Avoid or Buy???

[Nick_374224919]

Hi all

Do any of you tow or have towed with a mercedes e240 v6 petrol auto estate??

I have fallen in love with one near my home, and just wondering wether or not it would make a good tow car. I own a Compass Corona 505 MTPLM around 1400kg if my memory serves me well.

I am aware that the fuel comsumption will be low but it will probably be around my Mitshi Shogun is at the mo.

Any words of wisdom greatly appreciated.

Cheers all

Nick Owens

 

[JasonR_374341560]

I don't know the model, but check that it has been serviced. Mercedes Auto box's are good but if they are not cared for they are very expensive to repair or replace.

 

[anotherDavid]

I have an auto E class estate and although it is a diesel the weights should be similar and am towing a 1500KG Hymer with no difficulty, in fact I used to tow the same van with an auto C class saloon again with no problems.

Dave

 

[rob_jax]

Hi Nick,

Buying a pre-owned Mercedes?

1. Full main dealer service history is essential.

2. Avoid the "Classic" trim models - unless they are offered at a very significant discount compared to the "Elegance" or "Avantgarde" models. The Classic models miss out on all the toys.

3. Buying the estate - check if it has self levelling suspension - not a deal killer, but very nice to have

4. If the car was used for towing before - just have the automatic gearbox oil checked for condition (should be clean and translucent)

5. If the E240 has covered a vast number of miles - then have the rear suspension bushes checked for wear (cheap to replace - but does affect how the car tows - well cheap for MB)

Depending on the exact model and age of the E240 - you will most probably be offered the previous generation 5-speed 5G-Tronic gearbox - which was designed for engines with around 500 NM torque (E320 CDI straight 6) or a faint chance of the new 7-speed 7G-Tronic with a limit of around 800NM torque (E420 V8 CDI).

Either %G or 7G gearbox in a petrol engined model will hardly be "stretched" by the lower torque - and it should last "for ever"

Towed our Eriba Triton (MTPLM 1200 kg) with a C270 5G speed and the current E320 V6 CDI 7G - both impeccable

Robert