Mercedes Automatics

[Irishrebel]

Hi all,

new here, and I've posted this on a few sites to maximise potential replies:

For about two years now I've been towing a 99 Bailey Senator Camargue(2-axle miro: 1241 kg) with my 99 Audi A4 2.5TDi, with no real problems. Even though the veteran couple I bought it from on eBay had reservations about my first caravan being so big! I even took it from Belfast to Annecy and back.

Changed my car to a lovely 98 Mercedes E-Class estate auto with a 3000TD engine, very well kept.

While pricing towbars for this, I've been given some advice that Mercedes auto trans. cars need to have an oil cooler for the gearbox fitted and an upgraded fan, maybe even a new radiator, in order to tow large caravans. I really thought such a heavy and torque-enriched car would do OK.

WhatTowCar.com matches my model (well, nearest model I could find with all the right specs. input) as 5 stars with my caravan, and lists no problems for me.

Does anyone agree I need to do these expensive upgrades?

Tim.

 

[rob_jax]

Tim,

The W210 MB E-class should have a gearbox oil-cooler as standard.

When you order an E-class from MB - and specify a factory fitted tow-bar - part of the tow-bar kit is an uprated cooling fan. Whether it really needs this upgrade or whether it's just MB over-engineering is another matter.

If you have any concerns talk to your local MB dealership - I've found our dealerships (Oxford, Beaconsfield) to be very pleasant experiences - or a well respected MB independent. It just happens that our village has a highly respected MB independent service centre - apparently one of the very best in the South and Midlands.

But if you are only towing a fraction of the E-classes limit - then I'd say not - but it's your car.

Robert

 

[anotherDavid]

Hi Tim

I am towing 1500kg with an E280 cdi estate and have previously towed the same van with a C220 cdi. I think both cars have oil coolers as standard and I had not heard anything about fan upgrades when I got my towbar fitted,however as I have towed about 8000 miles with it (280cdi) and seen no sign of overheating even in the hotest places I cant see it is a problem.

Whilst you are not talking about buying new I also would recomend the factory towbar to anyone else considering a new merc, mine was fitted using the same kit as MB use and by the time I had the specialist wiring kit it ended up costing me just as much. however all in all a super towcar.

Dave

 

[Irishrebel]

Thanks, Robert and Dave.

I got a lot more replies on a Merc-Benz forum, but almost everyone saying the same thing - not to worry. At an MB breakers yesterday, the guy confirmed to me that my 98 car has a cooling coil within the radiator for the gearbox, and laughed off any idea of an upgrade.

The Bailey's MPTLM is 1534kg, and the max. braked towing of my MB is 1900kg, so all's well (except for the cost of the towbar... and fixing my aircon pump!).

Again, thanks,

Tim.

 

[Rogerdraper]

If i have a technical question i always ring Mercedes Head office at MILTON KEYNES.I have found them very helpful.