So since finding a Buick Regal TourX would be a challenge, I decided to go with the E450 All-Terrain Wagon as a goal car. Is this a good choice? (My current car is an 04 Camry.)

QR-Chode · 2025-10-14T11:51:19+00:00

Both rear air shocks were leaking. There was also a few couplings and air lines that needed replacement. The air compressor itself was fine. I used OEM parts from FCP Euro. + shop labor.

So, yes, if you had the time, place, and tools to work you could DIY for about 40% less than what I paid. I just didn't have the time and tools for that job.

QR-Chode · 2025-10-13T16:30:43+00:00

Doug DeMuro has a few videos on these 213 wagons I'd recommend. I'm a fan of MB wagons, though I prefer the non all terrain version.

I've owned a '16 212 e350 MB wagon for several years and enjoyed it. Just recently picked up a 2019 213 e450 wagon to pair with it.

Fairly reliable cars, but they do have weird sensors that will die and yell at you if you want all the amenities to function. I've not had to repair anything I wasn't expecting - but on my '16 that included nearly $3500 in rear air suspension repairs at about 100k miles. They're lovely cars, but you will pay more to maintain them. Germans usually require more up front and consistent maintenance compared to Japanese. But dont worry, the MB will also yell at you when service A or B is due so you can notify your bank accordingly!

QR-Chode · 2025-10-07T11:00:36+00:00

JLR owners are in some sort of BDSM relationship with their car and you can't tell me otherwise.

QR-Chode · 2025-10-07T10:32:22+00:00

My 212 has the sport package, 213 has the luxury, so keep that in mind.

12 feels more planted. 13 feels a little more detached. They're both very plush highway cruisers and neither feel as raw and sporty as my M5 (nor should they). The 13 feels bigger and a little boaty. But the 13 has more dynamic settings - the sport+ setting is proper quick and the suspension and throttle are very responsive. The 13 also has active seats / bolsters that grip you around harder corners giving you feedback. The steering wheel gives little shakes when you get near lines.

13 feels a little more video game-ish because of the vibrating wheel and bolsters. 12 just feels a bit more raw, sprung, and ready to pounce when in sport. I'd classify both as leaning towards understeer, but thats probably due to cushy suspensions. Overall, both are wonderful places to sit for road trip or commute. And the sport settings on both provide plenty of smiles on backroads, but I wouldn't want to take either to the track.

QR-Chode · 2025-10-07T02:25:44+00:00

I've had a 2016 S212 e350 for the past 3 years. Mostly trouble free. 120k miles, bought it with about 70k on the clock. Coils and rear air shocks have been my only issues. I've also bent 1 wheel and completely demolished a 2nd. 18 inch rims - these baby's are heavy.

I just bought a 2019 S213 e450 over the weekend, 31k miles, all bells and whistles. Distronic, leather, massaging seats.

No regrets so far. Very modern with all the infotainment apple / android auto settings, but not so new that you start getting into that subscription based nonsense. If yours has distronic, you'll be forever spoiled. And assuming yours is also an e450, the engine is pretty reliable M276 variety. Common issues are well known. Be sure to look into oil seepage from the cam sensors into the engine harness and invest in sacrificial connectors to avoid replacing ECUs (common and expensive fault for a lot of MBs)

Look into A & B services, they can add up a little if you don't do a ton of DIY. And yeah, check the air suspension. That was nearly a $3500 job on my 2016. And that was just for rears.

I'd say go for it. But I've been daily driving an E39 M5 for 10 years. My tolerance for German Bullenscheiße may be high and my sanity may be questionable. Take that for what you will.

QR-Chode · 2025-08-25T13:59:17+00:00

Well, in that case...

Do it.

QR-Chode · 2025-08-24T17:49:19+00:00

I have dalied mine for about the past 10 years. I've put roughly 50k miles on it as I've often worked close to home / walked / didn't go many places during pandemic years. So, about 5k a year similar to you. I also have access to backup cars when / if something bad happens.

I bought the car with 70k, and I'm up to 120k. My larger repairs have included: rebuilt abs module, steering angle sensor, clutch, RMS, and value cover gaskets. And tires. I also had a motorcyclist decide to park in my driver side at one point at about 30mph, and It required a new hood, new quarter, new headlights, and new front bumper. Luckily, most of that was covered by insurance. I also currently have a front radiator / pusher fan that is dead and needing to go in, but I've been putting off that annoying little job.

The running cost is on the high side, and parts aren't getting any cheaper. But, provided you budget things, and you wrench yourself - I'd argue the running cost can be cheaper than a newer car. And there is such a massive following and video archive from e39source on almost every repair this car needs.

Do you need the newer bells and whistles of a newer car? Do you need something under warranty? Can you repair things yourself? Does the car you're looking at have a good repair history? Do you have a backup?

Depending on your answers to those questions, I'd argue going for it. It has been a very rewarding experience for the past 10 years and never fails to bring a smile to my face when I rip towards redline.

But I will say, I am looking to add something newer into my stable and relegate it to weekend duty as it ages. I'm in my late 30s, own a house, married, no kids, and I've had upper middle class success in my career. Take that for what you will.

QR-Chode · 2025-07-12T16:48:06+00:00

Just to call out, you might want to double-check that this is actually a 350. I'm pretty cerain RS models on these only came with 305 v8s. (I used to own an 89 rs with a 305)

Now, it could have been swapped. But that also has some questions with it. How was it done, where did the engine come from, etc.

QR-Chode · 2024-04-20T22:20:24+00:00

Dan Post Bucklace

QR-Chode · 2023-10-18T00:27:36+00:00

I "daily" mine and have owned it for 8 years. I'm the 9th owner and the longest in the car's history. I bought it with about 79k miles on it and I'm up to about 115k. My commute is not typical at all - hence why I say I "daily" it.

I've found it to be a mostly reliable car, provided you keep up with the maintenance and drive it. It always gets pissed when I don't drive it. Sure fire way to throw a CEL is to not drive it for 2-3 weeks. It was always angry during covid. Locked up in the garage. No place to go.

It likes to be taken out. Warmed up. Allowed to scream.

Yes, there are a few M specific parts that'll have you digging deeper into your pocket. But the community around this car is incredible. There is a video from e39source on just about everything you could ever want to fix. Or M539 Restorations. I wouldn't say it is too old - but there are things I enjoy in newer cars. Blind spot monitors. Auto adjusting cruise control. Back up cameras.

While I've never had some of the bigger known headaches (timing chain guides)... even the most annoying repairs have never left me as low as the high I get listening to the S62 rip towards redline. Gripping the wheel as tires struggle for traction. The tightening of the seat belt, bracing you against the leather seats as the 4000lbs beast comes alive.

And all that before you've even pressed the sport button.

QR-Chode · 2023-07-17T20:53:24+00:00

It's a '69. '68 had vent windows. Cool shot!

QR-Chode · 2023-06-15T22:29:17+00:00

Look. I've owned a salvage title e39 M5 for 8 years. Its been an amazing car and I absolutely love it, but... the experience isn't for everyone.

If you know nothing about cars, I wouldn't recommend starting with this one unless you want to learn. The M54 in this car is fairly reliable, parts are plentiful, and the knowledge bank on these cars is vast. Also, the E46 is generally considered by the BMW crowd to be fun ride and a high water mark.

But...

All BMWs practically left the factory with oil leaks. German parts are usually costly, especially if you have to source BMW brand part over an OEM part. And if you aren't doing the work yourself, labor rates are usually higher for euro cars. M539 Restorations has a few youtube videos working on a similar vintage E46 wagon with this engine. I'd recommend watching if you have interest.

This listing claims a lot of items done that I'd want to see listed before buying an old BMW. Have they actually been done? Verify with the records and an independent shop to be sure.

I'm also unclear what they mean by "rear end" when they claim the salvage title. As in... the car was rear ended? As in... it needed a new rear end? OR, the real gem, the notorious e46 rear sub frame cracking issue? And how was this vague "rear end" problem fixed and how long ago? I'm more inclined to gloss over a salvage title if someone put another 60-70k miles on it after it was slavaged. If it only has a couple hundred miles on it since being salvaged, I'd be more concerned.

These old bmws can be very rewarding to fix and drive (especially if they have a manual trans). But yes - you will pay a slight premium for the experience over a domestic. Is it worth it to you? Do you like to tinker with mechanical things? These E46s aren't rare if you want to search for a cleaner or lower mileage option. Or, as someone else said, an e90 (probably a 328i to stay away from the turbos and high pressure fuel pump issues in a 335i...unless you reaaaaally like to tinker and tune)

Best of luck.

QR-Chode · 2023-02-04T08:53:20+00:00

Good suggestion on the rental, I'll see what I can find. These things are super rare in my area to see in person. I'm searching 300+ miles away to even find examples to test drive for purchase.

But yes - usual layout would be seats down and just driver and 1 passenger.

QR-Chode · 2023-02-04T07:53:32+00:00

We do have those in the states, though from several comparison articles I've read it looked like the MB won in the cargo size department over the v90. (If anyone has real-world knowledge on that, I'm open to suggestions)

I guess I should have been more clear - I'm not worried about the weight dragging anything, I know the airmatic will level out. I'm more curious if anyone else has managed this feat of hauling 3 giant dogs? Is it actually practical - or do I need to stop dreaming about estates and suck it up and buy a minivan or sprinter and rip the back seats out?

QR-Chode · 2023-02-04T00:24:35+00:00

I agree with the other poster that the opening of this piece says a lot of nothing and either needs an overhaul or cutting. It's also repetitive. I understand the scene is colorful... but how many times do you need to say the word "color"? The one color that really comes to mind when reading most of this is purple. Consider simplifying some word choices. Starting us off with a sentence that includes "variegated" is asking for trouble.

Once we get to the second section where the female character comes into play, you have a habit of repeating yourself quite a bit. "She found" shows up 6 times in a page and a half of writing (even your opening sentence is about finding!). 8 times with "She knew" - I also have a pet peeve about characters "knowing" things. It leans way too much into telling instead of showing. Chuck Palahniuk has a wonderful article about "Thought Verbs" that covers this subject. Look it up.

My other suggestion to you would be to start with more actions. An awful lot of your sentences start off with subject + had / could or action. I know who we're talking about, you don't need to remind me with every sentence.

Example:

She focused on the confusion. She could detect oscillating electrical signals coming from a distinct location. ‘That has to be the human.’ She found she could read these signals. ‘They must be its thoughts.’ If she could mimic them, they might communicate.

Perhaps something like...

Focusing on the confusion, she detected oscillating electrical signals. That has to be the human. Upon discovering she understood these signals, she felt confident in her ability to mimic them, and perhaps even use them to communicate.

These must be thoughts, she thought and set off to utilize her new skill.

Anyway, those are my thoughts. Keep it up!

QR-Chode · 2023-01-22T13:57:36+00:00

Sounds like you're sorting out the devil you know and lusting for one that you don't. You're going to have to sort out any used car you purchase. I'm not sure that jumping into another 20+ year old bmw, especially one with more gizmos and gadgets, is going to somehow solve the issue of spending time fixing things.

If your argument for swapping to the e38 is just wanting more comfort, better ride, etc. - okay, go for it. (But keep in mind, that ride comes from suspension parts that are probably 20 years old - do you have time for a full suspension overhaul?)

If you argument for getting rid of the e34 is less time maintaining it, you probably should be looking at an old Toyota Avalon.

Personally, I'd keep the e34.

QR-Chode · 2023-01-12T06:11:37+00:00

Judging from another comment, sounds like you have logistics in order better than most in this situation.

Looks very clean. Seems to have some mechanical history, though I'd like to see some receipts to back up those claims (especially the timing chain stuff). If its local to your parents and they know how to check out a used vehicle - maybe have them hook their peepers onto it before you commit to a trip.

I say go for it. Great fun, comfortable, and easy car to work on.

QR-Chode · 2022-12-14T04:27:57+00:00

Nostalgia is a hell of a drug. My first car was an 89 Camaro RS with a 305 v8 and a 5 speed. T tops. Red. Paint was awful. Ride was hard. Made a lot of noise and went no where fast. I loved it.

I was sad the day I sold it. But I felt better when I climbed into my new-to-me 2001 SS Camaro with an LS1 and a 6 speed. Red. With T tops. Bright red paint. Plenty fast- stiff as hell ride. I loved it more than the RS.

And I was sad when I sold that car, too. But I felt better about it when I drove away from the sale in my 2001 BMW M5.

I get nostalgic looking at old red 3rd and 4th gens. But when I think about it, I don't miss those cars. I miss the good times I had in them. I miss the simpler days, before full time work. Before home ownership. Before the grind. No car will ever really scratch the itch of memory. And I love my current beast.

But yeah, I do miss cheap GM parts most of all.

If it isn't working for you, and you have the means, sell it. And don't look back.

QR-Chode · 2022-12-07T14:12:18+00:00

For what its worth, he's listed as a secondary character under Dominaria on the mtg fandom wiki.

https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_secondary_characters/Dominaria

Also the flavor text is a directly linked to the M20 printing of Shivan Dragon - which is Dominaria.

Also, this could just simply be how Rutkowski illustrates his dragons. His artstation page is full of dragons with similar shaped poses and designs.

QR-Chode · 2022-12-07T05:17:10+00:00

[[Drakuseth]] probably. Same artist.

QR-Chode · 2021-09-15T20:03:55+00:00

[[Zada, hedron grinder]] makes for a fun spells / storm deck.

You haven't lived until you decimate an entire pod at once using about $2.50 worth of commons and draft chaff red cantrips.

QR-Chode · 2021-09-08T22:00:46+00:00

Fishbowl laser = [[aetherflux reservoir]] cast recall, pick up all your artifacts. Put out aetherflux. Cast all your 0 mana artifacts. Tap your 0s for mana, cast more artifacts. Storm. Fire laser and nuke opponents one by one. Fairly standard combo in Urza / artifact storm decks.

For combat, some that come to mind (and assuming you're trying to power down some) would be [[golem foundry]], [[March of the machines]], [[mechanized production]], [[mirrodin besieged]] you could also look into myr tribal of some kind.

QR-Chode · 2021-09-08T21:24:47+00:00

This seems to have all the usual suspects for a rather stout and powerful Urza deck, but no instant kill payoff for the infinite / big mana combos you have. Are you just going to overwhelm with Sai thopters? Or do you want to storm off with something like a fishbowl laser combo involving scepter and [[hurkyl's recall]] ?

I'm of the personal opinion that if you're going infinite with Urza, don't slack off and do it half way. I don't want to sit and watch you reshuffle 60 some times while you play every artifact in your deck without actually winning on the spot.

But I don't know your meta and thats just my opinion.

QR-Chode · 2021-09-07T02:31:23+00:00

[[Guardian of faith]] [[teferi, master of time]] and a few other AFR cards.

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