European Road Trip in October
European Road Trip in October
I'm preparing to go on an European Road Trip late October with my w123....
The route is more or less:
Romania - Hungary - Austria - Germany - Switzerland - France, and back. I might come back via France - Italy - Slovenia - Hungary - Romania.
In France I will be staying in Lyon and Paris.
Is there anyone from these parts on the forum? This topic will be kept up to date with the progress, pictures, and other road trip related rants.
Departure is due on the 18th of October.
Best wishes,
Stefan
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
Hey guys...
I'm preparing to go on an European Road Trip late October with my w123....
The route is more or less:
Romania - Hungary - Austria - Germany - Switzerland - France, and back. I might come back via France - Italy - Slovenia - Hungary - Romania.
In France I will be staying in Lyon and Paris.
Is there anyone from these parts on the forum? This topic will be kept up to date with the progress, pictures, and other road trip related rants.
Departure is due on the 18th of October.
Best wishes,
Stefan
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
82 300SD aka The Flyin Pumpkin (Gone): 7.5mm super M-pump, T3 60 trim turbo, Coldish air intake, A/W intercooler, propane injection, SW Boost and EGT gauges, Monark 265 nozzles, ported/polished cylinder head.
84 Euro 300D 4 sp: White with black trunk and hood. Blue cloth interior. Manual everything. 300DT front swaybar. C320 17" wheels. Now with the Flyin Pumpkins engine!
I've been in Hungary, Austria, and Germany. But, That was in the late 90's when I was in the Army. Looking forward to lots of pics and stories!
82 300SD aka The Flyin Pumpkin (Gone): 7.5mm super M-pump, T3 60 trim turbo, Coldish air intake, A/W intercooler, propane injection, SW Boost and EGT gauges, Monark 265 nozzles, ported/polished cylinder head.
84 Euro 300D 4 sp: White with black trunk and hood. Blue cloth interior. Manual everything. 300DT front swaybar. C320 17" wheels. Now with the Flyin Pumpkins engine!
(09-30-2011, 09:59 AM)Biohazard I've been in Hungary, Austria, and Germany. But, That was in the late 90's when I was in the Army. Looking forward to lots of pics and stories!
Hey Biohazard! Thanks for the encouragement. I think I need it, I'm a tad bit nervous not to have any car-troubles...
If it's any comfort I've been to Boston and New York a few years ago...
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
(09-30-2011, 09:59 AM)Biohazard I've been in Hungary, Austria, and Germany. But, That was in the late 90's when I was in the Army. Looking forward to lots of pics and stories!
Hey Biohazard! Thanks for the encouragement. I think I need it, I'm a tad bit nervous not to have any car-troubles...
If it's any comfort I've been to Boston and New York a few years ago...
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
About the only big tourist destinations within West Germany, France, and northern Italy I never visited are Berlin, and the healing shrine at Lourdes, France, and the cathedral at Turin (Torino), Italy which houses the Shroud.
My wife used to be a Roman Catholic and so we did visit many cathedrals. I was not RC but can appreciate their beauty. Of the cathedrals I did visit, these are my favorites -- there is a lot to see in and around all of these:
Cologne, Germany (but I am not sure if the south tower is still permitted to be climbed or not, since the 199(4?) earthquake. If it is allowed, absolutely do climb it).
Albi, France (the choir screen is unimaginable, it took 100 years to carve.)
Venice (St. Mark's). Everyone should stroll around Venice for a weekend, at least once in your lifetime.
Florence (it has a fantastic dome; also in Florence are Michaelangelo's David, and the Uffizzi Gallery);
Ulm, Germany (if you are strong enough to climb the stairs, the view from the top of the 161-meter tower is quite pretty). Ulm was Albert Einstein's hometown.
The cathedrals at Chartres, Chalons-sur-Marne, Amiens, Orleans, Rheims, Rouen, Notre Dame in Paris, Auxerre, Soissons, and Strasbourg, and in Germany at Aachen, Frankfurt, Mainz, Worms, and Munich are in my opinion not as interesting as the above five. The cathedral in Milan is colossal, but it is not worth fighting Milan traffic to go see. The cathedral at Aschaffenburg, Germany is not itself very interesting, but if you happen to be in Aschaffenburg on a Sunday morning, I am sure you will agree that it has the most incredibly beautiful bells.
The Sainte-Chapelle church, on the Isle la Cite in the middle of Paris, is quite beautiful, if you like tasteful stained glass. And, one should see the Saturday morning flea market on the Isle la Cite in Paris, at least once in one's lifetime.
If you happen to get to Brittany, do drive out to the Abbey Mont St. Michel (at high tide it is an island one kilometer off the coast, and then the tide goes roaring out and it is connected to the mainland by a causeway across mudflats; typically, one or two stalled or carelessly parked vehicles get swept away during the tide change) (EDITED: I just saw the Wikipedia article on Mont St. Michel; it seems they have done away with the old, dangerous causeway and are replacing it with a boringly safe bridge. Too bad...). Also in Brittany, the Bayeaux Tapestry is worth seeing. I wish I had some more coffee cups from the Bayeaux Tapestry Museum. Also in Brittany are several fields of prehistoric megaliths, in and around Carnac, France.
All over southwestern France are many smaller old churches in incredibly good state of preservation (for a list, see third post below). No invading armies ever vandalized them, there never was a Protestant Reformation or such a thing.
The ruins of the abbey at Cluny, France are worth seeing, if you have an interest in such things. The still-in-existence monastery-and-cloister at Maria Laach, Germany is also interesting.
Domremy-la-Pucelle, France. When I visited in 1994, it was permitted to go in and walk around in the 14th Century yellow stone farmhouse in which Joan of Arc was born and raised. I have heard that they have built a museum there since then.
Some other favorite not-a-church destinations:
The Louvre, in Paris; but, in my opinion the Alte Pinakothek in Munich is just as interesting. If you get to Amsterdam the Rijksmuseum is a must-see.
Nancy, France. If you pass through Nancy, you absolutely must go see the Museum of the School of Nancy. Incredible art nouveau masterpieces.
Nimes, France. Stop by the Pont du Gard (1st Century A.D. Roman aqueduct). When I visited it, circa 1994, it was permitted to walk across the top of it. The ideal times to see it are at sunrise and sunset.
Nice, France has a topless beach, but the water is polluted by sewage from Genoa. The nearby Principality of Monaco is worth a look, especially the casino.
Chamonix, France. Pretty town, but the best thing is to drive the road between Chamonix and Martigny, Switzerland. Scary drop-offs, breathtaking views. Make sure your steering and brakes are in perfect condition first.
Carcassonne, France. Medieval walled city. Another interesting medieval walled city, but smaller, is Rothenburg ob Tauber, Germany.
If you are a birdwatcher, the Rhone River delta, known as "the Camargue," is a paradise. Also they have these white horses there, you can ride on the beach.
If you go just over the border into Spain, the Salvador Dali Museum in Figueres is worth a look, if you like his art. When I went there, around 1991, there were a couple of big shops by the highway, a few kliks east of Figueres, selling things made of solid alabaster. I bought a small table as a present to the German family I was renting from in Fulda, and a couple of the coolest translucent white solid alabaster table lamps. Some of the things they were selling were made of rainbow alabaster, stunningly beautiful, but a wee bit beyond my price range.
The valley of the Les Eyzies River, France, where Lascaux Cave and others are. The public is not allowed into Lascaux Cave anymore, but the Museum of Prehistoric Man is worth seeing. That whole valley is a fantastic landscape of sandstone overhangs, you feel like you might see mammoths and cavemen any moment. See if you can hire a local guide, through the museum or, if the museum guides are all booked up, through one of the local coffee shops, to take you on a hike up to the rock shelters and, weather permitting, spend overnight in one.
Vesta Coburg, the castle at Coburg, Germany. Fantastic collection of medieval armor and weapons.
Schloss Heidelberg, the castle at Heidelberg, Germany. Heidelberg is a big university town, you'll have fun.
The Historisches Museum in Mainz, Germany. You can see a Gutenberg Bible there.
Waterloo, Belgium and Verdun, France, if you can stomach battlefields. The Ossuarium at Verdun is quite sobering. Also sobering is how green and lush the trees and other vegetation is at Verdun. Just look at all those shell craters; you can drive for six miles through forested shell craters. The soil is still extremely enriched to this day, by all the human blood and nitrates from explosives which got thoroughly churned into the earth.
Nuremberg, Germany. Another walled medieval city. But it is so large it is depressing, unlike Carcassonne and Rothenburg which are more to a human scale. However, the artist Albrecht Durer's house is definitely worth visiting.
In Frankfurt, the house of Johann Goethe is worth seeing. The central plaza in Frankfurt is lively on Saturday morning. In the 1990's there was a famous two-kilometers-long flea market in the Frankfurt suburb of Offenbach on Saturday, along the Rhine River, but I don't know if it is still there or not. The cafeteria at the Historisches Museum in Frankfurt was excellent and inexpensive, and the museum is worth a visit. There is a world globe there which, believe it or not, pre-dates Columbus. Also, there is usually something interesting to see at the Frankfurt Messe (exhibition hall).
In Trier, Germany, the house of Karl Marx is curiously interesting. It's very big, his family was quite wealthy. How strange for a revolutionary. The Robe of Christ is in Trier Cathedral.
Of course, if one is in Bavaria one should see Mad King Ludwig's castles, Neu Schwanstein and Linderhof. Lots of mountain trails in that area. You may forget your planned itinerary and end up just hiking in the Bavarian Alps the whole time you are there. Lucerne and its neighboring city of Neuchatel, just over the border in Switzerland, are very pretty little towns.
-Philip
Gone but not forgotten: two W123 sedans and two W124 wagons.
W124 1987 300TD wagon, for sale, $1000 (some assembly required).
JustPassinThru
10-01-2011, 12:37 AM #4I, too, was with the U.S. Army in Germany in the '90's (1988-1999) (not in uniform, rather we were civilian --civil service, GS-scale-- employees, my wife was a librarian and I held several jobs, mainly as a clerk). My wife was a student of European history when she was in college, so she was determined to, while we were there, see as many historic destinations as possible. Basically, whenever we both had three or more days off, we drove to someplace old and historic. We drove our W123 230 gasser all over (West) Germany, France, and northern Italy.
About the only big tourist destinations within West Germany, France, and northern Italy I never visited are Berlin, and the healing shrine at Lourdes, France, and the cathedral at Turin (Torino), Italy which houses the Shroud.
My wife used to be a Roman Catholic and so we did visit many cathedrals. I was not RC but can appreciate their beauty. Of the cathedrals I did visit, these are my favorites -- there is a lot to see in and around all of these:
Cologne, Germany (but I am not sure if the south tower is still permitted to be climbed or not, since the 199(4?) earthquake. If it is allowed, absolutely do climb it).
Albi, France (the choir screen is unimaginable, it took 100 years to carve.)
Venice (St. Mark's). Everyone should stroll around Venice for a weekend, at least once in your lifetime.
Florence (it has a fantastic dome; also in Florence are Michaelangelo's David, and the Uffizzi Gallery);
Ulm, Germany (if you are strong enough to climb the stairs, the view from the top of the 161-meter tower is quite pretty). Ulm was Albert Einstein's hometown.
The cathedrals at Chartres, Chalons-sur-Marne, Amiens, Orleans, Rheims, Rouen, Notre Dame in Paris, Auxerre, Soissons, and Strasbourg, and in Germany at Aachen, Frankfurt, Mainz, Worms, and Munich are in my opinion not as interesting as the above five. The cathedral in Milan is colossal, but it is not worth fighting Milan traffic to go see. The cathedral at Aschaffenburg, Germany is not itself very interesting, but if you happen to be in Aschaffenburg on a Sunday morning, I am sure you will agree that it has the most incredibly beautiful bells.
The Sainte-Chapelle church, on the Isle la Cite in the middle of Paris, is quite beautiful, if you like tasteful stained glass. And, one should see the Saturday morning flea market on the Isle la Cite in Paris, at least once in one's lifetime.
If you happen to get to Brittany, do drive out to the Abbey Mont St. Michel (at high tide it is an island one kilometer off the coast, and then the tide goes roaring out and it is connected to the mainland by a causeway across mudflats; typically, one or two stalled or carelessly parked vehicles get swept away during the tide change) (EDITED: I just saw the Wikipedia article on Mont St. Michel; it seems they have done away with the old, dangerous causeway and are replacing it with a boringly safe bridge. Too bad...). Also in Brittany, the Bayeaux Tapestry is worth seeing. I wish I had some more coffee cups from the Bayeaux Tapestry Museum. Also in Brittany are several fields of prehistoric megaliths, in and around Carnac, France.
All over southwestern France are many smaller old churches in incredibly good state of preservation (for a list, see third post below). No invading armies ever vandalized them, there never was a Protestant Reformation or such a thing.
The ruins of the abbey at Cluny, France are worth seeing, if you have an interest in such things. The still-in-existence monastery-and-cloister at Maria Laach, Germany is also interesting.
Domremy-la-Pucelle, France. When I visited in 1994, it was permitted to go in and walk around in the 14th Century yellow stone farmhouse in which Joan of Arc was born and raised. I have heard that they have built a museum there since then.
Some other favorite not-a-church destinations:
The Louvre, in Paris; but, in my opinion the Alte Pinakothek in Munich is just as interesting. If you get to Amsterdam the Rijksmuseum is a must-see.
Nancy, France. If you pass through Nancy, you absolutely must go see the Museum of the School of Nancy. Incredible art nouveau masterpieces.
Nimes, France. Stop by the Pont du Gard (1st Century A.D. Roman aqueduct). When I visited it, circa 1994, it was permitted to walk across the top of it. The ideal times to see it are at sunrise and sunset.
Nice, France has a topless beach, but the water is polluted by sewage from Genoa. The nearby Principality of Monaco is worth a look, especially the casino.
Chamonix, France. Pretty town, but the best thing is to drive the road between Chamonix and Martigny, Switzerland. Scary drop-offs, breathtaking views. Make sure your steering and brakes are in perfect condition first.
Carcassonne, France. Medieval walled city. Another interesting medieval walled city, but smaller, is Rothenburg ob Tauber, Germany.
If you are a birdwatcher, the Rhone River delta, known as "the Camargue," is a paradise. Also they have these white horses there, you can ride on the beach.
If you go just over the border into Spain, the Salvador Dali Museum in Figueres is worth a look, if you like his art. When I went there, around 1991, there were a couple of big shops by the highway, a few kliks east of Figueres, selling things made of solid alabaster. I bought a small table as a present to the German family I was renting from in Fulda, and a couple of the coolest translucent white solid alabaster table lamps. Some of the things they were selling were made of rainbow alabaster, stunningly beautiful, but a wee bit beyond my price range.
The valley of the Les Eyzies River, France, where Lascaux Cave and others are. The public is not allowed into Lascaux Cave anymore, but the Museum of Prehistoric Man is worth seeing. That whole valley is a fantastic landscape of sandstone overhangs, you feel like you might see mammoths and cavemen any moment. See if you can hire a local guide, through the museum or, if the museum guides are all booked up, through one of the local coffee shops, to take you on a hike up to the rock shelters and, weather permitting, spend overnight in one.
Vesta Coburg, the castle at Coburg, Germany. Fantastic collection of medieval armor and weapons.
Schloss Heidelberg, the castle at Heidelberg, Germany. Heidelberg is a big university town, you'll have fun.
The Historisches Museum in Mainz, Germany. You can see a Gutenberg Bible there.
Waterloo, Belgium and Verdun, France, if you can stomach battlefields. The Ossuarium at Verdun is quite sobering. Also sobering is how green and lush the trees and other vegetation is at Verdun. Just look at all those shell craters; you can drive for six miles through forested shell craters. The soil is still extremely enriched to this day, by all the human blood and nitrates from explosives which got thoroughly churned into the earth.
Nuremberg, Germany. Another walled medieval city. But it is so large it is depressing, unlike Carcassonne and Rothenburg which are more to a human scale. However, the artist Albrecht Durer's house is definitely worth visiting.
In Frankfurt, the house of Johann Goethe is worth seeing. The central plaza in Frankfurt is lively on Saturday morning. In the 1990's there was a famous two-kilometers-long flea market in the Frankfurt suburb of Offenbach on Saturday, along the Rhine River, but I don't know if it is still there or not. The cafeteria at the Historisches Museum in Frankfurt was excellent and inexpensive, and the museum is worth a visit. There is a world globe there which, believe it or not, pre-dates Columbus. Also, there is usually something interesting to see at the Frankfurt Messe (exhibition hall).
In Trier, Germany, the house of Karl Marx is curiously interesting. It's very big, his family was quite wealthy. How strange for a revolutionary. The Robe of Christ is in Trier Cathedral.
Of course, if one is in Bavaria one should see Mad King Ludwig's castles, Neu Schwanstein and Linderhof. Lots of mountain trails in that area. You may forget your planned itinerary and end up just hiking in the Bavarian Alps the whole time you are there. Lucerne and its neighboring city of Neuchatel, just over the border in Switzerland, are very pretty little towns.
-Philip
Gone but not forgotten: two W123 sedans and two W124 wagons.
W124 1987 300TD wagon, for sale, $1000 (some assembly required).
I've been here and there in the past, checked all of Lyon's landmarks (my sister's a college student in Lyon, hence my going there in the past and present)
I was planning on stopping over Lake Geneva, in Montreaux at Freddie's tribute statue (I'm a big Queen fan), as well as Stuttgart (for obvious reasons - it would be nice for my lady to see her birtplace after 34 years...)
However, now I have to rethink everything and try to fit in as much of what you told me as possible. I wasn't planning to go to Notre Dame du Paris, sis' said it's not that great. The Lyon cathedral was good enough for me.
As a side note, I've recently visited two very old 13th century churches, which have been incidentally built using Roman stones and marble from the old Roman cities in Romania... those were nice in their simplicity and age. If anyone ever comes around here, do let me know.
I'll get back with a more detailed schedule. Thank you very much again JustPassinThru!
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
WOW, GREAT List! Thank you immensely!
I've been here and there in the past, checked all of Lyon's landmarks (my sister's a college student in Lyon, hence my going there in the past and present)
I was planning on stopping over Lake Geneva, in Montreaux at Freddie's tribute statue (I'm a big Queen fan), as well as Stuttgart (for obvious reasons - it would be nice for my lady to see her birtplace after 34 years...)
However, now I have to rethink everything and try to fit in as much of what you told me as possible. I wasn't planning to go to Notre Dame du Paris, sis' said it's not that great. The Lyon cathedral was good enough for me.
As a side note, I've recently visited two very old 13th century churches, which have been incidentally built using Roman stones and marble from the old Roman cities in Romania... those were nice in their simplicity and age. If anyone ever comes around here, do let me know.
I'll get back with a more detailed schedule. Thank you very much again JustPassinThru!
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
-BMW Museum
-BMW 3 series factory (good tour)
-Porsche Museum
-Mercedes-Benz Museum
-Mercedes-Benz Unterturkheim factory (they only make engines here)
-most all of the historic stuff in Berlin
ANNNNDDDD
THE NURBURGRING!!!
I highly recommend driving out to the 'Ring and making a few laps. We went on a race weekend and were able to catch a VLN series race on Saturday, then make some laps in a rental on Sunday. We camped next to the track on Friday and Saturday night. We were awoken Saturday morning by the sounds of qualifying. It was glorious!
As it turns out, Sunday is the most popular day for touristenfahrten. The track was packed and the grid line waiting to get on track in the morning (opens at 10:15) is like a exotic and/or race car show.
To top it off, the drive out there is beautiful. We did it around dusk, which made for some nice, cool, windows down cruising.
-Brian
1983 300TD
1982 240D
1981 280TE
This past July I spent some time in Germany and visited...
-BMW Museum
-BMW 3 series factory (good tour)
-Porsche Museum
-Mercedes-Benz Museum
-Mercedes-Benz Unterturkheim factory (they only make engines here)
-most all of the historic stuff in Berlin
ANNNNDDDD
THE NURBURGRING!!!
I highly recommend driving out to the 'Ring and making a few laps. We went on a race weekend and were able to catch a VLN series race on Saturday, then make some laps in a rental on Sunday. We camped next to the track on Friday and Saturday night. We were awoken Saturday morning by the sounds of qualifying. It was glorious!
As it turns out, Sunday is the most popular day for touristenfahrten. The track was packed and the grid line waiting to get on track in the morning (opens at 10:15) is like a exotic and/or race car show.
To top it off, the drive out there is beautiful. We did it around dusk, which made for some nice, cool, windows down cruising.
-Brian
1983 300TD
1982 240D
1981 280TE
If you are interested in very old churches in south and southwestern France, my wife has just created a list for you. She speaks passable French and so remembers their names better than I do:
1. Notre Dame du Port, in Clermont-Ferrand, is the most perfect little Romanesque one.
2. Vezelay is also worth a look.
3. The one in Moissac is also highly recommended.
4. Out on the Camargue, Sts. Maries de la Mer, built in 10-something. Incidentally, every May the Gypsies gather to party and to honor Saint Sarah here.
5. The abbey church in Souillac has some interesting statuary but the church itself is kind of run-down. BUT if you are in Souillac in late October, keep in mind that you are near the western edge of the Beaujolais wine district, and this is the beginning of the season of the Beaujolais Nouveau --well, maybe a bit early. Wine merchants here in Seattle fly it in every year, around the fourth week in November (the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday) and advertise it on radio. But, I swear this is the truth, after a mere ten-hour flight and a day or two in storage it does not taste the same in Seattle as it does in Souillac (or Lyons, of course).
Since you have been in Lyons, you know how good the food is. The entire valley between Souillac and St. Foi, actually the entire road between Toulouse and Perigeaux, is a gourmet's heaven-on-earth. Do stop at little farmhouse auberge's and/or the restaurant which every large farm has. Be very polite, exercize utmost courtesy, to the old grandma who serves as the waitress. Ask for the soup of the day, ask for the menu but be sure to ask if there is anything not on the menu that she recommends. If you give French your best try, and treat the waitress like a queen, you will eat like a king, and not very expensive. We also found a couple of inexpensive hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Cluny, to-die-for. The green beans and carrots and apricots they grow around Cluny are surely the best in the world. Also, at the Saturday farmer's market in Nimes, you can buy local olives, antipasto, prosciutto et cetera as good as any in Italy.
Oh, by the way, I almost forgot: there is a Roman temple to Jupiter in Nimes, in an excellent state of preservation, worth a look.
6. Paray-le-Moniel, my wife says this church is a must-see.
7. In Poitiers there is one with wild arches, recommended.
8. Also, my wife thinks more highly of Chartres than I do. She would put it in the top five, ahead of Ulm. But she didn't climb the Ulm tower.
9. Upon further reflection, I must say, whoever designed Rheims Cathedral had a wonderful sense of proportion. Rheims is like "Baby Bear's Porridge/Chair/Bed," not too small, not too large, just right. In its tastefulness it is, in my (considerable, though by no means exhaustive) experience, unique among cathedrals. But you have to drive a long way through the boringly flat Champagne District to get to it. Still, if you happen to pass through there, or if you save yourself the drive and simply go to Rheims by train, it is worth a visit. Along the street which runs toward its entrance we found a couple of inexpensive yet first-rate restaurants, and a boulangerie which was prolly the best on the planet.
The Michaelskirche in Fulda, Germany, dates from 8-something but is run-down. The Hexenturm (Witches' Tower), near it, where they held witches until their date with the stake, is more interesting. The cathedral in Fulda is small but recently renovated and is charming. The Fasanerie, an old but well-preserved palace, was interesting but the tour guide was obnoxious and the tours are only in German. Actually, in a way, this made it even better...
I am of a little older rock fan generation than you; I do regret not having visited Jim Morrison's grave, in the Poets' Corner of Le Pere Lachaise Cemetery, in eastern Paris. If you're ever in Seattle, I can take you to Jimi Hendrix's grave, also Bruce Lee's. But there isn't really any history to see here, unless you count the eruption of Mt. St. Helens. The white man only arrived here recently, around 1850, the weather is really depressing between November and May, and it's probably the least religious city in the America's. Small wonder, that everyone-who-grew-up-here's life's ambition is to go see Europe!
Gone but not forgotten: two W123 sedans and two W124 wagons.
W124 1987 300TD wagon, for sale, $1000 (some assembly required).
JustPassinThru
10-01-2011, 01:07 PM #7Ah yes, how could I forget the Nurburgring. For five years I lived in Walldorf-Baden, within sound of it (EDITED: nope, correction, it was Hockenheimring, not Nurburgring).
If you are interested in very old churches in south and southwestern France, my wife has just created a list for you. She speaks passable French and so remembers their names better than I do:
1. Notre Dame du Port, in Clermont-Ferrand, is the most perfect little Romanesque one.
2. Vezelay is also worth a look.
3. The one in Moissac is also highly recommended.
4. Out on the Camargue, Sts. Maries de la Mer, built in 10-something. Incidentally, every May the Gypsies gather to party and to honor Saint Sarah here.
5. The abbey church in Souillac has some interesting statuary but the church itself is kind of run-down. BUT if you are in Souillac in late October, keep in mind that you are near the western edge of the Beaujolais wine district, and this is the beginning of the season of the Beaujolais Nouveau --well, maybe a bit early. Wine merchants here in Seattle fly it in every year, around the fourth week in November (the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday) and advertise it on radio. But, I swear this is the truth, after a mere ten-hour flight and a day or two in storage it does not taste the same in Seattle as it does in Souillac (or Lyons, of course).
Since you have been in Lyons, you know how good the food is. The entire valley between Souillac and St. Foi, actually the entire road between Toulouse and Perigeaux, is a gourmet's heaven-on-earth. Do stop at little farmhouse auberge's and/or the restaurant which every large farm has. Be very polite, exercize utmost courtesy, to the old grandma who serves as the waitress. Ask for the soup of the day, ask for the menu but be sure to ask if there is anything not on the menu that she recommends. If you give French your best try, and treat the waitress like a queen, you will eat like a king, and not very expensive. We also found a couple of inexpensive hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Cluny, to-die-for. The green beans and carrots and apricots they grow around Cluny are surely the best in the world. Also, at the Saturday farmer's market in Nimes, you can buy local olives, antipasto, prosciutto et cetera as good as any in Italy.
Oh, by the way, I almost forgot: there is a Roman temple to Jupiter in Nimes, in an excellent state of preservation, worth a look.
6. Paray-le-Moniel, my wife says this church is a must-see.
7. In Poitiers there is one with wild arches, recommended.
8. Also, my wife thinks more highly of Chartres than I do. She would put it in the top five, ahead of Ulm. But she didn't climb the Ulm tower.
9. Upon further reflection, I must say, whoever designed Rheims Cathedral had a wonderful sense of proportion. Rheims is like "Baby Bear's Porridge/Chair/Bed," not too small, not too large, just right. In its tastefulness it is, in my (considerable, though by no means exhaustive) experience, unique among cathedrals. But you have to drive a long way through the boringly flat Champagne District to get to it. Still, if you happen to pass through there, or if you save yourself the drive and simply go to Rheims by train, it is worth a visit. Along the street which runs toward its entrance we found a couple of inexpensive yet first-rate restaurants, and a boulangerie which was prolly the best on the planet.
The Michaelskirche in Fulda, Germany, dates from 8-something but is run-down. The Hexenturm (Witches' Tower), near it, where they held witches until their date with the stake, is more interesting. The cathedral in Fulda is small but recently renovated and is charming. The Fasanerie, an old but well-preserved palace, was interesting but the tour guide was obnoxious and the tours are only in German. Actually, in a way, this made it even better...
I am of a little older rock fan generation than you; I do regret not having visited Jim Morrison's grave, in the Poets' Corner of Le Pere Lachaise Cemetery, in eastern Paris. If you're ever in Seattle, I can take you to Jimi Hendrix's grave, also Bruce Lee's. But there isn't really any history to see here, unless you count the eruption of Mt. St. Helens. The white man only arrived here recently, around 1850, the weather is really depressing between November and May, and it's probably the least religious city in the America's. Small wonder, that everyone-who-grew-up-here's life's ambition is to go see Europe!
Gone but not forgotten: two W123 sedans and two W124 wagons.
W124 1987 300TD wagon, for sale, $1000 (some assembly required).
Let me recover, and I'll get right back...
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
Guys, you are absolutely great! I'm awed at the amount of information, tips and advice you provide me! Currently I'm a bit hangover, and I have no idea who's spinning the room, though I'm sure it's not me.
Let me recover, and I'll get right back...
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
A - Iasi, Romania
---------------------------------------------------
My hometown, departure point. Nothing to see here (well there is, but I've seen it all).
B - Oradea, Romania
---------------------------------------------------
One of the saddest and ugliest cities in Romania (IMHO it's THE worst). Everything is derelict, abandoned, with luxuriant vegetation all over former communist industry. No more industry there. Anyway, it's just the exit point from Romania. (There's others, but this is the one I usually take)
C - Budapest, Hungary
---------------------------------------------------
I've been through Budapest before, and I think it's a wonderful city! I especially enjoy crossing the Danube at night, with everything nicely lit up - the bridges, the very old buildings on the shore, etc. I may not stop that much, but will consider:
- Parliament building
- Opera house
D - Wien, Austria
---------------------------------------------------
This will be the intermediate stop-point, for a night's rest on both going/coming to/from France. I've already booked the hotel, and the dates, so I need to get there when I should. Apart from rest, I'm considering:
- St Stephen's Cathedral (My name's Stephen / Stefan)
- Parilament building
- Opera house
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
Right, here's the plan. (so far)
A - Iasi, Romania
---------------------------------------------------
My hometown, departure point. Nothing to see here (well there is, but I've seen it all).
B - Oradea, Romania
---------------------------------------------------
One of the saddest and ugliest cities in Romania (IMHO it's THE worst). Everything is derelict, abandoned, with luxuriant vegetation all over former communist industry. No more industry there. Anyway, it's just the exit point from Romania. (There's others, but this is the one I usually take)
C - Budapest, Hungary
---------------------------------------------------
I've been through Budapest before, and I think it's a wonderful city! I especially enjoy crossing the Danube at night, with everything nicely lit up - the bridges, the very old buildings on the shore, etc. I may not stop that much, but will consider:
- Parliament building
- Opera house
D - Wien, Austria
---------------------------------------------------
This will be the intermediate stop-point, for a night's rest on both going/coming to/from France. I've already booked the hotel, and the dates, so I need to get there when I should. Apart from rest, I'm considering:
- St Stephen's Cathedral (My name's Stephen / Stefan)
- Parilament building
- Opera house
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
---------------------------------------------------
I'm drawing a blank here
F - Ulm, Germany
---------------------------------------------------
Ulm is sitting on the River Danube, which is nice, as I will be crossing it in Budapest as well, and since the Danube Delta is in Romania... along with a lot of Danube as well. I'm very interested in:
- the Ulm Tower.
- the Rathaus (City Hall)
- Albert Eintstein's Memorial
G - Stuttgart, Germany
---------------------------------------------------
Well the only reason I want to see Stuttgart is for the Mercedes Benz Museum. So that's it....
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
E - Munchen, Germany
---------------------------------------------------
I'm drawing a blank here
F - Ulm, Germany
---------------------------------------------------
Ulm is sitting on the River Danube, which is nice, as I will be crossing it in Budapest as well, and since the Danube Delta is in Romania... along with a lot of Danube as well. I'm very interested in:
- the Ulm Tower.
- the Rathaus (City Hall)
- Albert Eintstein's Memorial
G - Stuttgart, Germany
---------------------------------------------------
Well the only reason I want to see Stuttgart is for the Mercedes Benz Museum. So that's it....
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
-BMW Welt (World), BMW Museum (the art cars may still be there), BMW factory tour (3 series build start to finish)
-Olympic Stadium is across the street from the BMW stuff
-Beer gardens (Hofbrauhaus, etc.)
-I can't remember the name, but there's a tower in the middle of town you can climb (stairs only) for cheap.
Stuttgart:
-Might as well hit the Porsche museum too.
-The MB museum was by far the best of the three I went to (MB, Porsche, BMW). It's HUGE and I could have spent days there, so plan accordingly.
-Brian
1983 300TD
1982 240D
1981 280TE
Munchen:
-BMW Welt (World), BMW Museum (the art cars may still be there), BMW factory tour (3 series build start to finish)
-Olympic Stadium is across the street from the BMW stuff
-Beer gardens (Hofbrauhaus, etc.)
-I can't remember the name, but there's a tower in the middle of town you can climb (stairs only) for cheap.
Stuttgart:
-Might as well hit the Porsche museum too.
-The MB museum was by far the best of the three I went to (MB, Porsche, BMW). It's HUGE and I could have spent days there, so plan accordingly.
-Brian
1983 300TD
1982 240D
1981 280TE
(10-02-2011, 04:02 AM)vstef_is E - Munchen, Germany
---------------------------------------------------
I'm drawing a blank here...
Too bad you are not in Muenchen (Munich) right now. Tomorrow (Monday, October 3rd) is the final day of the 2011 Oktoberfest. The world's biggest party.
Besides the Alte Pinakotek, which is actually one of the world's top art galleries, the Church of St. John Nepomuk, popularly known as the Asamkirche, is very much worth a look. The builders, the Asam brothers Cosmas and Egid, took the ideas of "baroque" and "rococo" to a whole 'nother level. Photographs can't really convey it. The Asamkirche is right in the city center, a short walk from Marienplatz, you will see much else there. The Hofbrauhaus is just a few blocks east. The nearby Frauenkirche is architecturally interesting, of course you must not mind if you go in it that it is meant for only women to worship there. Fortunately, I had one with me (my wife) to give me an excuse. If you don't bring one with you, then you may have to recruit a local one ;-}
Also, if memory serves, from Frankfurt to Lyons is an about-10-hours drive, so I would guess that from Point G to Lyons will be about 8 hours. You might want to plan on an overnight stay somewhere between Munich and Point G.
France has an excellent train system, so perhaps you will prefer to park the Benz with Sis in Lyons and go to Paris on the train. You can get around Paris quite well on the subway.
Gone but not forgotten: two W123 sedans and two W124 wagons.
W124 1987 300TD wagon, for sale, $1000 (some assembly required).
JustPassinThru
10-02-2011, 01:37 PM #12(10-02-2011, 04:02 AM)vstef_is E - Munchen, Germany
---------------------------------------------------
I'm drawing a blank here...
Too bad you are not in Muenchen (Munich) right now. Tomorrow (Monday, October 3rd) is the final day of the 2011 Oktoberfest. The world's biggest party.
Besides the Alte Pinakotek, which is actually one of the world's top art galleries, the Church of St. John Nepomuk, popularly known as the Asamkirche, is very much worth a look. The builders, the Asam brothers Cosmas and Egid, took the ideas of "baroque" and "rococo" to a whole 'nother level. Photographs can't really convey it. The Asamkirche is right in the city center, a short walk from Marienplatz, you will see much else there. The Hofbrauhaus is just a few blocks east. The nearby Frauenkirche is architecturally interesting, of course you must not mind if you go in it that it is meant for only women to worship there. Fortunately, I had one with me (my wife) to give me an excuse. If you don't bring one with you, then you may have to recruit a local one ;-}
Also, if memory serves, from Frankfurt to Lyons is an about-10-hours drive, so I would guess that from Point G to Lyons will be about 8 hours. You might want to plan on an overnight stay somewhere between Munich and Point G.
France has an excellent train system, so perhaps you will prefer to park the Benz with Sis in Lyons and go to Paris on the train. You can get around Paris quite well on the subway.
Gone but not forgotten: two W123 sedans and two W124 wagons.
W124 1987 300TD wagon, for sale, $1000 (some assembly required).
Porsche museum sounds good, and I would also enjoy the BMW Museum, or at least the Andy Warhol art-cars. Those are nice. Really nice.
Sadly, I can't get to Frankfurt or anywhere else in Germany, because that would mean going way too up on the map, and I have to see my sis as well - she's the reason for this trip.
However, I do have to plan and take into account all of the nice things you've proposed for France - since I can take sis along, that would be good quality family time. I'll get right back with the rest of the plan.
You guys are great help, with the suggestions and support, I really appreciate it!
Also, if things get rough around here (Romania) where taxes are about $700USD per year for a 300D Benz, when the car's worth about $900USD, I might just fuckitall and come stateside. Especially since you have the turbo models... Plus I've enjoyed Boston....
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
I'm sorry about Oktoberfest... perhaps I'll catch it next year. I've always wanted to do that - as I'm a huge beer fan/drinker. Kinda like Norman from Cheers.
Porsche museum sounds good, and I would also enjoy the BMW Museum, or at least the Andy Warhol art-cars. Those are nice. Really nice.
Sadly, I can't get to Frankfurt or anywhere else in Germany, because that would mean going way too up on the map, and I have to see my sis as well - she's the reason for this trip.
However, I do have to plan and take into account all of the nice things you've proposed for France - since I can take sis along, that would be good quality family time. I'll get right back with the rest of the plan.
You guys are great help, with the suggestions and support, I really appreciate it!
Also, if things get rough around here (Romania) where taxes are about $700USD per year for a 300D Benz, when the car's worth about $900USD, I might just fuckitall and come stateside. Especially since you have the turbo models... Plus I've enjoyed Boston....
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
(10-02-2011, 03:37 PM)vstef_is ...Also, if things get rough around here (Romania) where taxes...
I am sending you a PM, having to do with a possible economic opportunity. It is a longshot, but if you are traveling in France...
Gone but not forgotten: two W123 sedans and two W124 wagons.
W124 1987 300TD wagon, for sale, $1000 (some assembly required).
JustPassinThru
10-02-2011, 11:08 PM #14(10-02-2011, 03:37 PM)vstef_is ...Also, if things get rough around here (Romania) where taxes...
I am sending you a PM, having to do with a possible economic opportunity. It is a longshot, but if you are traveling in France...
Gone but not forgotten: two W123 sedans and two W124 wagons.
W124 1987 300TD wagon, for sale, $1000 (some assembly required).
Im used to Canada, a few questions and your drivers license and you are in. Way harder to get back in the US though, but thats done as you arrive also
1974 240D 617 turbo swap, W201 5-speed, in the works project
1983 240D 616 stock, DD
1989 Chevy Astro, 617 turbo swap, T5 5-speed, 4.56 diff, work van
How much paperwork do you have to do? do you have to preemptively clear paperwork and forms for each country you intend to go through? or can you just show up at the border and pass after some work right there?
Im used to Canada, a few questions and your drivers license and you are in. Way harder to get back in the US though, but thats done as you arrive also
1974 240D 617 turbo swap, W201 5-speed, in the works project
1983 240D 616 stock, DD
1989 Chevy Astro, 617 turbo swap, T5 5-speed, 4.56 diff, work van
Regarding paperwork. Romania is a member of the European Union (since 2007), so I don't need a passport to travel in the EU. However, we're not a member yet (should be in a couple of months) of the Schengen Zone. This means there's border control between Romania and Hungary. They only ask for some ID, and perhaps some car papers (insurance, registration, etc). But that's about it. More or less a formality. There's no controls anywhere else, no visas, and no paperwork (HU-A / A - DE / DE - CH / CH - FR / etc)
There is ONE document, which is legally required, though not really important or asked for at the customs. I should need a legal document from the owner of the car, entitling me to travel abroad with it. (I'm not the owner in car-documents, long story).
I shall apply ye ole' "I didn't know I needed that" scheme, plus a modest monetary compensation for this information, as it is given to me by the customs officer.
One always learns new things Departure in 40hours. I shall post pics and update the thread.
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
The car is running fine. Not perfect, but very close. I did change all the oils, plus the windscreen chrome ornaments (looks soooo stupid without them). Interesting point - I used ATF for the gearbox, however, when I drained it... it only had about 0.3 - 0.4 liters of oil. When I filled it, about 1.6 liters went in. Nice!
Regarding paperwork. Romania is a member of the European Union (since 2007), so I don't need a passport to travel in the EU. However, we're not a member yet (should be in a couple of months) of the Schengen Zone. This means there's border control between Romania and Hungary. They only ask for some ID, and perhaps some car papers (insurance, registration, etc). But that's about it. More or less a formality. There's no controls anywhere else, no visas, and no paperwork (HU-A / A - DE / DE - CH / CH - FR / etc)
There is ONE document, which is legally required, though not really important or asked for at the customs. I should need a legal document from the owner of the car, entitling me to travel abroad with it. (I'm not the owner in car-documents, long story).
I shall apply ye ole' "I didn't know I needed that" scheme, plus a modest monetary compensation for this information, as it is given to me by the customs officer. One always learns new things
Departure in 40hours. I shall post pics and update the thread.
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
- Authorities,meaning they don't do squat, no sand, salt, or snow plows on the road.
- The other kind folks taking part in the wonderful traffic, meaning they haven't had the time to put in winter tires, snow chains, or anything else for that matter.
- Myself, because I was taking into account 10hours between A - B (see map above).
Oh well, I hope I don't get delayed too much. There's some snow only in the high mountain passes, perhaps I can be rid of it quickly.
It might be more than 30 hours till I can post again, hopefully from Wien, Austria.
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
Departure in 16 hours! I'm a tad bit concerned because we've had some snow here and there - and as always - everyone's unprepared.
- Authorities,meaning they don't do squat, no sand, salt, or snow plows on the road.
- The other kind folks taking part in the wonderful traffic, meaning they haven't had the time to put in winter tires, snow chains, or anything else for that matter.
- Myself, because I was taking into account 10hours between A - B (see map above).
Oh well, I hope I don't get delayed too much. There's some snow only in the high mountain passes, perhaps I can be rid of it quickly.
It might be more than 30 hours till I can post again, hopefully from Wien, Austria.
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
Iasi - Oradea - Budapest - Wien (First day) was great.
Wien - Zurich was great as well. Some gearbox sounds started to come in the evening in Zurich, and just entering France (140 km from Lyon), past Geneva, the gearbox went bad. Stopped at a fuel station, waited for the next day. What happened was - it's loosing some oil through the rear rubber seal (the one were the driveshaft flange is) - apparently it lost pretty much all the oil. Had oil with me, did not have the hex tool to open the filler cap. Next day early in the morning went down to the nearest village (by foot) - it was a great lovely little village, and they had a special tools shop - found the tool I needed. On the way back to the car, I picked up some pears. Nice touch...
Filled with brand new spankin oil - but it didn't improve much - the damage had already been done. What I could manage though is to get to Lyon. Right now it shifts 1st and 2nd very badly. Third, fourth and fifth seem ok. Reverse shifts ok, but runs horrible - the whole car trembles and screeches. There's screeching noise on neutral as well. So much for my 5-gang Getrag getriebe
Well I wanted an automatic anyway! Problem is, how do I get back to Romania?
Any thoughts? Pics soon (need to download)
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
Finally got to Lyon! One day late though...
Iasi - Oradea - Budapest - Wien (First day) was great.
Wien - Zurich was great as well. Some gearbox sounds started to come in the evening in Zurich, and just entering France (140 km from Lyon), past Geneva, the gearbox went bad. Stopped at a fuel station, waited for the next day. What happened was - it's loosing some oil through the rear rubber seal (the one were the driveshaft flange is) - apparently it lost pretty much all the oil. Had oil with me, did not have the hex tool to open the filler cap. Next day early in the morning went down to the nearest village (by foot) - it was a great lovely little village, and they had a special tools shop - found the tool I needed. On the way back to the car, I picked up some pears. Nice touch...
Filled with brand new spankin oil - but it didn't improve much - the damage had already been done. What I could manage though is to get to Lyon. Right now it shifts 1st and 2nd very badly. Third, fourth and fifth seem ok. Reverse shifts ok, but runs horrible - the whole car trembles and screeches. There's screeching noise on neutral as well. So much for my 5-gang Getrag getriebe
Well I wanted an automatic anyway! Problem is, how do I get back to Romania?
Any thoughts? Pics soon (need to download)
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
(10-21-2011, 09:09 AM)vstef_is ...Problem is, how do I get back to Romania? Any thoughts?
Sell the car to a wrecking yard in Lyon and buy a bus ticket back? ...Send me your Warndreieck trunk lid clip and I'll wire you $20 
Gone but not forgotten: two W123 sedans and two W124 wagons.
W124 1987 300TD wagon, for sale, $1000 (some assembly required).
JustPassinThru
10-21-2011, 01:44 PM #22(10-21-2011, 09:09 AM)vstef_is ...Problem is, how do I get back to Romania? Any thoughts?
Sell the car to a wrecking yard in Lyon and buy a bus ticket back? ...Send me your Warndreieck trunk lid clip and I'll wire you $20
Gone but not forgotten: two W123 sedans and two W124 wagons.
W124 1987 300TD wagon, for sale, $1000 (some assembly required).
would installing another gearbox where you are be cheaper than shipping it back home for you?
Thats the route id consider. you wouldn't need that many special tools to just block up the car, rip out the transmission, and install another.
1974 240D 617 turbo swap, W201 5-speed, in the works project
1983 240D 616 stock, DD
1989 Chevy Astro, 617 turbo swap, T5 5-speed, 4.56 diff, work van
thats terrible! can you find another gearbox? How common would parts for these cars be in the yards?
would installing another gearbox where you are be cheaper than shipping it back home for you?
Thats the route id consider. you wouldn't need that many special tools to just block up the car, rip out the transmission, and install another.
1974 240D 617 turbo swap, W201 5-speed, in the works project
1983 240D 616 stock, DD
1989 Chevy Astro, 617 turbo swap, T5 5-speed, 4.56 diff, work van
Hopefully you can locate another 5 speed and if you do, ship the damaged one to Drop. He likes basket case trannys like that.
.
Gota love Mercedes Diesels!
.
DeliveryValve
10-21-2011, 02:44 PM #24That is too bad. I am sorry for that report.
Hopefully you can locate another 5 speed and if you do, ship the damaged one to Drop. He likes basket case trannys like that.
.
Gota love Mercedes Diesels!
.
You have come so far with all the swarf and pieces in the gearbox. When it´s clean so far on the inside, why shouldn´t you come home? You won´t need 1st and 2nd gear so much on the autobahn.
I bought my W123 in south Spain, ~2400km from home. On the way back home the water pump started leaking after already 300km. I also had to refill water again and again, but i made it home with a consumption of ~7 Liters....
Gruß
Volker
I would make an oil change, drive ~10-30min, do another oil change, drive ~20 min, do another oil change and then drive home with frequent oil checks/refilling. Maybe repair the rear rubber sealing if it leaks too much.
You have come so far with all the swarf and pieces in the gearbox. When it´s clean so far on the inside, why shouldn´t you come home? You won´t need 1st and 2nd gear so much on the autobahn.
I bought my W123 in south Spain, ~2400km from home. On the way back home the water pump started leaking after already 300km. I also had to refill water again and again, but i made it home with a consumption of ~7 Liters....
Gruß
Volker
The other options don't sound so promising...
Selling it to a junkyard - dont think I'll get much in return.
Leaving it here - won't get me nothing at all in return.
Changing the tranny here - I did find some places to do that but it's about 500Euros (tranny + work) which is past my budget. Funny thing is I did find some trannies (5-speed) for 200-300 Euros (just the tranny, nothing else - but I have the other parts installed - driveshaft, FW, levers, etc)
So what I need to do is change the rubber seal, make some oil changes (as you suggested, and come back with it this way. It SHOULD get back. Once I do that - time for an automatic!
Depending on how I can arrange the rubber seal change and how it runs afterwards I might visit something, or might not... I was planning on doing things on the way back (more time on hand) but now Paris is already out. Not sure if I can fit in Stuttgart (it's extra km)...
Thank you guys for the advice!
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
I'll go with Volker's plan - it's what I had in mind as well.
The other options don't sound so promising...
Selling it to a junkyard - dont think I'll get much in return.
Leaving it here - won't get me nothing at all in return.
Changing the tranny here - I did find some places to do that but it's about 500Euros (tranny + work) which is past my budget. Funny thing is I did find some trannies (5-speed) for 200-300 Euros (just the tranny, nothing else - but I have the other parts installed - driveshaft, FW, levers, etc)
So what I need to do is change the rubber seal, make some oil changes (as you suggested, and come back with it this way. It SHOULD get back. Once I do that - time for an automatic!
Depending on how I can arrange the rubber seal change and how it runs afterwards I might visit something, or might not... I was planning on doing things on the way back (more time on hand) but now Paris is already out. Not sure if I can fit in Stuttgart (it's extra km)...
Thank you guys for the advice!
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
Village in Romania
Roundabout in Romania
Train in Romania
Dashboard (in Romania)
Small road in Romania
Freeway in Hungary
Freeway parking - some rest in Hungary
Mercedes Benz 300D w123 in Hungary
Hungary
Welcome to Austria!
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
Time for some pics!
Village in Romania
Roundabout in Romania
Train in Romania
Dashboard (in Romania)
Small road in Romania
Freeway in Hungary
Freeway parking - some rest in Hungary
Mercedes Benz 300D w123 in Hungary
Hungary
Welcome to Austria!
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
OMV Refinery in Austria
OMV gas station in Austria
Dacia Dusters from Romania on their way to Western Europe
Some castle in Austria
Rosenberg Restaurant in Austria
Rain in Germany
Tunnel (one of many! Including a 11km long one)
Austria
Austria
Austria
Entrance to Switzerland (from Austria) - Roundabout.
Switzerland Tunnel
France
Porsche in France
And that's all the pics. Sorry for the low quality (very old Sony camera) - my mother took all the pics whilst I was driving... Will get back with more.
I found a shop to change the rear seal in the gearbox - should be affordable, and then try to get home with it.
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
Hotel near Vienna
OMV Refinery in Austria
OMV gas station in Austria
Dacia Dusters from Romania on their way to Western Europe
Some castle in Austria
Rosenberg Restaurant in Austria
Rain in Germany
Tunnel (one of many! Including a 11km long one)
Austria
Austria
Austria
Entrance to Switzerland (from Austria) - Roundabout.
Switzerland Tunnel
France
Porsche in France
And that's all the pics. Sorry for the low quality (very old Sony camera) - my mother took all the pics whilst I was driving... Will get back with more.
I found a shop to change the rear seal in the gearbox - should be affordable, and then try to get home with it.
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
I get paid next Tuesday. If I were to send you $500, so you can get a good transmission swapped-in, how soon could you repay me?
Gone but not forgotten: two W123 sedans and two W124 wagons.
W124 1987 300TD wagon, for sale, $1000 (some assembly required).
JustPassinThru
10-22-2011, 11:26 AM #29Wow. A two-day drive on a doubtful transmission. And you've got your mom with you.
I get paid next Tuesday. If I were to send you $500, so you can get a good transmission swapped-in, how soon could you repay me?
Gone but not forgotten: two W123 sedans and two W124 wagons.
W124 1987 300TD wagon, for sale, $1000 (some assembly required).
You are a great man - let me make some phone calls on Monday and see what I can come up with near Lyon. I've found two junkyards, one specialized in old Mercedes, so perhaps I can strike some luck. At the very least I'd try to change the seal, change the oil a couple of times and that's it. I'd rather not get into any more loans, but just in case... I will let you know. Many thanks for your kind thoughts!
So here are some options:
- Run it like this, with frequent oil changes / checks
- Change the rubber seal, and run it
- Change the tranny
- Sell it locally to a junkyard / someone interested and come back with the bus.
I was thinking of a w115 diesel automatic - or an automatic for my w123. I already found an automatic box back home for the w123 - so I could change it when I get back.
Come Monday, and I will know more about these options (pricing - wise).
Now time for some facts and figures.
Day 1 - Leg 1 - Iasi (RO) - Oradea (RO) - 586km (366m) - 7.23 l/100km (39mpg) - 42.42 liters of diesel (11.2 gallons)
Day 1 - Leg 2 - Oradea (RO) - Vienna (A) - 578km (361m) - 8.00 l/100km (35mpg) - 46.26 liters of diesel (12.22 gallons)
Day 1 - Total = 1164km (727.5 miles)
Average speed on freeway was about 110km/h (68.75mph) while top speed was 125km/h (78.125mph)
Day 2 - Leg 1 - Vienna (A) - Schnann (A) - 595km (371m) - 7.97 l/100km (35mpg) - 47.48 liters of diesel (12.54 gallons)
Day 2 - Leg 2 - Schnann (A) - Lyon (FR) - 623km (389m) - did not fill 'er up yet.
Day 2 - Total = 1218km (761 miles)
Average speed on freeway was still about 110 km/h (68.75mph) while top speed was 130km/h (81.25mph)
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
Hey Philip!
You are a great man - let me make some phone calls on Monday and see what I can come up with near Lyon. I've found two junkyards, one specialized in old Mercedes, so perhaps I can strike some luck. At the very least I'd try to change the seal, change the oil a couple of times and that's it. I'd rather not get into any more loans, but just in case... I will let you know. Many thanks for your kind thoughts!
So here are some options:
- Run it like this, with frequent oil changes / checks
- Change the rubber seal, and run it
- Change the tranny
- Sell it locally to a junkyard / someone interested and come back with the bus.
I was thinking of a w115 diesel automatic - or an automatic for my w123. I already found an automatic box back home for the w123 - so I could change it when I get back.
Come Monday, and I will know more about these options (pricing - wise).
Now time for some facts and figures.
Day 1 - Leg 1 - Iasi (RO) - Oradea (RO) - 586km (366m) - 7.23 l/100km (39mpg) - 42.42 liters of diesel (11.2 gallons)
Day 1 - Leg 2 - Oradea (RO) - Vienna (A) - 578km (361m) - 8.00 l/100km (35mpg) - 46.26 liters of diesel (12.22 gallons)
Day 1 - Total = 1164km (727.5 miles)
Average speed on freeway was about 110km/h (68.75mph) while top speed was 125km/h (78.125mph)
Day 2 - Leg 1 - Vienna (A) - Schnann (A) - 595km (371m) - 7.97 l/100km (35mpg) - 47.48 liters of diesel (12.54 gallons)
Day 2 - Leg 2 - Schnann (A) - Lyon (FR) - 623km (389m) - did not fill 'er up yet.
Day 2 - Total = 1218km (761 miles)
Average speed on freeway was still about 110 km/h (68.75mph) while top speed was 130km/h (81.25mph)
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
I hope you make it home.
If you find these 5 speed for those prices, you might want to buy them and ship them to the US. There are plenty of folks out here who can use your services!
.
Gota love Mercedes Diesels!
.
DeliveryValve
10-22-2011, 08:09 PM #31That is standup nice for JustPassinThru to make an offer like that.
I hope you make it home.
If you find these 5 speed for those prices, you might want to buy them and ship them to the US. There are plenty of folks out here who can use your services!
.
Gota love Mercedes Diesels!
.
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
I already have someone who asked me to look into a 5-speed, so once I get back I will do just that. If there's anyone interested I can try and find any parts and ship them over. Problem is shipping might be a tad dear...
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
I paid 100Euros in total to do the following:
- completely fix all leaks on the tranny
- drain, wash and fill the tranny with fresh oil
- re-attach one of the side levers on the Getrag (it came off and I lost the safety pin)
The result?
- NO metal shards in the box! Oil was completely clean!
- new oil, no leaks
- shifts and runs great - no noises, no problems!
So it looks like the 300D is back on track.
Volker - we shall meet in Stuttgart on Wednesday!
New pics
Parked in Lyon
Parked in Lyon
Service
Service
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
Success! I've found a service, through some Romanian friends in Lyon, and I reached a guy (Romanian) who works there - he was able to hook me up for a reasonable amount instead of the regular more expensive prices here...
I paid 100Euros in total to do the following:
- completely fix all leaks on the tranny
- drain, wash and fill the tranny with fresh oil
- re-attach one of the side levers on the Getrag (it came off and I lost the safety pin)
The result?
- NO metal shards in the box! Oil was completely clean!
- new oil, no leaks
- shifts and runs great - no noises, no problems!
So it looks like the 300D is back on track.
Volker - we shall meet in Stuttgart on Wednesday!
New pics
Parked in Lyon
Parked in Lyon
Service
Service
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
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