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

Another tow question

Old Sep 2, 2004 | 01:02 PM
  #1  
deltadude388's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
School bus
Another tow question

hello, if the Euro version of the ML can tow 7K or so pounds, in theory the US version should be able to handle that weight from an engine and transmission perspective. I know it's a different hitch system and all but I doubt the Euro version of the motor and tranny is any stronger than the US version??
I have a 6K lbs boat and trailer I like to use the ML to tow from the boatyard to the ramp which is only 1 mile away. :v
thanks
Reply
Old Sep 2, 2004 | 06:41 PM
  #2  
saturnstyl's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 630
Likes: 14
Well you won't catch me recommending anything over the Manufacturer's ratings. IF you are ever in an accident, you would most likely be found liable and become lawyer food. Thats a fate worse than death.... :v
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2004 | 05:40 AM
  #3  
autogunner's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
Yes it is stronger. The Euro engines has more torgue than the U.S., I dont know if it is in the engine or a computer software version differance. Also all Euro engines have a oil cooler, the V6 U.S. dont. Autogunner.
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2004 | 08:58 AM
  #4  
nicker's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
1998 ML 320
deltadude,
I was also concerned about towing with the ML but in preperation for Huricane Frances, I needed to pull my boat out of the water. I have a 22' Glacier Bay, tow weight about 5500lbs. The ML did great but we don't have the hills like you. Good luck
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2004 | 09:22 AM
  #5  
Subguy's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Nicker, I think your pulling closer to 6000 with your boat and trailer even with only a half tank of gas. Don't forget that tandem axle trailer is about 1000lbs itself and a full tank of gas another 1000lbs. I'm at 5000lbs with my 22ft boat and trailer which I tow about 5 miles twice a year (to from storage). Don't forget to use low range on the boat ramp, much easier on the drive train. I had lifters, several rocker arms and a wiped cam replaced at 40,000 miles. The truck tows great, but I can't help but think the towing was the major contributor. I drive very easy and use synthetic with 6K change intervals. At this point I'm very concerned with the transmission since the 98-2000 extended engine warranty has kicked in.
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2004 | 01:18 PM
  #6  
deltadude388's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
School bus
Hello, I don't plan to do any major towing with it, just to from the boat yard to the launch ramp, which is only 1 mile away. I am still surprised the euro version is rated higher than the US version.
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2004 | 03:42 PM
  #7  
Swiss Nick's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Switzerland
ML 270 CDI 2002
I had a quick check today, and the difference is about 13bhp greater in europe. I suppose that regulations in either the US or Europe are specifying differences. I drive a quad bike in Switzerland and the HP is wound down due to swiss regulations stating that above a certain BHP the Quad Bike would have to under go certain tests that are currently only applied to cars.

I am not sure what your towing capacity is in the US for the ML, but again it will be based on a formula mixed in with a few regulations. In the UK a trailer upto 3500kg can be towed with a normal car (car capacity permitting) after that weight, air breaks must be used.

Not much use this post, but a little insite to the world of unfair regulations!!!

Nick
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2004 | 04:51 PM
  #8  
deltadude388's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
School bus
It regulations, my 2 cts. I am almost certain the new version will have 7700 lbs tow ratings. Look at the VW Toureg V6, that thing is rated to tow 7700lbs and it's only a V6 3.2l motor.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Sep 23, 2004 | 11:05 PM
  #9  
ml320's Avatar
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: California
MBs
Originally Posted by autogunner
Yes it is stronger. The Euro engines has more torgue than the U.S.
So....

Let's compare the ML350 with the M112 E37 3.7 liter V6. MB Germany specs a Drehmoment of 345 Nm from 3000 to 4500 rpm. That translates to 254 ft-lb which is the same figure MBUSA specs for 3000 to 4500 rpm. So the torque for this engine is the same in both versions. When the US finally switches to better measuring units, it be much easier to compare.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:16 AM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-5
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-6
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE