Our vacation schedule got munged by our 300TD getting totaled. I'd take that car on a long trip with nothing more than fuel filters and a AAA card; it was super-reliable and I trusted it.

Now that we just got the 300SDL, we're still thinking of taking a long drive in the next two weeks (3k or 5k miles), from Portland through Utah and Arizona. We've had the car inspected and between me and MBI we've fixed every non-cosmetic issue.

Aside from filters, fluids, and the tools to use them, what else would it be worth carrying? Any pre-trip inspections or maintenance that would be a good idea?

__________________
2003 E320 wagon, ~80k, "Sputnik"
1987 300 SDL, ~160k, "The Pimp Daddy" (sold April 2010)
1984 300 TD, ~200k, "Das Boot" (Demised March 2008)

Primary and secondary fuel filters...........a fresh oil and filter change...........a gallon or two of coolant (pre-mixed).............some transmission fluid.

I'd replace the serpentine belt with a new OE belt prior to the trip.

Last summer I bought a 300SDL for my kids but I took it on one of my long 5 hr drive sales calls in the midwest and my kids haven't had a chance to used it since. From 90 degrees to -7 degrees this winter, it has performed well. The 300SDL is a touring car. I believe in really good tires and put new Potenzas on it. It loves B20 biodiesel. I am picky about its high speed ride. Make sure the tires are balanced, the steering is straight and it has good shocks all around. I had my mechanic replace a bad ball joint. With alittle maintenance, my mechanic says, the 300SDL will not leave you by the side of the road. Believe me, I don't want to be on the side of I 80 at midnight when its any temp, let alone -7 outside. Good touring.

If you haven't done this already, clean the fuses and pick up a few spares. Lots of things show up that are just bad connections from old age.

Belt tensioner, fan clutch, new style vacuum pump, #17 or later head...

Seriously, some rubber vacuum hose to shim injector lines when the clips and holders fail. Cut down the length and slip over injector lines where they're in contact.

Sixto
87 300D

Check your spare tire pressure. Have a safe trip.

__________________
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q.../ForumSIg2.jpg

If you haven't replaced your alternator brush pack (recently) it's a good $25 insurance to have a new one in the glove box.

__________________
BENZ THERE DONE THAThttp://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...c/progress.gif
15 VW Passat TDI
00 E420
98 E300 DT
97 E420 Donor Car - NEED PARTS? PM ME!
97 S500
97 E300D
86 Holden Jackaroo Turbo D
86 300SDL
(o\|/o)

What was said above, does it have good tires? Don't forget to check the spare, if its a 22 years old and rock hard it won't do you much good.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Is your A/C working properly? You may need it in Arizona in the next month or so.

__________________
1987 300TD 309, xxx 2.8.2014 10,000 mile OCI


Be careful of the toes you step on today, as they may be connected to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow. anonymous

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter won’t mind.” Dr. Seuss

I vacillated about changing the vacuum pump on ours this year; it just failed(to destruction) on a long road trip. Luckily no apparent damage to the chain or accessories. Cost to replace and clean out debris from the crankcase. $800. Happened at 200K. If you are in that region; consider it.

__________________
Retired Marine Engineer
2005 E320 CDI
1987 300 Turbo Diesel @ 300,000 kM going
1974 240 D 300,K Miles when given away gone
1970 200 D gone
1969 190 D gone

That's good advice for anyone with 200k. Even if they are not planning a trip.

__________________
1987 300TD 309, xxx 2.8.2014 10,000 mile OCI


Be careful of the toes you step on today, as they may be connected to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow. anonymous

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter won’t mind.” Dr. Seuss

Yep, I wouldn't roll the dice on an old 603 vacuum pump, your just asking for trouble.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200