Driving on the Continent : Which car to choose ?

[DITTRICH]

I am considering buying a second car for driving on the continent.

I want to buy a left hand drive mercedes.
The car needs to be able to cover large distances because one single trip might be up to 5000 miles return (London - Moscow via scandinavia).

Firstly, in Russia, unleaded petrol really doesn't exist outside Moscow and St Petersberg, so the car has to be a diesel car.
Secondly, Russian diesel fuel specifications allow for a much higher sulphur content and the quality of all fuels is variable.
Thirdly, all mercedes (as far as I know) have catalytic converters of one sort of another which like to function with "proper" "european" fuel.
Fourthly, Russia is trying to bring its fuel standards into line with the rest of europe but best estimates put them 6 years behind - ie they need 6 years just to get to where europe is now.

So the big question is what will happen to my catalytic converter if I use russian diesel fuel.

My current thoughts are that such a car would have to be an older mercedes model built for less stringent emissions standards - but which car should I choose?

I had thought about an S350TD but have heard that there were serious problems with the 3.5l engine in these cars. Alternatively, a 3l E class diesel?

...and before people say that Russia is too dangerous for me even to consider going there by car, I used to live there, speak the language and hold a russian driving license!

All suggestions and advice gratefully received.

Regards

Les

 

[markku]

Russia by car

Just buy any MB with diesel and enjoy. Have also spent nearly 5 years in NW Russia. Diesel engines do not have catalytic converters in the sense of petrol engines do. Had Volvo diesel and petrol engines which were running perfectly happy with Russian gas and diesel.

In fact, many people living in SE Finland visit Russia frequently for cheap gas and booze. No problems if you do not use the 76 octane stuff still available from some local old "gas stations".

Better stay away of S350TD because of reliability. I have spent some time with my Russian friends busted MB in Pervomaiskoye ( Kuolemanjärvi ) during the night. I did survive by hitch-hiking back to Wyborg in the dark to collect my car. I do not speak Russian.

I also suggest a good set of Koni shocks and heavy-duty suspension.

Using always, well, when available, the guarded parking lots I did not have any problems. I did pay the local fines for speeding or U-turns, which was fair and cheap.

As a conclusion, buy a Jeep or G-Wagen for your trips.

 

[DITTRICH]

Thanks

Thanks for your views. It is good to hear from someone with practical experience. I've asked this question to a number of people and will post summary once available.
Regards
Les

 

[DITTRICH]

Thanks

Dear Markku

Thanks for the response and recommendations. Whilst an offroad 4wd vehicle is capable of doing anything, my needs are not quite so demanding. The roads are not so totally bad everywhere. Even my 10 year old Moskvitch seems to cope very well! Travelling to say Vladivostock before they have finished the bridges and asphalt (scheduled for 2008) needs a 4wd now, but by then any car should be able to make the journey. Note Putin's 2nd term of office finishes in 2008 so I expect he will make a point of finishing on a high note by opening the competed road, just as he did fot the "link" this year.

The news about diesel is good, and, subject to other enquiries, I shall buy a diesel MB.

The S350TD, I discovered, had suffered from engine problems that could prove to be extermely serious, although the S300TD was perfectly okay.

Regards

Les