1986 280se

[FunkyFez]

In September 2009, myself and a few friends have decided to drive from Aberdeen to Barcelona in the name of charity. For this event we have decided to employ the services of a 1986 Mercedes 280SE, sporting a none too shabby 200,800 miles.
As i have very little experience of a 20 odd year old straight 6, can anybody suggest a list of spares that we should take along for the journey should the inevitable happen.
I have undertaken a previous road trip to Le Mans in a 4.0 TVR Chimera without a hitch, but the similarities between a Rover V8 and an MB I6 are immesurable.
This should be an excellent experience, but i would hate to raise sponsorship for a good cause and the old girl doesn't even make it as far as Dover.
Thanks in advance.

 

[grober]

Off the top of my head the things that will stop you aside from major blow ups would be failure of ignition components like distributor cap, rotor arm, coil, ignition leads and plugs so these should be in tip top condition/new. The next thing liable to go pop are cooling system components so make sure your water pump, radiator hoses radiator and heater hoses control valves are in good nick also. All fluids/filters would benefit from a change/level check also. A visual inspection of the springs and shockers for breaks/ leaks is recommended and the exhaust should be in good nick. A sort of DIY MOT really. A good heavy duty battery is a good idea together with a auto electrician's check that the alternator is charging. Spare wiper blades and headlight/sidelight bulbs a good idea plus a big torch and a strong tow rope! plus a spare wheel/tyre that isn't 20 years old.

 

[Benzowner]

I used to own a 1984 280SE, lovely car. The only problem I had in the three years I owned it was an alternater failure, the voltage regulator is inside and decided to drain the battery not charge it Other than what Grober said, maybe worth taking a set of plugs as well as your EU requirements, bulbs etc, and don't forget to take your hi viz jacket, the French Police are a little hot I hear, and make sure it is in the car NOT in the boot, otherwise you will have to get out of the car to get the jacket and they may fine you.

 

[Ted]

That's a good point from Geoff. When I first read the thread, I was thinking there aren't any weak points on those cars, but he's right - the voltage regulater was a common point of failure (often resulting in overcharging)
Simple to change - just two screws, and the regulator also includes new brushes for the rotor.

 

[popuptoaster]

I dont know if the later ones are the same as my W115, but the coil failed on mine and because it has transitorised ignition you cant use any old coil it has to be the Mercedes one, might be worth carrying one as a spare?

 

[blondebier]

Good luck FunkyFez! Sounds like it'll be loads of fun.

Not sure about the car, but BEER always comes in handy!

Make sure you sling a case or two in the boot!

 

[FunkyFez]

Thanks alot, it's going to be a blast. As for the beer, i'm already on the case(s)!

 

[Stratman]

Yellow jackets for all in the car (France) and spare specs if you wear them for driving (Spain).

 

[johnsco]

If you give it a good check-over before you start - I bet it arrives in Barcelona and never misses a beat.
Johnsco