E 51or E 52

[chris and sha]

I have been looking at nice E51 2009, but just seen a fully spec E52 in good condition with good miles. . Any advice on if they convert well?

Am looking to convert to camper and originally went for the higher roof of the E51.

But E52 seems cheaper and with lower miles. Also has the dash converted etc. already.

Advice appreciated.

 

[Richard Fox]

This might help with your decision:

https://www.e52lowdown.com/2021/11/e52-vs-e51-part-1-is-size-important.html

 

[JohnK]

If you're looking to convert to a camper the E51 is far more suitable imo.

 

[bikerToe]

E51 all day long

 

[LeStempy]

E51 and E52 are chalk and cheese. Depends what you want out of it.

 

[Elgraman]

The continually variable transmission.

 

[DavidMcA18]

Just purchased an E52, sounds like more options available to get an aftermarket ICE system on the E51

 

[Blaggard]

Personal choice, I like the shape of the E51, it's distinctive and stands out. E52 for me looks like a lot more other makes on the road

 

[DavidMcA18]

Sorry its an E51 i have not a E52

 

[Elgraman]

I have been looking at nice E51 2009, but just seen a fully spec E52 in good condition with good miles. . Any advice on if they convert well?

Am looking to convert to camper and originally went for the higher roof of the E51.

But E52 seems cheaper and with lower miles. Also has the dash converted etc. already.

Advice appreciated.

Controversial, but maybe check out the Toyota Hiaces at Colin Price if you're still going at the weekend. Fully converted already and naturally much more space than any E51/2
Hardly going to win 0-60mpg drag races, but maybe that's not the nature of the beast, and if the E51/2 you are considering are the 2.5L version, those won't be winning any races, either.

 

[WhatsThisFor]

E51 = Roomy Van
E52 = Large Estate

 

[guf]

This subject has been mentioned in various threads. Personal choice, but E51 would be definitely more suitable for camper.
It is also more roomy and versatile

 

[chris and sha]

Controversial, but maybe check out the Toyota Hiaces at Colin Price if you're still going at the weekend. Fully converted already and naturally much more space than any E51/2
Hardly going to win 0-60mpg drag races, but maybe that's not the nature of the beast, and if the E51/2 you are considering are the 2.5L version, those won't be winning any races, either.

We have seen the Toyota with Colin. Wasn’t to Sharon’s liking!

 

[Elgraman]

We have seen the Toyota with Colin. Wasn’t to Sharon’s liking!

I haven't actually been in one, only saw them a few times standing right outside of them. I think they're funky looking things, albeit big for my meagre skills.
Did she generally not like the Hiace, it is an acquired taste, or not the internal conversion, or both?

 

[macfur]

Having owned E50, E51 and E52 it all depends on what your needs are
- E51 probably best for camper conversion (loads of good advise on this site)
-E52 more modern, more toys and much more of a driver's vehicle

Spanner in the works, for a campervan - if you can find a E50 low milage diesel in good nick at a good price go for it!

 

[sg66]

One makes a small camper the other is a big estate car

 

[ElGrand52]

Having owned an E51 and now E52, if you want to convert to a camper, has to be E51.

 

[Magnu]

 

[Magnu]

Sausage fingers strike again. Northstar are favourably mentioned on the forum for their E51 conversions.

 

[sg66]

Doesn't go well with a rock and roll seat cause that doesn't work in a big estate car

Yes it's doable and if that's what someone wants then it's great.