How often should I drive my car to keep things from drying?

[oaouda]

Hi All,

I have 1989 300E with 152k miles ( i just bought). I am planning to keep the car for long time, therefore, I drive my truck to work (55 miles two ways).

How often should I drive my 300E, to stay in good shape, without adding too many miles to it?

Thanks for your feedbacks

Sam

[Duke2.6]

Modern gasket materials don't "dry out" since most of them are made out of elastomers, not paper.

You should drive the car enough to consume at least a tank of fuel per year so you don't have fuel in the tank that is over one year old, which is a reasonably conservative shelf life for fuel in a modern car with a sealed fuel system unless is sees a lot of time at temperatures over 90F. Also the oil should be changed once a year, and the other fluids according to Mercedes time schedule.

Battery drain can be an issue on cars that are not driven frequently, so I charge mine if I going to use a car that has been sitting a week, and I try to drive each one at least once a month.

Duke

[oaouda]

Duke,

Thanks for the information.

Sam

[Kestas]

Opinions will vary. I think it's best to say that the more often you drive it, the better. I work with seal engineers and they tell me seals work because of the very thin layer of lubricant between the seal and mating surface. It is this lubricant that can dry out, leading to accelerated seal wear. Granted, it can take a long time for seals to be affected from non-use. I worry about a/c compressor shaft seals that are most sensitive to non-use.

Logistically speaking, it would be better to drive it longer for each stint than driving it more often, mainly so everything can warm up and go through its cycles.

[Hatterasguy]

Take it for a ride every weekend. I would try to put 3k-5k a year on it, cars don't like to sit.

[richard28]

One of my cars, previously totaled, has been sitting for over a year waiting for repairs to be made, hopefully soon. What should I do before it is driven? At a mnimum, I assume there is a gas tank additive to remove any condensation that has built up. Thanks.

[csnow]

Originally Posted by richard28

One of my cars, previously totaled, has been sitting for over a year waiting for repairs to be made, hopefully soon. What should I do before it is driven? At a mnimum, I assume there is a gas tank additive to remove any condensation that has built up. Thanks.

As a minimum:

Pull the plugs, and put 1/2 oz of motor oil in each spark plug hole. Pour a quart of motor oil into regular oil fill (lubricates head parts to some extent). Spin the motor by hand a few cranks (if possible). Often you can put a wrench on the crank bolt. Still with spark plugs out, turn motor with starter until you have oil pressure. Install plugs and start.

At just a year you may be able to get by with the fuel you have. Much longer, and it would probably be better to drain it. Old fuel can be used up by mixing a bit in with each fresh tank, or in the lawnmower, or (very carefully) as brush-burning 'enhancer' (it's burning season around here).

[csnow]

Originally Posted by oaouda

How often should I drive my 300E, to stay in good shape, without adding too many miles to it?

Cars hate to sit. Motor oil drains back, exhaust corrodes faster, brake rotors rust over, moisture in brake system settles, batteries get low (and freeze around here). Getting it fully warmed up every 2 weeks would be good, if possible.

[oaouda]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your kind replies to my question. After reading this thread, I going to drive it every other week for 50 miles to work.

Have a good day

Sam

[bobbyv]

it's not just the number of times you drive it that matters. It is important to get the engine to operating temperature and let it stay there for a minimum amount of time per trip. I would say 15min, but others may have a different opinion.

otherwise, you could be doing more harm, especially if you drive it on short trips in the winter.

[Impala]

oaouda, there's still a lot of life left in your cars, drive them and enjoy!

[400E]

Originally Posted by oaouda

Hi All,

I have 1989 300E with 152k miles ( i just bought). I am planning to keep the car for long time, therefore, I drive my truck to work (55 miles two ways).

How often should I drive my 300E, to stay in good shape, without adding too many miles to it?

Thanks for your feedbacks

Sam

What's your purpose for keeping the car for a long time? And how long are you talking about?

Personally, I'm with Impala. Why save the car for the future? These vehicles are meant to be driven, not sit in a garage. The W124 is not a rare or particularly collectible car (except maybe the 500E).

If you drive 300 miles/wk, you'll put on about 15k miles/yr. Properly maintained, either of your 300Es should be good for 300k miles, which means your newest acquisition should be good for 10 years of faithful daily use. You'll be riding in what many of us consider to be the finest MB made, with all of its comfort and safety.

[oaouda]

Hi everyone,

I do really appreciate you feedbacks. I was planning to drive my 89 300E every two weeks for 50 miles. But based on Impala's comment, I might as well enjoy it and drive it every day (live a little).

Thank you guys, you guys are awesome

Sam