E-Class (W210) 1995-2002: E 200, E 220D, E 240, E 290TD, E 300TD, E 200, E 240, E 280, E 320, E 420, E 430 (Wagon, Touring, 4Matic)

E320 vs. ML320 -- what's the difference?

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Old Apr 23, 2002 | 04:50 PM
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Ducati748Girl's Avatar
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'01 Silver E320 Sport
Question E320 vs. ML320 -- what's the difference?

What's the biggest difference in the drive train that makes the E-series *not* recommended for towing, while the ML-series has a towing capacity of 5000 lbs?

* suspension?
* transmission?
* stopping power?

- ML weighs over 1000 lbs more
- E has more HP and torque

Thanks in advance for your help.
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Old Apr 23, 2002 | 05:04 PM
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2014 E350, 2008 C300 Sport
Although I can't comment on the drivetrain, another consideration in towing capacity is the structure of the frame itself. If the car frame isn't designed to handle towing loads, you could be asking for trouble. The car may have the same drive train, HP and torque but if the steel reinforcement configuration isn't designed properly to distribute the loads, it could cause some serious damage during towing.
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Old Apr 23, 2002 | 06:10 PM
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ML is a body on frame vehicle, E is a unibody. Besides, gear ratios, cooling system and trans are different on the ML
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Old Apr 23, 2002 | 06:22 PM
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In that case, it's definitely not recommended to tow on an E class. You're basically pulling your trailer with the body of the car (instead of your typical body frame). That will eventually throw everything off kilter because everything is basically one whole unit. You pull one part and it will drag everything else with it.
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Old Apr 24, 2002 | 05:09 PM
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hey, put some pics of ur ducati748 . what color do u have it in?
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Old Apr 25, 2002 | 10:28 AM
  #6  
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My Duc

I have a yellow one.

You can see pics of both of my bikes on my site...

http://home.pacbell.net/lmbirch/bikes.html

And more pics of the Duc at...

http://home.pacbell.net/lmbirch/yloduck1.jpg
http://home.pacbell.net/lmbirch/yloduck2.jpg
http://home.pacbell.net/lmbirch/yloduck3.jpg
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Old Apr 25, 2002 | 12:27 PM
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nice, yellow, best looking color for ducati . how much did u get it for?

Last edited by steve s; Apr 25, 2002 at 12:31 PM.
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Old Apr 25, 2002 | 01:58 PM
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$12k.
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