Mercedes ML 320 or 430

[Stuart_374453744]

Hi I'm thinking of buying a Mercedes ML but not sure of model to get. It will be either 320 or 430 and will run on LPG. I have a twin axle caravan with a max weight of 1630kg ( its a Lunar Lexon ) both cars can pull it quiet safely just wondered if anyone has one or could give advice of which model to go after.
Thanks Stuart

 

[Brian_374476317]

I tow with a four year old ML300CDI Blue Efficiency version. Cracking tow car. Very good on fuel for its size (3 Litre V6 Turbo diesel) 32-38 solo and about 24 towing heavy 1600Kg van + two adults. Also good on tyres 35,000 out of 1st set.
Highly recommended. wheel at each corner so it tows like its on rails. No deviation in cross winds or by passing Artic. Will replace by similar.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi I'm thinking of buying a Mercedes ML but not sure of model to get. It will be either 320 or 430 and will run on LPG. I have a twin axle caravan with a max weight of 1630kg ( its a Lunar Lexon ) both cars can pull it quiet safely just wondered if anyone has one or could give advice of which model to go after.
Thanks Stuart

My Brother in Law tows with a ML270 Diesel and finds it very good so Im pretty sure you would find either vehicle has plenty of capacity to tow the Lunar.

As regards "safe" towing, no car can guarantee the "safety" of its towing. In contrast there are some cars and caravan combinations that are guaranteed to be unsafe! Safety is down to the driver to ensure they have dome everything right and using good driving practice to keep the outfit safe when on the move.

 

[MichaelE]

Stuart_374453744 is referring to the W163 model as the engines sizes he quotes is for the petrol versions.The W164 model Brian_374476317 tows with is a completely different and much better car.
I have towed with both the ML270 and a ML320 Cdi. The W163 is on a ladder chassis and does roll about a bit and did suffer from build quality issues, the 430 was dropped when facelifted in 2001, this is when they addressed the build quality issues, the diesel engine is a 5 cylinder and plenty powerful enough , the W164 is on a monocoque chassis is a much smoother v6 diesel coupled with a 7 speed auto box which was standard a much better all round car, although the W163 is much better in the mud.