ML270 MPG towing

[alan_374303306]

hi thinking of geting 04 ml270 depending on mpg when towing at present have a galaxy 130bhp chiped to 160bhp and get 29mpg any advice would help full

 

[Del_374232870]

We have the grand Cherokee which has the same transmision and 3.0 CRD engine as the Merc and it is an excellent tow car, plenty of torque , towing is effortless and fuel consumption of 19 -n 22 mpg with 1700kg of van on our tail.

 

[spj]

Hi Alan,

We have a 2004 ML270CDI auto chipped to 200bhp and 354lbs ft, we tow a 2007 Fleetwood Heritage 640es [1700kgs] with it and have no problems at all, as with all full size 4x4s it is quite thirsy but coming home from Scotland last week [500 mile round trip] it averaged 21mpg at 60mph where possible, we were fully loaded and carrying over 100kg of inflatable boat & engine as well as an awning etc, the outfit will have weighed over 4.5 tons so 21mpg is not too bad, last year we went to Cornwall with a 1400kg van and a bit less load and averaged around 25mpg at 55 to 60mph. The outfit fully loaded will stay at 60mph on cruise control up any motorway hill I have tried. Without the chip the ML does feel a bit sluggish but with it they are superb, stay away from the manual gearbox if you can find one [very rare] as they have reduced torque and the box is not very good, they are also very hard to sell unless cheap. We looked at most 4x4s but bought an ML as they drive like a car and not like a boat as most 4x4s do, they also have small overhangs and a superb steering lock.

spj

 

[MalcolmL]

I tried to reply to this thread last night but I obviously "blew it"!

I have had an ML270 since Sep o3. In that time, I have averaged 25mpg to include town driving, main road driving, wee road touring and towing. Generally obtained 22 mpg or better towing. Worst has been 18 mpg, obviously towing, and best has been 34mpg solo. A great car with a superb auto box. I traded it in on Tuesday for a ML320 CDI and am looking forward to towing with it. It should be even more effortless with its higher torque and 7-speed auto gearbox. Any further queries, just ask.