Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

I've got a C55 engine, it's close innit.

Close, but no banana. Mind you, an E55 engine only gets you a measly 100bhp extra, which is why I suggested the McLaren lump as an alternative. 650bhp. Nearly adequate.

Nice Cayman. I miss mine. But I'm more tempted by an R8 at the moment.

There's a lot of engine stuffed into the bay, which once I've given it a once over will make for a fun picture.

Ever seen under the bonnet of an RS6? Really not a lot of spare room, despite the cavernous engine bay.

I'm sure - V10 with charge pipework and a couple of intercoolers will do that.

The bonnet on the C55 is 8cm longer than any other contemporary C class, in order to fit the engine in.

https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2017/november/gla---mayor-launches-ulez-expansion-consultati

You’re right, there’s no mention of resident grace period any more, so 2021 is most likely.

From my basic survey of cars on the road, I really don’t see it making much difference. The majority of private cars are already low emissions because they’re relatively new, taxing older cars will barely make a dent. On one hand they’re trying to say it’s such a big problem that they need to reduce it to reduce pollution but then in the same breath they’re trying to say not that many residents will be affected. Which is it?

Neither. It's all just a load of spintastic bollocks, as is evident from this sentence from the press release:

"The Mayor of London today launched a new public consultation on the next phase of his hard-hitting plans to tackle London's toxic air, reduce filthy emissions and protect the public from harmful pollution by expanding the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)."

Good PR, fuck all practical benefit. Double win.

Just had a win! Audi is fixing my A3 1.8t engine for free! That's $12000 saved, phew. Now, my other half did say I could buy another car if they paid for the engine...

The C55 looks good. Do the windows have the blue tint on them? No idea what Merc calls it but it looks very cool.

Who-hoo!

Interested in this as well

They used to, but not anymore I don’t think?

After driving a w124 though all other steering wheels feels like tin lids

Great news!

I recently got an '11 plate 520d (F11 pre LCI).

I looked at an E-Class, but not an A6(I had an A6 saloon as a rental last year and it was very dull), and preferred the "feel" of the beemer. I have had it 5 up with a couple of mates over 6 foot in the rear seats, no complaints! Lots of boot space. Mine had boot rails fitted which I think are great. 8 Speed auto is nice, very smooth. iDrive system is a bit of a faff to learn but quite good once you have it down. Not had it long enough to comment on reliability. The other thing I will say is it is not the most exciting drive. Very comfortable, very easy going but can feel a bit barge like when the roads get more fun. This is compared to a MK7 golf I drive regularly as well. It is big to park in a car park, barely fits in a space at my local Tescos.

Do 50 miles commuting most days with motorways and towns, don't seem to get amazing return on Fuel, however this might be driving style related. Still get 500 plus miles a tank.

Would echo most of those comments - I have a 12 plate 520d.

Ditching the run-flat tyres for decent regular tyres made quite a difference to handling tbh.

Had mine 2 and a half years - 1 big bill (£1200) for a worn suspension air bag (rear self levelling) and front ball joints, but nothing aside from that.

Yeah, I don't know what Merc calls it but all of their windows have that tint on, it's a bit characteristic.

The newest shape 5 series is much more of a looker than the E6X in my opinion, can't offer any real advice unfortunately, but it's a lovely car.

You won't struggle for space in that size car, but if you're not looking for an estate have you considered a 7 series?

Edit: Looks like @BunninZootius and @danb have got you covered

Ditching the run-flat tyres for decent regular tyres made quite a difference to handling tbh.

I'd say that for any car, I don't know when suspension designers are going to start designing with run-flat tyres in mind?

Looks really mint aside from that rust!

So you reckon it won't happen?

How's the Ovlov Sadaat? Found any rust?

Where I can see it will make a difference is with white vans particularly with the extension of LEZ to Euro 6. Only vans from 2015 onwards will be compliant and this could have quite an affect on smaller business's.

Cheeky! No rust here. Not driven it since I picked it up, weekdays it's hard to get out of the house in the evening due to the 3 month old.

Hoping to get out in it this evening to help @cake move some stuff and see his new house.

It may well happen but for PR reasons rather than because it'll actually do anything positive.

Both depending who you're pitching ;)

The big thing is applies to commercial vehicles though (except taxis). That means companies are going to be choosing different engines when they renew their vehicles - at this point electric or hybrid ones. That will make a difference.

The taxi carve out was to be expected, but what I don't understand though is why they weren't given a grace period too. Ie by 20xx only black cabs made betwen 19xx-20xx will be allowed to be non-electric / hybrid. Toyota have had hybrids for 20yrs now. Buses are hybrid. No reason for diesel taxis to still be manufactured.

Nicked from facebook.

Thinking about selling my wagon any interest on it proper sleeper!!
Volvo 940 2.3 turbo with a difference
Gt35 turbo
Over sized injectors
2.75 inch exhaust
Fuel chip
Toyosports intercooler
Solid boost pipes
Running 17psi of magic 👍
12 months mot
In Somerset ta9
Judging by others I’d say £1750 is fair price

The T5 engine will fit.

With a lot of custom fabrication, yes.

I’d keep that Redblock powered, needs some low fitting though.