trip advise please

Irritable Owl

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Your Mercedes
c200 sport select 2000
Having just purchased a 2000 c200 automatic estate I was wondering what advise members could give me regarding preparation for a french alps/italy trip that I am taking in july. The planned distance is about 4000 miles round trip. What would the forum members reccommend?
 

GlosRichCLK

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Your Mercedes
2019 W177 A180 SE auto, 2012 W212 E350 CDi Sport saloon, 2001 CLK 230 K Cabriolet A208
It will be hot, make sure the cooling system is working well, and the aircon also, maybe get some sun blinds for the inside.

Also check the brakes for those mountain roads.

General service and maintenance advised for a long hot journey like that.
 

Craiglxviii

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Cambs UK
Your Mercedes
970 Panamera Turbo; W221 S500L AMG Line, C215 CL500, W251 R350L AMG Line, plus several more now gone
Check the dates of last service for all the usual. Engine oil, ATF, engine coolant. Check AC condition. Check brake discs and pads. Aside from that.... you just sit back and enjoy these cars!
 

LostKiwi

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Midlands / Charente-Maritime
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'93 500SL-32, '01 W210 Estate E240 (RIP), 02 R230 SL500, 04 Smart Roadster Coupe, 11 R350CDi
As Craig.
Do a service if one is due or will be due before you return.
Check front wheel bearings (the only thing we have had issues with - both the 129 and 210 have had wheel bearings start to rumble whilst in France - I suspect due to long periods at high speed on the free flowing French roads.
Check pad wear to ensure they have enough meat on them for 4000 miles or so. Check tyres are in good condition (see previous comment about sustained high speeds).
Check coolant is good and if in doubt change it. Given you are in the Alps I'd be inclined to change the brake fluid too if its over 2 years old.
Other than that sit back and enjoy.
 

Wighty

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W211/E320cdi/2009 and CLK200k 2009
Make sure you have breakdown cover sorted . ATF change schedule recommended every 40k miles on the 5g gearbox .
Have a read up on Sanef Tol Tag for quick passage through the French Toll booths , I wouldn't be without mine now .
 

dreadlockdw

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Wakefield
Your Mercedes
clk 500 cabriolet 2005; E280 1993
Required to have:
1. hi-viz vests for driver and passengers, and these should be stowed inside the car rather than in the boot.
2. a set of light bulbs for the car, although I imagine many would not carry spare Xenons. I carry a box of random bulbs in case examined - some of them will fit my car...
3. alcohol testers supposed to be carried in France, but I believe this requirement is not enforced/policed.
4. if straying onto Swiss motorway best to buy a vignette/ticket in advance.
5. Breakdown triangle still in your new purchase?

After all this sensible advice best wishes for a great holiday!
 

anglaslt

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Lithuania and UK
Your Mercedes
LHD B63S Brabus (CL63 AMG) and RHD BMW X3 M40i
Lots of good advice but make sure to take your original driving licence and V5c. Good idea to take a spare key too.
 

daibevan

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Alltwen, Pontardawe
Your Mercedes
W203 C200 Kompressor Elegance SE 2006 Tanzanite Blue with cream interior
and check/change the batteries in the keys.
 

L John

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W204 C350 Petrol Elegance
  • Eat high-fibre foods
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Exercise regularly
  • Get enough sleep
  • Try going gluten free
:Do_O

Anyone thinking I've posted on the wrong thread, it's a long trip for an Irritable Owl.
 

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