Since that momentous day in 1888 when Bertha Benz took the first road trip from Mannheim to Pforzheim in the Benz Patent Motor Car, Mercedes-Benz has made an excellent vehicle for driving events; whether it’s a multi-day road trip event, a timed rally, a long-distance tour, or even just a scenic mountain drive.
The driver’s seat of a Mercedes-Benz is a confident and secure vantage point from which to travel the world. Throughout development, every Mercedes-Benz model is tested for millions of miles throughout a variety of climates, landscapes, and tasks. Above all, safety and dependability are essential to the three-pointed star, which always leads the way.
It is important to properly prepare yourself and your vehicle for demanding driving events. The goal of driving events or a rally (particularly with club events) is not necessarily winning. The benefits of simple participation are plentiful. A road event is a bonding experience with friends and family, and allows for networking with like-minded individuals and enthusiasts. There’s also a chance for driver education, exploring your passion for the marque, and seeing new locations. The list goes on.
Carefully tend to your car
One benefit of owning a Mercedes-Benz is that virtually any model can be adapted for road tour and driving event use. All are built with comfort, safety, and dependability already in mind. The most important aspects of preparation for such events are to perform any deferred maintence and perhaps do some preventative maintenance. Run through this checklist about a week before you’re scheduled to depart:
- Make a general walk-around as the first step to driving event preparation. Check the date codes and general condition of your tires and replace as needed. Ensure all lights are properly functioning. Tend to any mechanical issues which may need attention in the near future. Ensure that all of the vehicle’s systems are in proper functioning order.
- Take a short drive to check that your car’s steering is precise and tight. You do not need play in your steering wheel affecting your performance. Make sure your brakes are up to standard, and that your vehicles does not pull to the left or right upon heavy braking. If you notice that the brakes aren’t what they once were, perhaps your brake pads are wearing low? If so, replace them. It may even be time for a fluid flush throughout the entire vehicle.
- Worn suspension can also affect performance and safety. Mercedes-Benz models are equipped with a variety of suspensions, which can vary from conventional shocks and springs to 1960s air suspension (W109 300SEL 6.3), hydropneumatics on certain models in the 1970s (W116 6.9), or a combination of the two from the 1980s throughout the early 2000s (i.e. SLS self-levelling rear suspension on W126 and S123). Modern suspension systems such as early generation Airmatic and Active Body Control (ABC) make for wonderful handling but may have hidden gremlins which must be tended to prior to use in a demanding driving event. If you suspect a worn suspension, that’s a job for a professional shop or your Mercedes-Benz dealer.
- Now let’s talk about what’s under the hood of your Mercedes. Be sure to check out all rubber components under the hood. This includes belts, hoses, and anything else that is subject to deterioration with age. Mercedes-Benz fuel management systems vary by decade and chassis, so it is important to at least have a general understanding of what lies under the hood of your car. Carbureted engines generally have a dual-carburetor setup that may cause performance and fuel economy issues if the carbs are not in sync. Fuel injection systems are generally reliable but may need to be dialed in. Regardless of the systems that power your vehicle, it is always a good idea to give your engine a tune-up. You may want to install a new battery as well. It’s no fun to deal with a dead battery on the road.
Pro Tip: If your car has a point-style ignition (1970s or earlier) it may be a good idea to install electronic ignition. Your vintage Mercedes-Benz will start easier and run smoother as a result.
Tend the driver as well
Now that you are confident in your car’s mechanical abilities, let’s move to the most important part: comfort. Make sure your seats are comfortable, whether the original or aftermarket performance seats. Air conditioning is imperative to avoid accelerated driver fatigue, so top off your system. If your car is still equipped with original R12 refrigerant and it’s getting weak, consider retrofitting the system to R134a refrigerant.
Last but not least, modern connectivity and convenience features will ensure that you and your passenger are safe underway. An aftermarket radio with extra USB ports or navigation may be useful in an older car. If you are concerned with originality, you can get an original radio rebuilt to include Bluetooth and a microphone for hands-free cell phone use.
Pro Tip: Test out your cigarette lighter and clean the contacts leading to the power source in order to be able to use a USB adapter to power a GPS system or charge your cellphones.
A prepared drive is a relaxed drive
Ultimately, the extent in which you want to participate in club or solo driving events and tours is completely up to you. Being able to experience your vehicle in new ways will rejuvenate your love and passion for your car, and create many happy memories. Do not be afraid to put your Mercedes-Benz through its paces; these automobiles were designed to be used, so go ahead and become a part of the marque’s driving history. Bertha Benz would be proud.