Has Anyone Towed Long Distance with the W203?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,714
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From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
Has Anyone Towed Long Distance with the W203?
Interested to know whether anyone has towed a caravan or trailer a long distance with the 5 speed auto?
I have towed a heavy trailer ( 1 tonne) over short distances without any problems. The car handles the load very safely & the 4 cyl diesel engine & gear box perform well.
I am concerned whether there is any downside regarding the 5 speed ATM & rear chassis distortion with long distance/long term towing ?.
In days gone by the ATM was fitted with oil coolers but as they are now original equipment.
The radiator has plenty of capacity .
Comments welcome.
JC
I have towed a heavy trailer ( 1 tonne) over short distances without any problems. The car handles the load very safely & the 4 cyl diesel engine & gear box perform well.
I am concerned whether there is any downside regarding the 5 speed ATM & rear chassis distortion with long distance/long term towing ?.
In days gone by the ATM was fitted with oil coolers but as they are now original equipment.
The radiator has plenty of capacity .
Comments welcome.
JC
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
JC ~ a lot of people tow with Benzes in SA. As long as the hitch pick up points are factory & kept tight you should have no issues.
The transmission is well protected. If it starts to overheat it will automatically select a lower ratio & hold gears for longer in an effort to circulate more fluid via the cooler. If it does not achieve sufficient cooling it will go into limp mode until it has cooled down.
Good practice with frequent towing is to halve the transmission service interval.
Don't exceed the vehicle's maximum towing weight. Use a braked trailer.
The transmission is well protected. If it starts to overheat it will automatically select a lower ratio & hold gears for longer in an effort to circulate more fluid via the cooler. If it does not achieve sufficient cooling it will go into limp mode until it has cooled down.
Good practice with frequent towing is to halve the transmission service interval.
Don't exceed the vehicle's maximum towing weight. Use a braked trailer.
