Towing with OM642
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 335
Likes: 33
2008 E320 Bluetec, 1987 190e 2.6, 2007 CL600
Towing with OM642
I’m hoping to hear from people who have experience towing with the w211 diesels. Can anyone tell me what equipment I might needed to do it safely? I would like to be able to tow another car that weighs 1200kg, I won’t be towing often but would like to have the capacity to do so if needed.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
This is OM642 hauling 12,000 lb (not counting the snow) over 10,0000 ' elevation.
The engine will be your last worry.
In US E class sedans do have derated towing, so finding right hitch might be biggest issue.
Last edited by kajtek1; Apr 2, 2023 at 09:37 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 811
From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
You'll want to post this in the W211 section as any towing limitations in your case are going to be imposed by the W211 chassis, not the OM642 engine.
I regularly tow a trailer with a race car, spares and tools with my diesel W166 ML350, but my ML has a factory tow package with a hitch, larger transmission cooler and even an anti-sway provision in the ESP software when it detects that a trailer has been connected. The only thing I needed was a proportional brake controller (and a wireless Curt Echo that just plugs in the car's 7-pin trailer connector works great) - but as I said, in your case any towing limits are going to be a result of the W211 chassis / car, not the engine itself. The engine has enough torque to pull out a tree stump.
I regularly tow a trailer with a race car, spares and tools with my diesel W166 ML350, but my ML has a factory tow package with a hitch, larger transmission cooler and even an anti-sway provision in the ESP software when it detects that a trailer has been connected. The only thing I needed was a proportional brake controller (and a wireless Curt Echo that just plugs in the car's 7-pin trailer connector works great) - but as I said, in your case any towing limits are going to be a result of the W211 chassis / car, not the engine itself. The engine has enough torque to pull out a tree stump.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 335
Likes: 33
2008 E320 Bluetec, 1987 190e 2.6, 2007 CL600
Thank you both for the input. I figured since I’d be towing such a small car it would not be too much for 211 compared to towing something like you guys have with an suv chassis.
I’ll check in with w211 owners on the rest.
I’ll check in with w211 owners on the rest.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 2,290
Likes: 434
C320
Last edited by tjts1; Apr 3, 2023 at 01:56 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
I was researching import of 6000lb rated hitch for MB sedan from Europe, especially the 1 where ball folds under the bumper with push of the button, but shipping is cost prohibitive, when dealing with DOT approval might be different story.
DOT law enforcement is non-existent for private sector, so not a big risk, but still a concern.
Than bare in mind hitch and brakes are not all that determinate towing safety.
DOT law enforcement is non-existent for private sector, so not a big risk, but still a concern.
Than bare in mind hitch and brakes are not all that determinate towing safety.
Last edited by kajtek1; Apr 3, 2023 at 03:53 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 335
Likes: 33
2008 E320 Bluetec, 1987 190e 2.6, 2007 CL600
Sheesh! Looks like they have way too high center of gravity with that type of bed, the car is sitting well above the one pulling it. I don’t think a lowered wagon is meant to pull that smh.
I also don’t see any hitches available with over 2000lb weight limit for the w211.
I also don’t see any hitches available with over 2000lb weight limit for the w211.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 2,290
Likes: 434
C320
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
26xx lb cargo puts you in 2-axles trailers, where 14' aluminum will weight about 1200lb.
Add spare wheel, gas can and you are pulling 4000lb,
Torsion axles give low deck and don't have tendency to sway, but they add width.
Add spare wheel, gas can and you are pulling 4000lb,
Torsion axles give low deck and don't have tendency to sway, but they add width.
