way round. I'm ok thanks, she says I'll survive but I'll be up and down the road frequently for next 2 years for checkups so I want my steed to cosset me especially when the dark wet days return.
I was thinking it wasn't warped discs as it's ok braking and only over about 50mph so sitting on motorway at 70 there's a bit of a vibration through the steering which is tiresome. Pardon the pun.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/194195407629
I do like these in the right colours. Not quite so much at £4.5k though.
21st Century Man said:
I have a wheel bearing on my Convoy that's started to hum. £12 each and about an hours labour
About the same as my Scimitar. Probably of the same era where you can actually take them apart and fit new seals and repack with grease. Not worth the effort for £12 though.Dapster said:
Japanese import lwb Sovereign with a clean MOT and just 39k on the clock. Half thread with 12 hours to go.....
Dozens of well set up pictures taken by the auction house photographer then strangely, half a dozen at the end of the "owners own" taken on a 1995 Kodak disposable....
https://themarket.co.uk/listings/jaguar/sovereign-...
The question springs to mind is whether Japanese market x308s were fitted with leapers by Jaguar. I suspect they might have been.Dozens of well set up pictures taken by the auction house photographer then strangely, half a dozen at the end of the "owners own" taken on a 1995 Kodak disposable....
https://themarket.co.uk/listings/jaguar/sovereign-...
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