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@zengshengliu thanks for posting the manual pages.
Of interest was the info about the suspension lowering. It looks like if I want to keep the same ride height as I change speeds, the only one that would work is Sport, which is fine. If it's like the prior ML's, the transmission goes into tow mode when hooked up, which is kind of like a Sport shifting program.
So I learned something about ride heights, which was a question I posed in my OP.
Another option from Sport Mode would be to configure “I” mode to comfort settings but the suspension to Sport Mode. It may or may not improve fuel economy...might be an interesting comparison.
When in doubt, read the instructions. Thanks @zengshengliu
The text in the warning box posted by @zengshengliu is in the context of safety while coupling and uncoupling. Note comment on limbs between vehicle body and tires, and body under the vehicle.
Accuracy or time savings in "setting up" a hitch is not hinted at in the M-B text.
Another option from Sport Mode would be to configure “I” mode to comfort settings but the suspension to Sport Mode. It may or may not improve fuel economy...might be an interesting comparison.
Yes, that might address the suspension ride change/ non-change, but I think that the transmission will always go to the Tow Mode. If it's like my previous ML350's, it enters Tow Mode as soon as the 7-pin connector is inserted, which does a few things, including the shift program.
The eco mode, according to the manual (which I did read but didn't associate that page with suspension settings) similarly doesn't change ride height, but disengaging the tranny on decel isn't to my liking for towing. But that may be disabled in the tow mode as well.
It'll take some experimenting to figure out how the whole thing works, once I do the initial setup.
Yes, that might address the suspension ride change/ non-change, but I think that the transmission will always go to the Tow Mode. If it's like my previous ML350's, it enters Tow Mode as soon as the 7-pin connector is inserted, which does a few things, including the shift program.
The eco mode, according to the manual (which I did read but didn't associate that page with suspension settings) similarly doesn't change ride height, but disengaging the tranny on decel isn't to my liking for towing. But that may be disabled in the tow mode as well.
It'll take some experimenting to figure out how the whole thing works, once I do the initial setup.
The point I was making is that the GLE has a more aggressive engine tune in Sport Mode and uses more fuel. There could be an economy benefit in “I” mode running the engine tune in C but the Suspension in Sport. I lose about 4-5 MPG towing 3,000 Lbs in S mode but speed, wind and other conditions make it hard to compare one trip to another. The transmission shift pattern is another factor. I stopped towing in Sport after one long trip.
@zengshengliu thanks for posting the manual pages.
Of interest was the info about the suspension lowering. It looks like if I want to keep the same ride height as I change speeds, the only one that would work is Sport, which is fine. If it's like the prior ML's, the transmission goes into tow mode when hooked up, which is kind of like a Sport shifting program.
So I learned something about ride heights, which was a question I posed in my OP.
According to the manual, if you have the socket connected for the trailer, the car will not change height even at speed regardless of the driving program.
The point I was making is that the GLE has a more aggressive engine tune in Sport Mode and uses more fuel. There could be an economy benefit in “I” mode running the engine tune in C but the Suspension in Sport. I lose about 4-5 MPG towing 3,000 Lbs in S mode but speed, wind and other conditions make it hard to compare one trip to another. The transmission shift pattern is another factor. I stopped towing in Sport after one long trip.
I agree about using the "I" setting to choose Sport Suspension and "C" transmission settings.
Have you made an MPG comparison between the Sport Mode, and the Tow Mode that is activated when you insert the 7 pin?
Or does the Tow Mode on our V167's not change transmission program, just trailer sway and disabling BSM, Parking Sensors etc.?
According to the manual, if you have the socket connected for the trailer, the car will not change height even at speed regardless of the driving program.
Thanks for posting these screenshots (how do you do that?). I have read those parts of the manual, and I find them to be lousy translations at best, plus about half to 2/3rds are lawyer-speak, further diluting the meaning. (short rant)
In this case, it makes no sense that a bicycle rack inserted into the receiver ("if the socket of the trailer hitch is occupied ... by a trailer or rear bicycle rack") would activate a Tow Mode. But I think I get their drift.
Rant aside, do we interpret the "normal level" to be "Comfort?" I don't have a preference at this point, but I'd like to do my WDH setup at the car's preferred height.
Thanks for posting these screenshots (how do you do that?). I have read those parts of the manual, and I find them to be lousy translations at best, plus about half to 2/3rds are lawyer-speak, further diluting the meaning. (short rant)
In this case, it makes no sense that a bicycle rack inserted into the receiver ("if the socket of the trailer hitch is occupied ... by a trailer or rear bicycle rack") would activate a Tow Mode. But I think I get their drift.
Rant aside, do we interpret the "normal level" to be "Comfort?" I don't have a preference at this point, but I'd like to do my WDH setup at the car's preferred height.
Hitch mounted bike racks in some countries (eg UK) use the trailer electrical socket for mandatory lights.
Hitch mounted bike racks in some countries (eg UK) use the trailer electrical socket for mandatory lights.
Makes sense. UK is all about pedestrian safety. They really like our folding mirrors.
Still, it's the most unintelligible Owners Manual since the '70's Datsun 240Z bad translation. But Datsun didn't have a half dozen country's lawyers weighing in with their own bad translations. (Continuing rant....)
Not sure why a bike rack would put the car into Tow Mode, though.
I agree about using the "I" setting to choose Sport Suspension and "C" transmission settings.
Have you made an MPG comparison between the Sport Mode, and the Tow Mode that is activated when you insert the 7 pin?
Or does the Tow Mode on our V167's not change transmission program, just trailer sway and disabling BSM, Parking Sensors etc.?
Always had the 7 Pin inserted but my comparisons were shorter drives on different days. I just noticed a significant difference and on a long trip I switched to C mode when gas mileage was unsatisfactory. I prefer Sport Mode but there are always trade offs. I’m now in between GLE’s hoping to have my new one soon.
Let's try this again.
I don't need to know "why" to use a WDH. I have one that I have used on my ML350 Bluetec's. I won't tow without it. I tow a 27' travel trailer that weighs 6,000 lbs.
I have weighed my axles and gross weight on the ML350 while hitched and WDH engaged. I am within limits.
I don't need to know "how to adjust" a WDH - I am confident in my ability, and the superior towing ability of the ML. It's impressive, especially if avoidance and / or braking is involved. Or severe crosswinds, or approaching semi's.
BUT I cannot do an initial setup on the WDH without disabling the Air suspension. It needs to stay put while I do my measurements. I am happy to allow the Air suspension to make level adjustments - AFTER I have setup the hitch.
Once the setup is finalized, then there is no need to disable the Air - just back up, hitch up and go.
How can I disable the air suspension on a 2020 GLE450 while doing an initial setup? Any ideas or experience?
Thanks for posting these screenshots (how do you do that?).
Download the PDF manual: https://www.mbusa.com/en/owners/manuals. From there you can take screenshots of the info as jpegs. I usually downsize the shot to about 1/3 so it's not oversized in the post.
Download the PDF manual: https://www.mbusa.com/en/owners/manuals. From there you can take screenshots of the info as jpegs. I usually downsize the shot to about 1/3 so it's not oversized in the post.
Thanks. I did that after following one of your earlier posts.
I've read the entire thing, including the two-thirds from every Country's lawyers.
No mention I can find of disabling the Air suspension. Alas....
By comparison, my Cayenne lets you do this through "car jack mode". So at least Porsche recognizes situations where you want to disable self-leveling while vehicle is stationary.
I wonder if the GLE's system can be disabled through the car's OBD interface? Not ideal, but it would at least be a path forward...
This may not answer your question but I had my 2020 GLS 580 recently setup by "Towing Experts" Canam RV in London Ontario. Canam is know to be very knowledgeable on Mercedes SUV capabilities and set up. The did my 2014 ML350 Airmatic also. Basically they set it up with the Airmatic working. I went over the scales afterward to ensure we had proper weight transfer to the front axle. I tow a 25 foot travel trailer gross weight 7200 lbs. I don't have any more specific details on what they did other than to say they did increase the tilt on the head to get a little more weight to the front of the GLS. We used the same 1000 lb. bars from the ML350. Hitch setup is an Ease lift. You can get help from one of the owners there, Andy Thompson. He has been doing this for 50 years and is very helpful, even if you are not a customer. andy@canamrv.ca
This may not answer your question but I had my 2020 GLS 580 recently setup by "Towing Experts" Canam RV in London Ontario. Canam is know to be very knowledgeable on Mercedes SUV capabilities and set up. The did my 2014 ML350 Airmatic also. Basically they set it up with the Airmatic working. I went over the scales afterward to ensure we had proper weight transfer to the front axle. I tow a 25 foot travel trailer gross weight 7200 lbs. I don't have any more specific details on what they did other than to say they did increase the tilt on the head to get a little more weight to the front of the GLS. We used the same 1000 lb. bars from the ML350. Hitch setup is an Ease lift. You can get help from one of the owners there, Andy Thompson. He has been doing this for 50 years and is very helpful, even if you are not a customer. andy@canamrv.ca
Thanks for that.
We actually traveled the 1500 miles to Can-Am RV, to have Andy set up our 2010 ML BlueTec in 2011. Prior to that, and prior to buying the ML, I talked a few times with Andy about whether he thought the ML was capable, his recommendations for a hitch, and setup guidance. The ML was stellar in towing with his recommendations - an EaZ-Lift WDH and two friction sway bars. At Can-Am, they did a hitch reinforcement, and Andy did a test drive. He took 1/3 link out of one side and 1/2 link out of the other side - kept tracking straighter with no steering input.
A great resource, but I haven't called yet to ask my question, the thread starter above. I will. I thought I'd pose my question to this Forum in case i could find the "turn air off" question first.
Did they install a hitch reinforcement on your 580?
I know our Diesel hardly shifted at all, even climbing some serious Colorado passes, I expect our 450 to shift a lot more - does your 580 hunt for the right gear a lot?
Yes we did a hitch reinforcement primarily because my tongue weight typically is just over 900lbs. Honestly we haven't travelled a lot with the trailer except on flat land so I can't say it was hunting much. Only about 4000 miles on it so far.
This is a delayed report, but I did call Can-Am RV in Ontario, who set up our old ML Bluetec and @marchgroupinc 's GLE.
They said to turn the car off, open the door, and proceed with WDH adjustments.
The Tech who did @marchgroupinc 's GLE was not available, but that was the report from another tech who seemed knowledgeable. He wasn't aware of E-ABC, though.
Our 450 is gone now, so I can't try until I get a replacement. It does sound like this tip will work.
Thanks for everybody's thoughts.
Thank you for the update. We pick up our GLE450 with E-ABC tomorrow. It will be a while before we tow but at least we have a possible way to give the WDH an initial setup. I hate to hear that you have departed with your 450 (but I understand) and hope your new car brings you some fun driving.
This is a delayed report, but I did call Can-Am RV in Ontario, who set up our old ML Bluetec and @marchgroupinc 's GLE.
They said to turn the car off, open the door, and proceed with WDH adjustments.
The Tech who did @marchgroupinc 's GLE was not available, but that was the report from another tech who seemed knowledgeable. He wasn't aware of E-ABC, though.
Our 450 is gone now, so I can't try until I get a replacement. It does sound like this tip will work.
Thanks for everybody's thoughts.
I forgot an important first step:
Have the car sitting at the ride height you will be using when trailering. I'd say that might be -1, since "comfort mode" might change heights at some speed.
Also, plugging in the 7 pin may select a ride height as part of recognizing the trailer. There have been a few references in this thread about ride height.
Figure this out, set the ride height, then begin setup as above.
I forgot an important first step:
Have the car sitting at the ride height you will be using when trailering. I'd say that might be -1, since "comfort mode" might change heights at some speed.
Also, plugging in the 7 pin may select a ride height as part of recognizing the trailer. There have been a few references in this thread about ride height.
Figure this out, set the ride height, then begin setup as above.
My experiences are based on Airmatic with ADS plus only, I do no have e-ABC. When a trailer is detected by connection to the 7 pin plug the height does not change from normal "0" level regardless of speed or mode selected.
10-10-2020, 01:04 AM
