Will it make it?

[James Rothwell]

Hi there,

Been lurking for a while and finally registered last night.
Anyway I have a soft spot for Mercedes and have had a W210 E320 and a W140 S500 and now got a W124 E300D.

I didn't plan to get the W124 it came in part exchange against a new car (I sells Skodas which I am not ashamed to say, and also, er, Alfa Romeos...) But it came in and I quite liked it so I thought since I tend to do a roadtrip every year around Europe why don't I just use the E300D?

It went from being my usual jaunt around Europe to now being a bit of a challenge, will the W124 (E300D Wagon Auto done 180k) make it to Mongolia and back?

I should be leaving within the first few days in June and I'll be taking lots of photos and trying to video my experience road tripping a W124 as much as possible. I'm sure I'll be asking lots of questions about this car before I go.

I spoke to Nick from w124.com who gave me lots of helpful advice on what to change before I go. But if you've got any tips that would be really helpful to me.

Has anyone on here ever driven really far in their Mercedes?

 

[A210AMG]

Hello


Should be well up to the job as long at you check it all over and fluids etc.


Pleanty of room for spares and stuff also.


I've done Nearly 900 miles in a day in my Merc if thats a long way?....

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Sounds exciting. Car doesn't look half bad either?

 

[James Rothwell]

I'm going to take a couple of spare fuel filters with me as I understand that the quality of fuel East of Moscow is like oily gravel.

This W124 will be doing 1,200 on it's first day of travel on the roadtrip. The seats are very comfy on it though and it's auto so I should be fine. I'm used to long drives, I once drove back from Tallinn non-stop because I thought it was Friday and it turned out it was Saturday and I had to be back for work Monday.

 

[gina2201]

My bro had one of these and although not the same engine it was a very floaty and comfortable drive.

 

[wobbly]

Last year, I drove 1900 miles around Europe in five days in my 107, it never missed a beat, used no oil, and was a pleasure to drive over a long distance, just what these cars were built for.

Im sure if you and your 124, are properly prepared, you should have no problems completing your journey, and making it a event to remember.

Out of interest, how far is Mongolia ?

 

[Dieselman]

Out of interest, how far is Mongolia ?

Isn't it about 4000 miles. Did you see Euan McGreggor go there on his bike trip.
The roads just aren't...

 

[A210AMG]

Outer Mongolia's even further

 

[James Rothwell]

Yes the car is in good mechanical condition but it has a few war wounds nothing terrible for a car of this age that's been used as a family bus.

It's roughly 5,000 miles each way it depends on which route I end up taking, I don't think I'll be taking my prefered Kazakhstan route but I'll be going through Russia for the most part of it due to time constraints.

 

[wobbly]

London UK to Ulan Baton Mongolia 4329 miles

 

[James Rothwell]

A map with an idea of my route to Mongolia is HERE googles make it to be about 5,200 but I'm not sure how accurate that is.

 

[SilverSaloon]

The car will definatly eat the miles easily.

things i would definatly check before going (i'm sure there are plenty of others aswell);

- change all fuel filters (clean pre-filter, replace spin on main filter, and replace/clean fuel tank strainer). The latter being very important i would say.

- make sure ALL fuel o-rings are good along with their clear pipes. - maybe replace them all or just the o-rings

- usual stuff like fluid levels etc, maybe even change the oil

- dont forget to check the gearbox fluid level + power steering levels

- check for any excessive play in all 4 wheels

- carry lots of spare fuses, and maybe look at replacing them all and clean the contacts

- make sure tyres are good and have no slow punctures etc

Main thing for me would be to check the fuel tank strainer. Mine was really and if you think u will be putting in iffy fuel then definatly change/clean this. I did a how to on here - search for "fuel tank strainer"

 

[grober]

Why not contact IMD on the forum by PM. He might have a sump guard for sale. http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=64479

 

[bolide]

Why not contact IMD on the forum by PM. He might have a sump guard for sale. http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=64479

A sump guard might be a good idea but it's heavy and I'd think it'd be difficult to remove when you're lying on your back under the car

Mind you, the idea is not to have to get under the car at all...

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[James Rothwell]

Thanks for the advice guys!

I'll let you know how I get on with the pre-trip checks!

 

[Biscuit]

what are you going to do when you get there with the car I mean? i have family in UB and they had an absolute shocker trying to import their car into the country. Visa's, permits and red tape are just part of life for them. don't forget you'll have lots of border crossings guarded by poorly paid people who see you as a vital source of income.

that being said Mongolia is one of the most stunning places on earth. went there more than ten years ago and it's definitely worth the effort. Mind you i went by Aeroflot so you've taken the easy option.

ahhh sorry just reread and caught the and back bit... blimey you are a masochist!!

 

[James Rothwell]

Never been called a masochist before!

I'm really looking forward to seeing all the beautiful scenery, I'll be sure to capture as much of it as possible on camera and video.