ML270 CDi European touring

[Uncle Benz]

I am off in 2 weeks to Portugal in my 2004 ML. What spares if any should I consider taking?? I have RAC cover, but was thinking of maybe MAF sensor and brakelight switch as well as standard fan belt and bulb kit. Any other recommendations?? I expect to cover 3000 to 3500 miles in 4 weeks.

 

[EvilEd]

That's a scary thought..

I took a 11/12 year old Paj to the south of france last year and the year previous and took no spares at all ('cept the bulbs), neither did it need them.

Are you serious that you need to take spares with an ML to go that far???

Our's will be off to either the Rhone Alps (Near Evian) or Slovenia next year.

I'll watch this with interest... (Mines an 02!)

EE

 

[Blobcat]

Don't forget 2 hi-viz jackets, I would leave the MAF & Brake Light switch but take some spare wiper blades

 

[jberks]

I can't say I'd consider taking anything above what is required by law - high vis jackets, spare bulbs etc. The rest, should you need it, can be acquired on site. Many of us do that type of mileage normally each week and my car only ever visits the workshops for its regular service.

 

[angus falconer]

If you are feeling nervous then take a crank sensor

 

[blassberg]

I wouldn't take a thing. Did Germany, Belgium, France in mine - no probs.

 

[angus falconer]

If you are feeling nervous then take a crank sensor

Actually Blassberg is right - I've just noticed that your car is only two years old so why worry (I presumerd it was an older one when I first read post)

 

[Rory]

Presumeably Mobilo will come & rescue you?

 

[psmart]

Absolutely nothing... other than a

high lift jack, spare engine, spare gearbox, extra drive shafts, transfer case and perhaps the odd suspension bushes and shoxs

Mine has done about 50000 miles in Europ of its 59500 mile life.... just like driving at home. The only odd thing I noticed was in Rome at 40-45'c when the fuel pump made a whirring noise after a long drive (Rotterdam to Rome), which cleared up after a nights kip and hasnt returned.

Dont worry, just take spare bulbs, a emergency medical kit and high visibility vests (law to carry in some countries now, such as Austria and Italy). Merc garages are a plenty over here, and if youve got SatNav (COMMAND), then it will tell you where they are should you require them.

 

[EvilEd]

high lift jack, spare engine, spare gearbox, extra drive shafts, transfer case and perhaps the odd suspension bushes and shoxs

You're an ex Landy Driver aren't you

 

[Uncle Benz]

Thanks for all your advice. I am not really that experienced on the continent, but have decided now to wing it with bulb kit and RAC card. Haven't used a high lift jack since I toured Iceland with my uncle in a 109" Land-Pig!!

 

[Blobcat]

Just take it slow and easy to start with, our continental cousins can seem quite crazy to start with.
Personally I find driving in central Paris easier than London.

 

[bibamus]

I did 2500 miles in my 9 year old fully loaded W202 with a spare bulb kit, beam benders a couple of screwdrivers ( I was camping) and a broken hazard warning triangle in the boot lid.

I only used the beam benders!

Good luck with the trip, if you are driving through Spain, Spanish drivers are far worse than over here!! ( I found)

Allan

 

[psmart]

You're an ex Landy Driver aren't you

I thought Uncle would have got bored of wasting a brilliant 4x4 ML on the school runs and would take the direct route..... attack the mountains Nothing like getting seriously off road leaving the rat race behind

Enjoy Portugal..... dont mention the war...I meant football

 

[5imon]

If you going that far and your taking an ML you may consider taking a set of disks and pads.......

 

[EvilEd]

If you go across the pyrenees via andorra, take the pass, then at the top, follow the track beside the garage up to 3700 meters... did it in the Paj last year.... amazing view....! feel like you are on top of the world... You can go higher if you dare (In the Jeep I would)

Take your time though... there is not a lot of air at that height for the car to breath!

 

[johnmc]

Don't need to take much at all. I've done 4kmiles holidays each year on the continent for the last 4 years. I do recommend breakdown cover. Getting your car back if is is broken can cost a couple of grand, plus the impact to your holiday. A little cover can help!

The basics:
- bulb kit
- Hi visibility jackets (you can get them from Poundland, guess the price...!), or from Asda for a fiver.
- Extra triangle, Spain requires that you carry two.
- Spare eye glasses if you wear them, again compulsory in Spain.
- Beam benders for the lights.
- You might need a first aid kit, not sure for Spain!
- GB sticker or number plates.
- Your spare car keys.
- Green card for insurance.
- Breakdown cover. AA is pretty good, English speaking call centre.
- Remove any RADAR detectors, they'll fine you and take them away.

Enjoy it, it is fun.

Bye!
John

 

[EvilEd]

And remember, they time you between Tolls in France... if you do it too quick, you get €90 fine and points now too I think.

And don't assume a dual carriageway is 110Kmh.... it costs you €90 (Luckily before the points!)

EE

 

[Blobcat]

And remember, they time you between Tolls in France... if you do it too quick, you get €90 fine and points now too I think.

And don't assume a dual carriageway is 110Kmh.... it costs you €90 (Luckily before the points!)

EE

Urban myth, the bored out of their continental skull toll operators have no interest in Ros Beef's and how fast they are driving between tolls.

 

[johnmc]

Careful now, not quite an urban myth! The toll operators couldn't care less, they get no income from fines and they have no powers to fine in the first place. If the toll operators believed that they could charge extra toll money based on your speed they'd all be at it all the time! The police simply turn up at the tolls at random and start checking tickets. Saves them the hassle of setting up radar traps, as a couple of dumbos in a TT from the UK found out at Reims tolls in front of me this year coming home!

The chances of getting caught are low, but once you are in the toll queue there's no where to park to kill time and reduce your average speed.

John