Hi there,

I'm planning on driving my C230 about 3000 miles this summer - friend's wedding. Any recommendations on such long drive (e.g. get the car checked at the dealer before I go)?

Thanks!

 

If i were you.. i might try and get a real spare tire. Other than that just have faith in ur car hehe



~fk

 

The good thing is Roadside Assistance, so if I have any probs I can just call 1800MERCEDES...

I didn't have any problems with my past cars:

Nissan Sentra
Pontiac Grand Am

But this will be my first time driving Benz so far
1200 Miles = 18-19 hours one way.

 

Where would he put a full size spare? On the roof?

 

That's what your benz was born to do

 

Lynn :

the trunk would be a good place..

u can always throw the stuff for ur trip on top of it.

~fk

 

firstkill, if you put a full size spare in the cargo compartment of a coupe, you can't put even a small suitcase in there. I don't think a full size spare is really necessary. Pweb lives in the Upper Midwest. 1500 miles isn't going to take him to any remote spots.

 

Here's a recommendation: FLY! and get the car shipped! lol

 

Sure, but if you need anything other than: a tire change, gas, or a jump start, be prepared lay down a large amount of cash. Roadside Assistance is NOT free! The dealer doesn't dare tell you that, but read the booklet...the prices they charge are ridiculous.

 

What else would you need from Roadside Assistance?

Erik

 

This may keep you comfortable:

TRIP INTERRUPTION:

In the rare event that a breakdown caused by a warranty-covered condition occurs more than 100 miles from your home, take comfort. If the breakdown leaves your Mercedes-Benz inoperable or unsafe to drive and requires overnight repairs at an authorized MB Retail Center, we'll reimburse you up to $300 per day (for up to three days) for documented expenses*.

*Eligible expenses include meals, lodging and substitute transportation while your Mercedes-Benz is being repaired

Erik

 

It's possible that a non warranty-covered item could leave you needing roadside assitance.
Off the top of my head:
-broken windshield from a rock (maybe some folk's insurance will cover this. Some don't)
-problems arising from an aftermarket part
-problems arising from neglecting maintenance (brakes, overheating)

3 days isn't a very long time. Especially when most replacement parts must be ordered from Germany.

Anyway, all I'm trying to say is *be carefull* and have a good trip.

 

Yeah, but none of those problems would be due from the car, so why should Mercedes pick up the tab? Roadside assistance is free if the car is at fault, or in the case of a tire and gas, they (IMO) are nice about it and don't charge you. I wouldn't expect them to fix my windshield for free...or re-weld my aftermarket exhuast.

Erik

 

Should he check the oil level? or should he change it?
what about the tires pressure?
are there some other things he should check?

 

I don't know what you guys have against the OEM spare. I think makes good sense.

1- takes up less space
2- don't have to bother checking air in spare and honestly who does?
3- don't have to go to gas station to top up your tires w/air.

OK one downside- takes 5 minutes more. But not even actually because you can get it rolling as you're taking off the flat, and before you're done w/that, its ready to rock. What's the problem?

 

Oh yeah, long road trip checklist

- check oil, change if going over by more than 500.
- check fluids, brake, washer etc.
- check air pressures, maybe run them a little higher for better MPG
- bring lots of water- wide mouth bottles work better for dual usage, CDs, don't forget the road atlas (just in case) and the , and the radar detector.

 

Not sure why there should be a to do list? Do you keep the car maintaned at the maintenance intervals and doing the obvious stuff like ocassionally checking tire pressure and fluids? If you do I don't see why there should be a problems. I've driven several long distance trips and I have never done any special preperations to the cars.

 

east or west? west you might be able to make better time. i made it from dallas to LA (1500 miles) in 18 hours...

would have been faster, but i KNEW i was in cali when i'm in the middle of the desert, literally a hundred miles from anything and i'm stuck in a bumper to bumper traffic jam for 50 miles... lol.

 

Thanks for your suggestions!

Going from Minnesota to NYC.
70-85mph non stop = 18-19 hours