Should I drive my 300D from California to Texas? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

kip Foss · #16 11-16-2005, 07:41 PM

It is all well and good to have a lug wrench and a jack but if you can't get the lug nuts off all is for nought. If the last guy to work on the tires had his air compressor set on 175 psi you may not be able to break them loose. A flat on I-10 at 3 in the am while semis shower past you at 80+ mph is not fun nor safe.

I just took my son's 115/300d on a 1k mile trip from Corpus to Tyler and back. The car never even broke a sweat. The only problem I had is keeping it below 80 mph.

Before you go check your oil cooler lines. If you are not much of a mechanic and don't recognize the smell of hot oil at 80 mph you could loose an engine in a heartbeat. I broke a hose in my son's car approaching 100 mph across the causeway into Corpus. You can't imagine what a mess 8 qts. of Diesel oil can make. Fortunately I didn't loose the engine but the mess is unbelieveable.

Good luck.

RobTheMod · #17 11-16-2005, 10:06 PM

Go right ahead and DO IT. These cars love the highway. I'm in Phx, AZ ... ran my 300SD out to the Coachella Festival in April. It was great... had it to Flagstaff and Tucson whenever the mood strikes, too. Give the car a once over and be on your merry way...

Uriah · #18 11-16-2005, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donm

Back in August my wife and two kids drove from Baltimore to west of Louisville (Brandenburg, KY) and back via Cleveland in our '85 TD, 280,000k. It was a two week trip, packed to the gills (couldn't see out the back window), and about 2000 miles, including side trips. Observations:

We took all the above mentioned tools, fluids, filters, etc.

We cruised at just under 80 most of the way, except for that stretch of I-70 between Cincinnati and Louisville, where we averaged above 90. The car needed no extra attention, except for a little oil now and then.

The ACC froze us. It was converted to 134 a couple summers ago. Also the ACC fan is stuck on high. Except now and then when it decides that it will operate properly.

These cars are noisy at speed, even without the fan stuck on high, compared to new designs.

My son (6) kept unintentionally kicking the back of the driver's seat, driving me to distraction. We switched my daughter (5) to that seat, and she did it too.

Maybe depending on a 20+ year old car with high milage wasn't the best idea for such lengthy family trips. Its a great car, but it was something of a gamble. If it had broken down, I would have never heard the end of it from both sides of the family. Its too old, too noisy, and too small as a family hauler.

So I traded my '97 528i on a '06 Honda Odyssey (NO video system, I want kids, not zombies) in September. My wife is happy, and I got her '85 TD to replace my Bimmer as my daily driver. Domestic bliss indeed.

Don McClure
Bel Air, MD

hahaha, ain't kids great? My 5 year old HATES the 190E as it don't have enough room for a crippled midget in the back, but likes the 735iL. I had to disconnect the power rear seat on her side though, otherwise the headrest goes up and down, up and down, up and down, up and down, you got kids, you know. She liked that even better then power windows.

mbzkid · #19 11-16-2005, 10:54 PM

When the oil cooler lines go, is it obvious to someone with some common sense?

Another question: Is there anything stopping the car from overreving while running flat out...DOWNHILL?

These cars love long trips. I swear the idle is smoother after a long hot highway run. The only thing that concerns me about long highway trips, is the high engine RPM. I know these are high reving diesels and all, but running a 240D at 75-100 mph is around 4000 RPM+ or nearing redline. Being in the passenger seat, hearing a 616 screaming at 85+mph for hours makes me cringe thinking what could happen if something lets loose.

Go for it. It's no fun in other cars.

#20 11-16-2005, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbzkid

I know these are high reving diesels and all, but running a 240D at 75-100 mph is around 4000 RPM+ or nearing redline. Being in the passenger seat, hearing a 616 screaming at 85+mph for hours makes me cringe thinking what could happen if something lets loose.

You would need a really big hill to get a 240D anywhere near 100 mph.

Uriah · #21 11-16-2005, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

You would need a really big hill to get a 240D anywhere near 100 mph.

More like a cliff, unless you've got a jato or two...

mbzkid · #22 11-16-2005, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

You would need a really big hill to get a 240D anywhere near 100 mph.

I think about 95, and it was a BIG hill.. It was in PA. The car we were following said they were doing 100 and they were slightly pulling away. I don't know if the 240 was floored.

I've had it pegged and still gaining speed on flat ground (85+). It could have been a slight uphill. Didn't take long at all. Nothing like breaking away from 75-80 MPH traffic and lettin the car stretch its (short) legs.

#23 11-16-2005, 11:34 PM

I've probably gotten (maybe) 85 mph out of mine, but it takes a long time to get there. Also, I would guess that's about 4200-4400 rpm, so I wouldn't want to keep it there all day.

Austin85 · #24 11-16-2005, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by utexas112

Thank you guys for the great comments, suggestions, etc. so far.

Unfortunately, I have 0 tools, and actually 0 spare time to work on the car. I'm a law student, so maybe after finals I will take a day and try to jimmy on some brake pads. Ehrm....

Anyway, thanks again, and I will be sure to stock up on what you all suggested.

George

Why didn't you say you were a Law student...We were just kidding about the filters and the tools and checking the belts and hoses; and extra water for drinking....Just fill 'er up and go.
If you get stuck just call any of us and we'll come pick you up......

jmcnu008 · #25 11-17-2005, 12:20 AM

In June, I drove my 1986 Toyota Truck with 215,000 miles on it from Vegas to Dallas and back with my 4 year old son on I-40. We had a ball! You have to stop at the Arizona Meteor Crater, It is very impressive and worth the $7.00 admission fee. Watch for deer around Williams and Flagstaff! We started from Vegas at 10PM and arrived in Tucumcari, NM. about 1PM the next day. The Tucumcari Inn is a motel I would recommend. Cheap motel with heated outdoor pool and decent rooms. Also, bring snow chains for your car, after Kingman, AZ. I-40 climbs to 7,000' around Flagstsaff, AZ. Fill up in Kingman, no fuel between Kingman and Williams.

2000 230 Compressor 50,000 miles
1991 Honda Civic 218,000 miles
1989 560SL 60,000 miles
1986 Toyota Pick-up 220,000 miles
1982 240D 222,000 miles

Gone, but not forgotten!
1965 190D 537,000 miles
1971 300SEl 3.5 Sedan 156,000 miles
1972 280SE 2.8 Sedan 211,000 miles
1976 450SLC 187,000 miles
1983 500SEC 128,000 miles, Mom owns it now!

Mercedes not reliable? BS!

dieseldiehard · #26 11-17-2005, 12:46 AM

I have driven No Cal to Texas three times. Two were in 123 300TDs. I love the run across New Mexico and not many vehicles in the fast lane stay under 75 MPH and a few way above that.
You gotta watch the semis! They can be your best friend but there's always a couple that try to bully their way with their size you know who usually wins.
A CB radio would be something to keep your ear out for black-n-whites.
Ah yes, Christmas can be cold. Besides needing a 50% solution of antifreeze you have the problem of starting a diesel when it gets cold as it sometimes does in the desert. 15 degree nights are coming to places in West Texas soon! If your engine has a block heater carry a long extension cord to plug her in, and park close to your Motel room if possible get a room downstairs by the parking area. One of the little necessities of driving an older Mercedes.

dieseldiehard · #27 11-17-2005, 12:50 AM

Famous spot in Van Horn, TX
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/attachment.php?attachmentid=22873&d=1104466798

rg2098 · #28 11-17-2005, 09:42 AM

I have the same color so don't worry about that sea green rumor.

I took mine on a trip from Detriot to Indianopolis a few months ago and had one problem. The A/C compressor wires vibrated loose about 30 miles from home.

utexas112 · #29 11-18-2005, 11:40 AM

Everyone - loved the stories. Made me feel like I shouldnt even have to ask whether I should drive across country..

Well, mine is not actually sea foam green. It is more of like a shiny sage? I dont know. When I originally bought it I posted some pictures and thus ensued the debate whether that green color was european only or not. Well, I am pretty sure the car was purchased new in the US, but it might have been on special order.

I bought it from the original owner, who was just a LITTLE obsessed with her car. Can you blame her? I lived in the same condo complex as her, and when she would walk by my garage, if it was open, she would reach in and touch the car, just thinking of the good times they had together. Funny how attached we get to these things.

Thanks for all of your replies

George

utexas112 · #30 11-18-2005, 11:49 AM

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