Taking a Merc W115 to France?
Discussion
I have owned this for a couple of years - It's a 1972 Mercedes 115 220.
I am considering taking it to Languedoc in the South of France for my annual 2 week holiday in August. I am familiar with France as I have driven 'ordianary' cars & motor bikes over there but have never been brave enough to try the Merc.
Any top tips from people who drive their classics in France in the past?
I have had it mildly fettled (carb cleaned and reset) and had a once over with Mercedes guru, Joe from SS Autos in Weybridge.
The car has not been used for a year but I have run it for the last month locally to 'settle it all down'. So far nothing major has cropped up!
Joe reckons that it should be fine and he recalls many years ago driving to Sicily and back with his family in the very same model! He suggests jogging along at about 60 - 70 mph but not much more. I would mainly use auto routes to get there and I wonder if that might either kill or cure it for good! The engine has good oil pressure and the mileage is about 140,000 which I think is genuine from the history!
What spares should I consider taking. I am vaguely useful with a with a spanner but I think that if I have any major problems I would call for assistance - my thinking is that if I have the basic spares a competent mechanic should be able to fix it!? I will have my wife and two teenagers with me!
I am considering joining the breakdown organisation from Germany called ADAC which I understand covers the driver in any car. This company has cropped up on a couple of searches on this forum.
How should I prepare!?
Thanks very much
Jules
I am considering taking it to Languedoc in the South of France for my annual 2 week holiday in August. I am familiar with France as I have driven 'ordianary' cars & motor bikes over there but have never been brave enough to try the Merc.
Any top tips from people who drive their classics in France in the past?
I have had it mildly fettled (carb cleaned and reset) and had a once over with Mercedes guru, Joe from SS Autos in Weybridge.
The car has not been used for a year but I have run it for the last month locally to 'settle it all down'. So far nothing major has cropped up!
Joe reckons that it should be fine and he recalls many years ago driving to Sicily and back with his family in the very same model! He suggests jogging along at about 60 - 70 mph but not much more. I would mainly use auto routes to get there and I wonder if that might either kill or cure it for good! The engine has good oil pressure and the mileage is about 140,000 which I think is genuine from the history!
What spares should I consider taking. I am vaguely useful with a with a spanner but I think that if I have any major problems I would call for assistance - my thinking is that if I have the basic spares a competent mechanic should be able to fix it!? I will have my wife and two teenagers with me!
I am considering joining the breakdown organisation from Germany called ADAC which I understand covers the driver in any car. This company has cropped up on a couple of searches on this forum.
How should I prepare!?
Thanks very much
Jules
I think you should go for it. Take the usual consumable spares etc that can be fixed at the road side and it should be OK. I presume it runs on unleaded, as I would have thought the old 4 star would be hard to get hold of now.
Get a good breakdown cover obviously. But make sure they will repatriate the car if it cannot be repaired locally. Some cover only go to the market value of the car, so if they deem your car to be worth less than the cost of shipping it home they pay you what its worth and scrap it.
Watch out for all the French requirements for driving there these days, the list increases every year.
Have a great " oliday"
Get a good breakdown cover obviously. But make sure they will repatriate the car if it cannot be repaired locally. Some cover only go to the market value of the car, so if they deem your car to be worth less than the cost of shipping it home they pay you what its worth and scrap it.
Watch out for all the French requirements for driving there these days, the list increases every year.
Have a great " oliday"
I'd change all filters, plugs, oils & brake fluid. And change the water/antifreeze while flushing through the radiator and heater matrix.Check the brake pads & shoes etc. Does the propshaft have grease nipples on the u/js? For spares I'd take fan belt, water hoses, thermostat, plugs, plug leads, points, condenser, dizzy cap, u/j for propshaft.
Always carry spare oil/brake fluid/water/anti-freeze etc.
Usual tools as well as jump leads, jubilee clips, spare wire, insulating tape and cable ties.
How good is the battery?
Will your Mercedes specialist post any emergency parts to you in France?
Sit back and enjoy the view. Take your time and lots of photos.
Always carry spare oil/brake fluid/water/anti-freeze etc.
Usual tools as well as jump leads, jubilee clips, spare wire, insulating tape and cable ties.
How good is the battery?
Will your Mercedes specialist post any emergency parts to you in France?
Sit back and enjoy the view. Take your time and lots of photos.
Not long back from Le Mans in a 1977 TVR 3000M.
If your car has been well checked over by someone that knows what they're doing (sounds the case) then you should be fine. In the years I've been going to France with friends (mostly in 70's cars) we've had a number of issues to sort - but mostly because we don't use the cars enough before we go.
Worth taking (at least) basic spares of parts that may be difficult to find (points, condenser etc.) - ask your friendly marque expert.
I have heard reports that the E10 (high ethanol fuel) can cause problems - again talk to marque expert. We didn't have any issues with it. I'm sure French classic owners will have some good experiences.
A great opportunity to try and see if there are any classic Mercedes owners that live near to where you're visiting. Potential good support and opportunity to make new friends
Take it steady and enjoy the trip.
If your car has been well checked over by someone that knows what they're doing (sounds the case) then you should be fine. In the years I've been going to France with friends (mostly in 70's cars) we've had a number of issues to sort - but mostly because we don't use the cars enough before we go.
Worth taking (at least) basic spares of parts that may be difficult to find (points, condenser etc.) - ask your friendly marque expert.
I have heard reports that the E10 (high ethanol fuel) can cause problems - again talk to marque expert. We didn't have any issues with it. I'm sure French classic owners will have some good experiences.
A great opportunity to try and see if there are any classic Mercedes owners that live near to where you're visiting. Potential good support and opportunity to make new friends
Take it steady and enjoy the trip.
Its going to be all about cooling. Flush out the cooling system and, if cooling is in anyway marginal in traffic in the UK, think about an additional electric fan. Stop regularly to let things cool down a bit on the autoroute and listen carefully as you drive for any untoward noises or 'changes' in the car.
Finally, check tyres, not just for tread but for age
Finally, check tyres, not just for tread but for age
RicksAlfas said:
Can you not avoid the autoroutes and meander down some N roads? Many are dual carriageway and lightly trafficked. I would think it would be a much more pleasant trip in a classic.
If you're not in a rush, this is excellent advice.And if you can avoid travelling south on a Saturday for the next few weeks, while the French all head off on their holidays, you shouldn't hit too much traffic.
I'd use it as much as possible beforehand to give it a good shakedown. I'd got a 220 from the same year. but mine is Dunkelrot. The only thing that has failed on mine has been the points (now replaced with a Petronix elecronic setup) and the radiator which burst. Luckily both happened at the same time on my driveway after a long trip!
ClaphamGT3 said:
Its going to be all about cooling. Flush out the cooling system and, if cooling is in anyway marginal in traffic in the UK, think about an additional electric fan. Stop regularly to let things cool down a bit on the autoroute and listen carefully as you drive for any untoward noises or 'changes' in the car.
Finally, check tyres, not just for tread but for age
Both very good tips. I'll offer one more - take an extra day and travel by Route Nationale instead. Much nicer.Finally, check tyres, not just for tread but for age
Riley Blue said:
Prepare it as if you were driving in the UK, it won't know you're in France.
That's probably the best bit of advice here.Many of us use classics at weekends / on UK holidays or even on the commute for a bit of a change - and will run up the same kind of miles in them as we would on a holiday.
We don't worry about issues in the UK - but then worry far too much when we think about doing 2k miles abroad.
My advice, for what it is worth, is use the car as much as you can before you go. This hot weather will test the cooling if you go for a bit of a blast! The Routes Nationales are great (quite a lot of trucks avoiding the autoroute tolls!) And watch your speed, the motards (Cops on big bikes) are hot on visitors "I set the fine. you pay 90 Euros now." and speed limits are badly posted!
I use Castrol Valvemaster Plus and 95 octane with lowest E(thanol) rating from Hypermarkets when using my leaded cars. Take very basic spares- at least a fan belt!
And the most useful tool in an old car toolkit is a mobile phone!
I use Castrol Valvemaster Plus and 95 octane with lowest E(thanol) rating from Hypermarkets when using my leaded cars. Take very basic spares- at least a fan belt!
And the most useful tool in an old car toolkit is a mobile phone!
Go for it - this 1970 250CE was my only transport in the mid 90's and whilst I never ventured abroad (never occurred to me) I used it extensively throughout the UK for 3 years and it only let me down once - the water pump gave up the ghost 200 miles up the M1 which I deserved as it had been weeping for a good 2 months prior to the trip...properly engineered and built the 114/115 series.
Enjoy - I'll look out for the match report.
Enjoy - I'll look out for the match report.
Thanks!
Your enthusiasm has inspired me but the words of caution worry me!
...................but I'm a serial worrier anyway!
I too worry about the overheating aspect but so far the car has no signs of overheating. I have removed the heater matrix (what a pain that was!) and flushed it out along with the radiator and hoses. Hoses seem to be in good order.
I have put new discs and pads on the rear and flushed out the brake fluid. I need to check the front ones but the MOT was all good.
I have changed the oil filter and oil.
I have not done anything with the main mechanical bits like the suspension, drive shafts, diff or clutch, etc. No obvious issues.
I suppose I will not know until it has had really long run which I intend to do this week.
I plan on taking two days to get from Dunkerque to Bezier and stopping overnight half way down. As you suggest the RN would be sooo much nicer than the auto route but will take considerably longer. My navigator (wife) is very keen to take the car and this made her laugh!
I deffo need to amass a few obvious spares as you have suggested and to be honest I had forgotten about carrying the extra oil and water, etc that we take for granted in our modern boxes. DOH - Am I really up for this!!
I am preparing a list and will report back.
Like you say I think the car is up for it but it the unknown potential to ruin the holiday that is my concern - did I mention I am a worrier ...................
Thanks again for you advice
Your enthusiasm has inspired me but the words of caution worry me!
...................but I'm a serial worrier anyway!
I too worry about the overheating aspect but so far the car has no signs of overheating. I have removed the heater matrix (what a pain that was!) and flushed it out along with the radiator and hoses. Hoses seem to be in good order.
I have put new discs and pads on the rear and flushed out the brake fluid. I need to check the front ones but the MOT was all good.
I have changed the oil filter and oil.
I have not done anything with the main mechanical bits like the suspension, drive shafts, diff or clutch, etc. No obvious issues.
I suppose I will not know until it has had really long run which I intend to do this week.
I plan on taking two days to get from Dunkerque to Bezier and stopping overnight half way down. As you suggest the RN would be sooo much nicer than the auto route but will take considerably longer. My navigator (wife) is very keen to take the car and this made her laugh!
Riley Blue said:
Prepare it as if you were driving in the UK, it won't know you're in France.
As they say - Fail to Prepare - Prepare to Fail!I deffo need to amass a few obvious spares as you have suggested and to be honest I had forgotten about carrying the extra oil and water, etc that we take for granted in our modern boxes. DOH - Am I really up for this!!
I am preparing a list and will report back.
Like you say I think the car is up for it but it the unknown potential to ruin the holiday that is my concern - did I mention I am a worrier ...................
Thanks again for you advice
Take it on a good motorway blast at high speeds in the hot weather we're having at the moment, to check everything is OK with the cooling.
Take enough fuel additive / Octane enhancer for the trip (assuming engine requires leaded fuel).
Spare rotor arm for distributor.
Spare fan belt
Spare coolant hoses
Spare water/anti-freeze and oil for top-ups.
Enough tools to fit the above and for basic fixes.
European breakdown recovery.
Check spare wheel/tyre are serviceable and pumped to correct pressure
Stuff the French require: Hi-vis vest, spare bulbs, warning triangle, breathalyser etc...
The car's a lot better built and easier to fix at the roadside than modern stuff!
Take enough fuel additive / Octane enhancer for the trip (assuming engine requires leaded fuel).
Spare rotor arm for distributor.
Spare fan belt
Spare coolant hoses
Spare water/anti-freeze and oil for top-ups.
Enough tools to fit the above and for basic fixes.
European breakdown recovery.
Check spare wheel/tyre are serviceable and pumped to correct pressure
Stuff the French require: Hi-vis vest, spare bulbs, warning triangle, breathalyser etc...
The car's a lot better built and easier to fix at the roadside than modern stuff!
Julesx said:
Riley Blue said:
Prepare it as if you were driving in the UK, it won't know you're in France.
As they say - Fail to Prepare - Prepare to Fail!I took my '54 RME to the Le Mans Classic, drove round the circuit, toured the Loire and returned to England without anything failing or falling off, as did forty or so other Rileys, some considerably older.
You really do need to stop worrying, have confidence in your car and concentrate on having a good time. You say your wife was laughing, I'm not surprised!
Well - you guys are good!
Pursuing the 'it's going to be all about the cooling' idea, I set off for a good thrash and then went looking for a traffic jam to sit it. I live near to Hampton Court which has a flower thing going on at the moment and the traffic is always bad in the evening. Not fun but a good test! Engine did not overheat.
On my return home I popped the bonnet to see a steady weep of fluid from the bottom corner of the radiator - looks like a small hole where the cooling tube joins the bottom of the rad. Currently trying to find a replacement or get it re built this week.
I will report back once my wife stops mocking me! (with thanks to Riley Blue!)
Pursuing the 'it's going to be all about the cooling' idea, I set off for a good thrash and then went looking for a traffic jam to sit it. I live near to Hampton Court which has a flower thing going on at the moment and the traffic is always bad in the evening. Not fun but a good test! Engine did not overheat.
On my return home I popped the bonnet to see a steady weep of fluid from the bottom corner of the radiator - looks like a small hole where the cooling tube joins the bottom of the rad. Currently trying to find a replacement or get it re built this week.
benjj said:
I'm driving down to our gaff in the Languedoc on Aug 18th on my own (bliss) while wife and kids go on the plane. Give me a shout if you need any spares bringing
Thanks - I will be there until 25th August - so I may accept that offer!I will report back once my wife stops mocking me! (with thanks to Riley Blue!)
Give it a good service. I'd be taking ignition spares and make specific parts like fan belt. It's getting hot here now, daily low 30's in the shade.
The French love cars, classics in particular but maybe not so much yours, things didn't turn out too good the last time German tanks rolled into France
But seriously, your car is modern by the standard of cars here, we see all sorts.
Just for some inspiration here's some old Mercs passing our house on the Circuit De Ramparts, Angouleme last September.
Good luck
The French love cars, classics in particular but maybe not so much yours, things didn't turn out too good the last time German tanks rolled into France
But seriously, your car is modern by the standard of cars here, we see all sorts.Just for some inspiration here's some old Mercs passing our house on the Circuit De Ramparts, Angouleme last September.
Good luck
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