[strelnik]

Unlike the Citroen 2CV, which is the other type of minicar I own, the 451 is crafted with fine engineering in mind and as such, can best be served by having a variety of essential and special tools handy.

So far I have noticed that the following are essential for work on the car:

-1/4" and 3/8" drive ratchets, breaker bars, extensions and universal joints
-Metric short and deep-well sockets to 21mm
-Stubby and standard six point combination metric wrenches from 5mm to 21mm inclusive
-Variety of TORX-drive metric sockets from T-9 to T-60 in different drive sizes
-Variety of lengths of flat blade and Phillips screwdrivers
-Pliers of various types to include: slip joint, channel-lock, diagonal cutters, lineman's pliers
-Multiple sizes of pin punches and C-Clamps
-Multiple sizes of mandrels
-Small and medium ballpein hammers and 2lb dead-blow hammer

• Crimping set to repair wires or make splices and some wire to go with it.
• An inexpensive volt-ohmmeter with leads
• A good OBDII diagnostic unit. I have a Foxwell NT-510 made for MBs and smart models

Anything else you can think of? I am especially interested in MB special tools related to the smarts.
Thanks!

 

[Miss Mercedes]

Having your own STAR machine is really fun. I got one free with my free 450. <3

I also carry zip ties, a spare tire or fix a flat (depends on the trip), jumper cables, tire plugs, a 12V air pump, and a propane heater. I often drive deep into the wilderness so it's good to be prepared.

 

[strelnik]

Having your own STAR machine is really fun. I got one free with my free 450. <3

I also carry zip ties, a spare tire or fix a flat (depends on the trip), jumper cables, tire plugs, a 12V air pump, and a propane heater. I often drive deep into the wilderness so it's good to be prepared.

You got a STAR machine? I'd like to see what they look like.

 

[strelnik]

Having your own STAR machine is really fun. I got one free with my free 450. <3

I also carry zip ties, a spare tire or fix a flat (depends on the trip), jumper cables, tire plugs, a 12V air pump, and a propane heater. I often drive deep into the wilderness so it's good to be prepared.

Not to mention your Rambo-style AK47 paratroop model with 75 round drum magazine, right?

 

[Evolve614]

I often drive deep into the wilderness so it's good to be prepared.

Are you boondocking? I want to get into teardrop camping and have seen many uk guys doing it. PS, those torx sockets are really helpful in the 453 if you need to remove the seats.

 

[Snowball]

A 24mm wrench is handy when changing the oil. A socket won't fit very well without a swivel. I also have two strap wrenches on hand for the oil filter and and caps, etc. that I can't get loose (losing strength in my hands).

 

[strelnik]

Are you boondocking? I want to get into teardrop camping and have seen many uk guys doing it. PS, those torx sockets are really helpful in the 453 if you need to remove the seats.

True, I have lots of Torx wrenches of different types because I have owned Volvos as well. But the T-45 is needed for my 451 seats. I need to remove them and make a quick electrical disconnect for the wires on the heated seats, to speed up removal of seats for cleaning and lubrication.

 

[jetfuel]

...cool list for home work..
...for the road.... the cell phone and my bride's credit card...

Jetfuel....roughing it is poor room service..

 

[Bob Ricewasser]

A 24mm wrench is handy when changing the oil. A socket won't fit very well without a swivel. I also have two strap wrenches on hand for the oil filter and and caps, etc. that I can't get loose (losing strength in my hands).

A 15/16 socket & a long breaker bar will work for the oil drain plug.

 

[Miss Mercedes]

You got a STAR machine? I'd like to see what they look like.

Nothing special. It's an ancient ThinkPad with a thing called a multiplexer.

Buying MB Star | Evilution

www.evilution.co.uk

Are you boondocking? I want to get into teardrop camping and have seen many uk guys doing it. PS, those torx sockets are really helpful in the 453 if you need to remove the seats.

I do an offroad navigational rally give or take once every two months. I usually tent camp but lately I've been getting into the idea of sleeping in the car itself.

 

[strelnik]

A 15/16 socket & a long breaker bar will work for the oil drain plug.

No doubt the equivalent of the 24mm wrench described to do this same job! In some cases, the dimensions of metric and inch are so close as to be interchangeable as in 3/4" = 19.05mm

 

[den458]

Having your own STAR machine is really fun. I got one free with my free 450. <3

You've followed my 2008 ForTwo unreliable-reverse-gear postings recently, someone suggested I'd benefit from having a STAR machine, I see you have one.... Can it do the diagnostic? Can it read/report my transmission firmware revision? OR, In what way might my issue benefit from having a STAR machine, if you know? Your insight is appreciated.

 

[Miss Mercedes]

You've followed my 2008 ForTwo unreliable-reverse-gear postings recently, someone suggested I'd benefit from having a STAR machine, I see you have one.... Can it do the diagnostic? Can it read/report my transmission firmware revision? OR, In what way might my issue benefit from having a STAR machine, if you know? Your insight is appreciated.

I believe it can! It has a program that tries to adjust and reteach the transmission. I've been using it to try to revive my 450's clutch actuator from the dead. Unfortunately, it wasn't successful (potentially indicating that my clutch actuator itself is dead/dying). Honestly I have little idea of what the thing does or how to use it. I just follow the instructions on evilution.co.uk on how to make it do certain things.

 

[strelnik]

I believe it can! It has a program that tries to adjust and reteach the transmission. I've been using it to try to revive my 450's clutch actuator from the dead. Unfortunately, it wasn't successful (potentially indicating that my clutch actuator itself is dead/dying). Honestly I have little idea of what the thing does or how to use it. I just follow the instructions on evilution.co.uk on how to make it do certain things.

I'd love to get a used STAR machine, even if it is not connected to the Empire's mainframe. If you ever see one out there, please let me know.