Trip to Switzerland in my SL280 R129

[Hans Solo5]

Im travelling to Switzerland in September in my 1997 SL280, I was wondering if the forum had any recommendations as to what to take as spares just in case ? appreciate its a very broad question but didn't know if i should take hoses, belts etc.

She just had a full service recently and my mechanic was comfortable with everything ?

Any good advice would be greatly received.

Thanks

 

[Wighty]

Im travelling to Switzerland in September in my 1997 SL280, I was wondering if the forum had any recommendations as to what to take as spares just in case ? appreciate its a very broad question but didn't know if i should take hoses, belts etc.

She just had a full service recently and my mechanic was comfortable with everything ?

Any good advice would be greatly received.

Thanks

If you could happily drive a couple of hundred miles in this country without worry, maybe just a Euro area breakdown and recovery policy that’s decent .
Maybe 1L of the correct oil .
Otherwise where do you draw the line in spares .

 

[LostKiwi]

I took my 1993 500 to the south if France (Beziers via Bordeaux) with only a set of spare plug leads and some tools. Didn't even bother with oil as the french sell it in multiple shops (including supermarkets). Take a tin of tyre weld and some puncture repair strips too. Way easier than changing a wheel.

Also took my Smart Roadster to Chamonix. No spares just tools. Took it to Narbonne too. No spares that trip either.

 

[fabes]

Are there any mandatory requirements these days (bulbs, spare tyres, hi Vis, Euros for the Gendarm's)?

 

[Malcolm Johnson]

Sounds Fun, as your cars over 20 years of age very surprised if there i breakdown cover. I tend to head across to mainland Europe every two years to visit different countries. As long as you know the particular country your passing trough or ending at driving requirements. Random breakages occur out the blue. Deal with it in country or when you get back. As as long you are confident in the car. I carry water,oil, pentocin and standard euro travel car pack.

 

[Wighty]

Are there any mandatory requirements these days (bulbs, spare tyres, hi Vis, Euros for the Gendarm's)?

Lots of them .

 

[brandwooddixon]

Mandatory stuff (UK sticker, bulbs, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, hi-vis jackets, warning triangle, as mentioned), some oil and screen wash always useful (maybe a litre for ABC as well). Breakdown cover, if you can get it. An electric tyre pump is a boon (but I guess that you have one) as it allows you to adjust the tyre pressures easily between fully loaded and unloaded pressures when you get to your destination without reliance on a garage.

Tyre weld maybe, but wouldn't bother if you have a spare wheel & tyre.

I'd recommend pre-purchasing or registering for any tolls for your route or places that you're likely to visit online or at least before the last border stop.
Check out emission zones and get any stickers from country specific, government websites - much cheaper.

As it is you're visiting countries with the same facilities as here in the UK. Anything that you can't replace within 10 minutes is going to require more than you can carry - hence decent break down cover. I once had a car transported back from the south of France to the UK (£1600) and a hire car for 10 days - all for £60 so would always recommend it.

If the car has just been serviced and you and your mechanic are happy then enjoy yourself.
Just be aware that many EU countries sell 95 Octane unleaded as super or premium and 91 Octane as standard. Just check the pump dispenser.