Anti-Strand Emergency Parts Kit

Especially if I’m out of town with my car, typically on a weekend when shops are closed, I depend on my emergency parts kit to keep me from being stranded. Here’s what I have for my W124 and R129. What’s in yours?

Crank position sensor
Serpentine belt
EHA, special O-rings and bolts
MAS
Spark plug wire (the longest one) and new plug
Cap and rotor (from my last tune up)
OVP

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03 CLK430 Cabrio 211K Pweter Silver/ Oyster Leather
90 300SEL 214k Pearl Black/ Alto Grey/Black Leather

Prior: 85 190E, 88 300TE, 89 300TE, 90 300E 2.6, 90 300TE, 92 300E 2.6, 91 and 93 300SL, 87 Ferrari Mondial Cabrio

Yep, a couple of parts can keep things going.

I also keep old brake pads. A few years ago Mom and Dads Blazer had a pad get stuck in the runner ( salt ) causing it to wear completely out in 5K miles or so. I used the old pads in that spot to keep it going until all the others were worn out.

Another tool is to change parts when they are at the end of expected life.

For my 190E:
Spark plugs
MAS
OVP
Spark plug wires
Coolant
1 of each light bulbs
Radiator hoses + 1 long generic hose to bypass heater core
*Voltage regulator* this is a must for everyone
Water
All fuses
Various relays
2 gauge wire
12 gauge wire
Electric tape
Hose clamps

I didn't think about the serpentine belt. I need to get one of those.

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1990 190E 3.0L

A data point on the voltage regulator for the alternator.

My 97 SL320 and C280 both have a resistor soldered across the regulator / one brush from the factory to keep the system operating even if the regulator fails in the no charge mode. The alternator won't put out full power but , if they sized the resistor properly, enough to run loads that never shut off + a little bit. ( Fuel pump, engine computer, maybe headlights too. ) Not all replacement regulators have this feature but it is easily added.

The best "part" is a AAA card with a 200 mile towing option and a cell phone.
Anziani
'97 CL600 51K

the most important in my kit is the inspection before driving. knowing the cars condition will almost always get you home but i do like the aaa idea altho i dont have it