SL55 Euro Trip

[Gouki]

Hello All,

Just ticking off a checklist before I embark on a 2500 mile trip around europe on the 27th May. Route includes Calais, Reims, Troyes, Route Napoleon, Grenoble, Nice, Modena, Stelvio Pass, Col de Turini, Germany (black forest) and finally Bruges. Factory visits include: AMG, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Ducatti.

Is there anything I've forgotten from the list below?

1- I'm having the IC pump replaced as a precaution (as so many of the older model pumps fail). (autoclass milton keynes)

2- Brakes and pads for front (autoclass milton keynes)

3- RBF 600 brake fluid (opie oils)

4- Purchased Vredstein SL55 space saver wheel and tyre (~£500 ouch)

5- Car has been through a full service including oil change and new 16x spark plugs. (Vikings Canterbury)

Thanks in advance,

Pierre

[r129sl]

That sounds very comprehensive. Obviously you should also have the necessary items to comply with various overseas requirements, such as a bulb kit, warning triangle, reflective vest(s) (in the passenger compartment), documents (V5 or letter from the registered keeper, insurance certificate, driving licence). You should also switch the direction of the headlights (on my older SL there is a switch within the headlamp assembly).

I would be loathe to do that kind of trip without a full size spare, unless the Vredestein space saver can be used at relatively high speeds. (This is a pathetic omission from the specification of a so-called grand tourer, isn't it?) I assume the rest of your tyres are A1?

I also carry a bottle of Auto Glym Fast Glass and some microfibre cloths for cleaning th ebugs off the windshield and headlamps.

And a set of Michelin road atlases should help you find the best roads.

[erics]

yup, forgot me! I would like to come.

Seriously, sounds like an awesome trip with an awesome car.

What you need is to download the coyotte application on your iphone which tells you when there are radars on the road in france. It works through the mobile phone network and is VERY efficient.
Like this, you can drive without the stress of being pulled by the cops, because you were doing 155 mph on a beautiful empty motorway..

Gouki said:

Hello All,

Just ticking off a checklist before I embark on a 2500 mile trip around europe on the 27th May. Route includes Calais, Reims, Troyes, Route Napoleon, Grenoble, Nice, Modena, Stelvio Pass, Col de Turini, Germany (black forest) and finally Bruges. Factory visits include: AMG, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Ducatti.

Is there anything I've forgotten from the list below?

1- I'm having the IC pump replaced as a precaution (as so many of the older model pumps fail). (autoclass milton keynes)

2- Brakes and pads for front (autoclass milton keynes)

3- RBF 600 brake fluid (opie oils)

4- Purchased Vredstein SL55 space saver wheel and tyre (~£500 ouch)

5- Car has been through a full service including oil change and new 16x spark plugs. (Vikings Canterbury)

Thanks in advance,

Pierre

[Gouki]

erics said:

yup, forgot me! I would like to come.

Seriously, sounds like an awesome trip with an awesome car.

What you need is to download the coyotte application on your iphone which tells you when there are radars on the road in france. It works through the mobile phone network and is VERY efficient.
Like this, you can drive without the stress of being pulled by the cops, because you were doing 155 mph on a beautiful empty motorway..

Thanks for the advice, couldn't find the coyotte app though, have you got a link?

As much as you would like to come, it'll even put a dent in the toughest of bank balances. I wasn't able to insure my co-pilot on my policy (green-light required at least 1 year on his own policy driving a RWD car before setting foot in the SL). He had to arrange his own insurance ~£400 for the week with while suffering a combined fuel bill of £800 for the trip.

[erics]

was joking..
am not coming, but i like the idea of your trip.
Route Napoleon is my favourite and I took it hundreds of times as a kid with my father. I grew up in Grasse and was going skiing to Meribel every holiday.
Amzing road.

Regarding the coyotte, it is available on the iphone app store i guess.
Otherwise plenty of info here => you will have to brush up your french...

http://www.iphon.fr/post/2009/07/10/Coyote-iPhone-...

and here (although the iphone app is not available from this website):
http://www.moncoyote.com/

Gouki said:

erics said:

yup, forgot me! I would like to come.

Seriously, sounds like an awesome trip with an awesome car.

What you need is to download the coyotte application on your iphone which tells you when there are radars on the road in france. It works through the mobile phone network and is VERY efficient.
Like this, you can drive without the stress of being pulled by the cops, because you were doing 155 mph on a beautiful empty motorway..

Thanks for the advice, couldn't find the coyotte app though, have you got a link?

As much as you would like to come, it'll even put a dent in the toughest of bank balances. I wasn't able to insure my co-pilot on my policy (green-light required at least 1 year on his own policy driving a RWD car before setting foot in the SL). He had to arrange his own insurance ~£400 for the week with while suffering a combined fuel bill of £800 for the trip.

[yellowxpack.]

Morning Pierre,

I am basically doing the same trip 2 days later! Friends are getting married in Florence and seems like a good excuse for a cruise in the SL55!

I bought my car about 3 months ago and am loving it.
Was interested in your preparation - what is the IC pump? Anything else you think is worthwhile to have change/checked before a long trip?

I was also interested in the coyotte app - I'm coming to Le Mans, so very useful! How does it work? Do people just input locations of cameras they've seen and it GPS's your location to warn you or is it more sophisticated!?

Thanks,

Laurie

[Gouki]

yellowxpack. said:

Morning Pierre,

Was interested in your preparation - what is the IC pump? Anything else you think is worthwhile to have change/checked before a long trip?


Laurie

Hi Laurie,

I bought the space saver for the SL55 from Mercedes, I think this is pretty much an essential. A211-400-31-95

Regarding the IC pump read this:

http://www.mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-sl63-amg-sl...


I'm going to Le Mans this year with my dad in the SL55. Last year I went with forum memner S1MMA in his fantastic Porsche Cayman S of which I had the pleasure to drive for half of the journey. The speed cameras on the way to Le Mans are mobile so I doubt will be available on the application. If you do go via the N roads french motorists will likely signal to you if there is a speed camera up front.

[yellowxpack.]

Cool, thanks, will prob get that done at the next service, if not before.

Whereabouts is your specialist?
Will use MB for the big services, but a good specialist to do small jobs to save a few £ is a good idea...I'm in London...

Is there a dedicated place for the spacesaver in the boot?

Thanks

[Gouki]

I've just put the space saver in this afternoon, it's an alloy painted gloss black with a max speed of 50mph. There is room for it if you take out the lower carpeted boot floor section and the hard foam holder for the tyre weld and compressor.

My specialist is in Milton Keynes - autoclass.

They are a very nice bunch of highly competent mechanics and the girlfriend doesn't mind going there on a Saturday, because they kindly drop you off in Milton Keynes for some shopping while you wait!