Does anybody know here about Mercs W123 estates?

I've got one of them (that's the second one in the sig). I can actually get both the wife and my mum in there (and myself, obviously) but that's mainly because both of them are pretty Japanese sized :).

The E34 iX motors/drivetrains are very robust. I doubt though you'd find a UK model with a TDS lump though. Bit juicy too but if you drive on snow or shit roads they are superb with the correct tyres. good bargains to be had in these times of outrageous fule prices too. I saw a *mint* '94 525iXSE Tourer with ~90k miles on it go for £770 in an auction early this year. That is a lot of motr for the money. Personally though I'd try to find a 530iX Tourer (the M30 six rather than the eight of course). Give me a shout if you do want one. I know a bloke who has a 525iX Tourer which isn't used much since he got a Jag. JB

Oh, I wasn't after a tds X - didn't know they made one, actually. I've only ever seen 525s.

If you know that the one you're thinking about is a good 'un, then I'd really appreciate if you could follow that up. My main worry was that they're a bit like the Merc W124 4-matic which is lovely to drive but the components used have a limited lifespan...

There's defo more space in the rear boot of my MX-5 than there is in the back of your car. I can also carry more than 30kg and there isn't a hole for water to come in. (c;

Mine doesn't go as fast though.

Yours would cook the pasta on the way home

In the time honoured ukrcm tradition of reccomending the car one owns to other people whether it's suitable or not: Get an MX-5. I've got one, they're ace.

The boot isn't that small (depends what you're used to I suppose), convertibles are ace fun and they're a hoot to drive.

Sadly they do have a reputation for being reliable so are probably automatically not Timoproof. (c:

My mate's recently got a supercharged version, and they're much better than the n/a. A bit more manly ;)

The iXs are very robust. I have a friend who has ~378k miles on his 525iX. I'll ask the character with the Jag if he wants to flog his one. He works away from home so it may be a few days for a reply. cheers, JB

What engine did your missus's have?

That would be grand, thanks.

The 1.8 lump. Pretty good actually - I liked the way it went TBH. We're actually thinking of getting another one in the new year as Nat has got a job closer to home.

They're marvellous cars. Apparently we need a rear seat and boot too often for one, so Charlie says.

Actually the real reason is that I'd buy one with a deceased engine and put a proper fuel donk in there....

Accompanied by the sound of a chisel on slate Timo Geusch, managed to produce the following words of wisdom

They don't, y'know. I had a W123 280TE which had fully working suspension. Worked a treat on the one I had, but that's the only one I've had much experience of.

They settle on their arses when parked anyway. Doesn't take long, quicker to sink than something like a Xantia.

That they do, but they're supposed to come up quite quickly when the engine is running. Those I looked at don't, unfortunately, which is the common problem.

Another car to go on the possible cars list. Did they do the iX with an Autobox?

Yes they did.

I'd also get rid of the MX-5 motor, but I'd put a proper one in, either a Lexus or Rover V8 in.

Probably the Rover lump, tbh.

That's just wrong.

Little 'roadsters' like that are best with revvy twin-cam 4-pots.

Although, I wouldn't mind sticking a Subaru boxer in there.

Especially because most other engines would upset the balance.

I doubt that that'll fit.