idivemike

I can't find any significant difference between the two, so why is the 07 ml320 cdi rated for 5000 lbs towing and the 08 rated for 7200?

TIA

I want to purchase one in a few months and this has been bugging me.

Thanks,
Mike

PS I posted in the other M section by mistake. MODS, feel free to delete the other thread.

nkole

I believe the change was made in conjunction with the additional of a new version of the stability control (ESP) program that could deal with the potential sway a much heavier trailer could create.

I have an 09 ML320BT and have towed a 7000 load with no problem. I do have to use a load distributing hitch; otherwise the rear end of the ML sags.

Neil

idivemike

Thanks Neil! That makes sense.

dgiturbo

If I remember correctly, in the manual, the 07 was also rated at 7200. The MB website had listed it lower, but that was inaccurate. (They were several mistakes posted online) The ML will pull the 7200 pounds without issues. Just make sure the trailer recall has been done. It involves re welding the hitch where the supplier missed a spot or two.

Yup, just checked. Page 345 of the manual says "The maximum permissible gross trailer weight to be towed: 7200 lb (3265kg)"
Oh, and max tongue weight is 576 lbs

Take care.

nkole

I believe the change from 5000 to 7200 was made toward the end of the 2007 model year.

Neil

idivemike

Thanks guys. I can't wait to do some real car shopping, right now I am in the research stage. I won't allow myself to go look at cars in person until after we get the new house.

brakel8

If the hitch is installed at the factory then it's rated at 7200 but if it's installed at a dealer it's 5000. There are extra reinforcements done at the factory.