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M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

What have you guys TOWED with your ML across country?

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Old Nov 20, 2009 | 06:43 PM
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s4play's Avatar
s4play
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From: Bay Area
01 S2000, E46 M3, 99 ML320
What have you guys TOWED with your ML across country?
Well after owning my 99 ML320 for over 5 years I might finally get to use the tow hitch package on my SUV!

Just curious what is the MAX towing capacity I can safely pull with my V6 motor? I’m planning a drive from CA to North Carolina and want to tow one of those U-Haul Trailers. I’m going to pack up both the SUV and Trailer with 2 passengers total. Is that advisable?

What has some other ML owners towed in the past? Any upgrades you need to do to the truck for safety and preventing overheating the motor?


Thanks in advance,
Rick
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 10:26 PM
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mihir_d
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From: Bay area - California
2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
Max Towing is 5000 lbs..
The V6 should pull just fine...don't over do it on hill climbs though...I get up to Lake Tahoe occassionally with my ML320 pulling my 3400 lbs boat..

No problem there...
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Old Dec 5, 2009 | 01:35 PM
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From: Ferndale, WA
2009 ML350
Your towing capacities are listed in the onwer's manual but for a quick reference you can tow 5000 lbs. with no more than 500 lbs. on the tongue with or without a weight distribution hitch.

-Kevin
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Old Dec 6, 2009 | 06:25 PM
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From: Palm Beach County, Fl.
W163 ML500 w/Kleeman headers (gone but not forgotten); R63
Originally Posted by kfriceman
Your towing capacities are listed in the onwer's manual but for a quick reference you can tow 5000 lbs. with no more than 500 lbs. on the tongue with or without a weight distribution hitch.

-Kevin
That is a conservative number in the U.S. In Europe, the car is rated around 7700 lbs, although the V6 might struggle a little compared to the V8. I think the numbers are listed on Wolfgang's site.

Regards,
Jerry
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Old Dec 6, 2009 | 06:29 PM
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kfriceman
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From: Ferndale, WA
2009 ML350
Originally Posted by gsfent
That is a conservative number in the U.S. In Europe, the car is rated around 7700 lbs, although the V6 might struggle a little compared to the V8. I think the numbers are listed on Wolfgang's site.

Regards,
Jerry

Conservative or not these are the values listed in the manual.

-Kevin
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