SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: what spare parts to pack for 5000 miles 7 week trip ?

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Old May 12, 2022 | 10:41 AM
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what spare parts to pack for 5000 miles 7 week trip ?

what spare parts would experts here pack for 5000 miles 8000 km trip , 7 weeks , some high speed runs autobanh , 2013 SL500/ 550 USA , car has 52 000 km now on clock sinse 2013 .

belts , some plugs, idler pulley, or maybe change it first. what else ?
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Old May 12, 2022 | 02:30 PM
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A credit card should suffice

Jokes aside, you car is barely broken in by German standards and some high-speed runs will do the engine well. I would simply check on the condition of the brakes, tires, belts, fluids and AC before taking off.
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Old May 12, 2022 | 02:30 PM
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That sounds like an epic road trip.
Your car should be reliable to handle such a road trip. Barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Make sure BOTH your batteries are good and not too old. I would make sure your car has had all the service done as recommended in the Maintenance book.
R231 Maintenance Booklet

For good measure, I would scan the car for codes with a code reader preferably, XENTRY, just to make sure there are no issues lurking.
If you get to put it on a lift for fluid changes, good time for inspection for anything out of sorts, suspension, tires, brakes, etc…

Have Fun
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Old May 12, 2022 | 03:18 PM
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Actually, I would add a good scan tool that includes all modules for a Mercedes. iCarsoft MB V3.0, Blue Driver, Carly, are just a few. All between $100-$200. I always want to know if something goes whacky what it is.

https://smile.amazon.com/iCarsoft-Me...s%2C162&sr=8-2

https://smile.amazon.com/BlueDriver-...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

https://www.mycarly.com/
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Old May 12, 2022 | 10:16 PM
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On a 7 week road trip I would expect some of my parts to go first before anything in the car...
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Old May 13, 2022 | 04:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Tommyboy928
what spare parts would experts here pack for 5000 miles 8000 km trip , 7 weeks , some high speed runs autobanh , 2013 SL500/ 550 USA , car has 52 000 km now on clock sinse 2013 .

belts , some plugs, idler pulley, or maybe change it first. what else ?
“What else?” For a trip of that length, leave the SL at home and rent a nice S Class sedan or convertible. I love my SL, but there’s no way I would take it for a drive that was more than a few hours. I realize this is just my old body talking, but it “talks” and I listen. have a great trip!
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Old May 13, 2022 | 04:44 PM
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That is some trip! Where will you be going? I would just get a once over by whoever you have work on your car to make sure it is tip top.
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Old May 13, 2022 | 05:42 PM
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Why not take the SL?

I have zero complaints about the ride, or seats in my SL. Add in comfort setting shocks, massage seats and a jazz station and I am all smiles with the wind blowing on my scalp! Lol. I would have hated to buy a car that cost this much new, or pre owned and not be able to drive it. (Unless having to take multiple family members).

Originally Posted by Streamliner
“What else?” For a trip of that length, leave the SL at home and rent a nice S Class sedan or convertible. I love my SL, but there’s no way I would take it for a drive that was more than a few hours. I realize this is just my old body talking, but it “talks” and I listen. have a great trip!
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Old May 13, 2022 | 05:59 PM
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SL is perfect for road trips. We usually rent convertibles when in Europe and always put up to 2000 miles on the car in two weeks. They are super comfortable and perfect at any speed. Even luggage space is good with carry-ons. The trunk is larger than the S-Class cab we rented.
IMO, these cars just need a check-over before. Europe has countless repair shops that service Mercedes so there is little risk to be stranded for small issues.
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Old May 14, 2022 | 02:08 AM
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If the car breaks down, you will not have the spare you need. Plenty MB service in Europe.

If you have your car serviced by MB, you will also have Mobilo cover.
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Old May 14, 2022 | 11:01 AM
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As I prepare for my own vacation, here are items I am taking or would want to take on an extended trip. 5000 miles probably involves some kind travel through some remote areas, such as Arizona, Nevada, West Texas, etc.

1. Tire repair kit. Depending on the damage, if you pick up a nail in the tread, why not try to repair it? Of course, you will need a jack and air pump to inflate the tire. I have done this when on vacation in the past. It saved me a lot of time, money, and trouble.

2. Alternatively, get one of those AirMan ResQ Pro+ kits. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
3. Emergency repair tape. Self-fusing waterproof silicon emergency repair tape. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
4. Tie wraps. I have used them for lots of stuff, like to replace a missing bushing clamp on the trunk hinge.
5. Hose clamps. Self explanatory.
6. Gallon bottle to transport water if you need. Get a gallon of washer fluid and pour it out if you need to.
7. First Aid Kit. While mandatory in many European countries, not in the US. Dumb!
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Old May 14, 2022 | 11:57 AM
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Add

8. Disposable nitrile gloves.
9. Shop towels.
10. Cheap small moving blanket from Harbor Freight.
11. Flashlight
12. Road flares or Warning Triangle
13. Poncho/Rain Coat bright color (orange, yellow, etc.)

Last edited by JettaRed; May 14, 2022 at 12:57 PM.
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Old May 14, 2022 | 05:13 PM
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The OP is in Norway traveling through Europe.
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Old May 14, 2022 | 05:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Wolfman
The OP is in Norway traveling through Europe.
Well, that's no fun! Just being an American and assuming everyone lives here.

Then, forget half of what I listed since all of Europe is congested enough where you're not going to get stranded in the desert.
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Old May 14, 2022 | 06:48 PM
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I just take a tire repair kit, AAA card and cell phone. I drive 100+ years old cars and only take the same….

Last edited by Utopia Texas; May 14, 2022 at 06:52 PM.
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Old May 14, 2022 | 06:57 PM
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Old May 14, 2022 | 07:07 PM
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Very nice, very nice !
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Old May 14, 2022 | 08:50 PM
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Does AAA work in Europe?
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Old May 14, 2022 | 09:25 PM
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Yes. Go to their site for information….
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