Mercedes E 270 CDI (2003)

[vansmudge]

I am considering a Mecedes E270 CDI Automatic saloon as a towcar for our Fleetwood 590-4.

Do any Techies out there have any advice about the use of the car for towing, and any comments about automatic transmission for towing please? Do they need an upgraded oil cooler? What life can one normally expect from an automatic gear box?

Many thanks.

 

[RayS]

Not sure whether this model with have the straight 5 cylinder or the later V6. If the former, I think it is basically the same engine as in the earliy serier ML 270 cdi. I had one (auto) for nearly 8 years and it towed vry well but was very thirsty, even when solo.

I would check to see where the E Class service book calls for change of auto transmission fluid abotu every 30,000 km. the ML didn't - so called 'sealed for life' and there were some problems with the gearbox at about 70,000 miles. The replacement cost on a vehicle of this age would be about the value of the vehicle, so personally I wouln't be too keen unles it has a ful MB service history which shows that the transmission fluid (and filter if fitted) have been changed on schedule. Interestingly the W211 Eclass - not the current one - does show this requirement.

Not sure what you van AUW will be but presumably towards 1700 kg which means you may be in the 90 - 100% ratio - again not recommended unless you are very experienced.

 

[vansmudge]

Not sure whether this model with have the straight 5 cylinder or the later V6. If the former, I think it is basically the same engine as in the earliy serier ML 270 cdi. I had one (auto) for nearly 8 years and it towed vry well but was very thirsty, even when solo.

I would check to see where the E Class service book calls for change of auto transmission fluid abotu every 30,000 km. the ML didn't - so called 'sealed for life' and there were some problems with the gearbox at about 70,000 miles. The replacement cost on a vehicle of this age would be about the value of the vehicle, so personally I wouln't be too keen unles it has a ful MB service history which shows that the transmission fluid (and filter if fitted) have been changed on schedule. Interestingly the W211 Eclass - not the current one - does show this requirement.

Not sure what you van AUW will be but presumably towards 1700 kg which means you may be in the 90 - 100% ratio - again not recommended unless you are very experienced.

Ray, I am grateful for your comments.

The engine is straight 5 and the car has FMBSH.

On one service the previous owner went 700 miles over the trigger point, but that apart they have been carried out on the dot.

I will check on the sealed for life aspect as I have now bought the car.

We tried it out with a few days at Rutland water and it towed very well.

The automatic gearbox takes a little getting used to and I have always towed with a manual box hitherto. In conclusion I enjoyed the tow and look forward to the next time!

Thanks again.