driving my baby 2500 miles
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Joined: May 2007
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From: stamford, CT
1993 Mercedes 300e 4-matic (m103 motor)
driving my baby 2500 miles
Ok i live in CT but am going to school in Arizona. I wanted to drive the 2500 mile treck when i go back for break, I was wonderign what you guys thing if my 93 300e 4matic with 190,000 miles would make it there or would that be too much strain.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2007
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From: stamford, CT
1993 Mercedes 300e 4-matic (m103 motor)
oh ok yeah i do know i have to replace my electric fans they were shot when i bought the car. Do you know of any good mercedes indies near you white planes is only a 20 min drive...
and I plan on doing it in december, and if not december next year at this time.
and I plan on doing it in december, and if not december next year at this time.
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i dont know how well maintained your car is.
but prior to any long trip, i buy a few quarts of oil, fill a coolant bottle with water, check air pressure and increase to 32F 35R, fill fuel tank and go.
my pretrip inspection is nothing more than checking oil levels and coolant levels and making sure the tires will be ok for the conditions.
but then again, i know how well maintained my car is.
but prior to any long trip, i buy a few quarts of oil, fill a coolant bottle with water, check air pressure and increase to 32F 35R, fill fuel tank and go.
my pretrip inspection is nothing more than checking oil levels and coolant levels and making sure the tires will be ok for the conditions.
but then again, i know how well maintained my car is.
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Kentucky
500E's
If you have not had the coolant flushed in a while, do so as posted above. Also spend about 15 extra bucks and get a new thermostat and pressure cap. As you get into the heat of the trip, those guys can trip you up easily and are an easy fix ahead of time. Check all hoses for cracks and bulging around the clamps.
I just took a 500E with 235000 on a 3500 mile trek to Key West and the Rolex 24 this past Feb with no worries.
If you have concerns, get online, get numbers for referenced Indy shops along your route so that, should you have a problem you will know who to call in that area. It would be an hours work to give some peace of mind.
By the way, best way to get west would be to take 78 off the Tap to 81 and then 70/68/79 through MD/WVA and hook into I 64 into KY. That will allow you to drop down to Nashville and hook to 40 or go straight across 64 to St Louis, depending on weather. I used to live in NYC before moving back to Kentucky.
I just took a 500E with 235000 on a 3500 mile trek to Key West and the Rolex 24 this past Feb with no worries.
If you have concerns, get online, get numbers for referenced Indy shops along your route so that, should you have a problem you will know who to call in that area. It would be an hours work to give some peace of mind.
By the way, best way to get west would be to take 78 off the Tap to 81 and then 70/68/79 through MD/WVA and hook into I 64 into KY. That will allow you to drop down to Nashville and hook to 40 or go straight across 64 to St Louis, depending on weather. I used to live in NYC before moving back to Kentucky.
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
Take it easy and you shouldn't have too many problems. Take 20 minute breaks every 2-3 hours not just for yourself, but for your car as well.
Sometimes driving at night is good because of the reduced A/C usage, but if you're going to be sacrificing safety, then it's not worth it.
Be sure to bring extra coolant, extra motor oil (of the right kind), and extra distilled water.
Increase tire pressure 4 PSI over the normal recommended tire pressure.
Fill up your windshield washer fluid. Bugs will accumulate on your windshield. Also, you should wash your car prior to setting out and within 2 days after completing your trip. If you accumulate a lot of bugs in the beginning of your trip, wash the car when it's around half-way through to save the paint. If you can wax your car before setting out, it'll actually improve your efficiency slightly.
I've repeated some things people have already said because they're extra important.
Good luck and drive safely.
Sometimes driving at night is good because of the reduced A/C usage, but if you're going to be sacrificing safety, then it's not worth it.
Be sure to bring extra coolant, extra motor oil (of the right kind), and extra distilled water.
Increase tire pressure 4 PSI over the normal recommended tire pressure.
Fill up your windshield washer fluid. Bugs will accumulate on your windshield. Also, you should wash your car prior to setting out and within 2 days after completing your trip. If you accumulate a lot of bugs in the beginning of your trip, wash the car when it's around half-way through to save the paint. If you can wax your car before setting out, it'll actually improve your efficiency slightly.
I've repeated some things people have already said because they're extra important.
Good luck and drive safely.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 236
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From: stamford, CT
1993 Mercedes 300e 4-matic (m103 motor)
i'm also goign to buy AAA. How long do you think it woudl take. And the only thing i'm worried abotu is being ubber bored. anyone drive across the us by them selves how did you keep yourself entertained.
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From: California
A w124, w202, and a few bimmers
If you are going to get AAA, be sure to get the plus package.. Its only 50 bucks more, but they will tow your car (with a flatbed I might add) within 100 miles. The standard package will only allow 5 miles, after that you pay by the mile.
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i drive at night and speed like hell. when i get sleepy i open all the windows and sun roof and crank up the volume with some loud angry rock music (i rarely listen to rock!!! may not work for you if you listen to it all the time.) and stop at the first gas station.
avoiding traffic is the big thing.
get plenty of rest and fluids, stop for at least ten minutes when you stop for gas, bathroom, food, walk around. talk to people at the gas station. take your mind off your driving when youre stopped.
most importantly, take your time. your life is far too important to waste by getting in an accident from haste. that means leave a day early.
