C-Class as a tow car

[MeanRedSpider]

I'm currently running an E320cdi W210 as a tow car and, as a tow car, it's great (if only it weren't a piece of rubbish otherwise ). We're looking to change and possibly go for a C-Class. What are the C250 and C320 cdis like and how will they compare with the E-Class for towing? I'm pulling a race car on a trailer (about 1 tonne total)

Cheers

Richard

 

[verytalldave]

I doubt you will notice much difference performance-wise given that the engine sizes are similar.

 

[crockers]

Actually the C320 cdi has a more power and more torque than the car you are running ....not sure about its towing capabilities

 

[MeanRedSpider]

Is there a good a reliable source of performance data for the various models so that I can compare the power & torque figures for my current car with various other Mercs - for instance, how would an 06 C250cdi compare with an 2001 E320Cdi - diesels have come on leaps and bounds in the last 10 years so keeping up is a bit of a challenge.

 

[davidjpowell]

I don't think there is a 06 C250. It's either C220 or C320 at that year. Try parkers www.parkers.co.uk for specs.

 

[BTB 500]

The C will be lighter than an E, which will affect stability to some extent. But with a trailer of 1 tonne gross it shouldn't be an issue.

You know that legally it's the maximum allowable (plated) weight for your trailer that counts ... not the actual weight. Depending on what licence you have, you need to watch the gross train weight (max. allowed weight of car plus max. allowed weight of trailer). If you only have categories B & B1 on your licence (passed driving test since 1/1/97), the gross train weight cannot exceed 3500 kg, and the max. allowed weight of the trailer must be less than the unladen weight of the car. More details here:

The driving licence you need to tow a caravan or trailer : Directgov - Motoring

 

[Apial]

You know that legally it's the maximum allowable (plated) weight for your trailer that counts ... [/url]

So if the car manufacturer says that the maximum towable weight for a braked trailer is 1500 kg and the trailer plate says the maximum laden weight is 2000 kg and you only load it up to 1000kg, you are breaking the law. Which law is broken and what would the offence be? What would the penalty be?

 

[BTB 500]

So if the car manufacturer says that the maximum towable weight for a braked trailer is 1500 kg and the trailer plate says the maximum laden weight is 2000 kg and you only load it up to 1000kg, you are breaking the law. Which law is broken and what would the offence be? What would the penalty be?

No that's something different.

If you tow a trailer that is (actual weight) more than the manufacturer's max. braked trailer limit of the car, it's considered to be an 'unroadworthy' outfit - don't know what the actual offence is. Same goes if you exceed the allowable noseweight for your car's towbar.

What I was talking about was in relation to your driving licence.

If you passed the test after 1/1/97 and have a car with a maximum gross weight of (say) 1900 kg, towing a trailer with a maximum gross weight of 1650 kg would be illegal because the 'gross train weight' would be 3550 kg.

This is nothing to do with the actual weight of car or trailer, or the car's towing limit. It's because unless you have categories B+E on you licence you are limited to a gross train weight of 3500 kg (with an exception that is not relevant here, relating to vehicles up to 3500 kg with trailers under 750 kg).

Car driving licences gained before 1/1/97 automatically had the B+E entitlement. Newer ones don't - you have to take and pass a 'towing test' to get it added.

 

[crockers]

Car driving licences gained before 1/1/97 automatically had the B+E entitlement. Newer ones don't - you have to take and pass a 'towing test' to get it added.

Another example of the law being an ass......

I passed my test way before 1997 and passed my motorcycle test when I was 17.

BUT..

I have never towed a trailer...........and haven't ridden a motorbike since age 21.

I would classify myself as unsafe to do either but am legally entitled to do both (including a superbike)......madness. IMHO

 

[MeanRedSpider]

Fortunately I passed my test in about 83.

The E-Class is a superb tow car - it's not only the power/torque but the braking and directional capabilities I'm interested in. The fact that it pulls like a train is a big bonus but there's no point in having car that can't stop the trailer. It's a Brian James Clubman trailer and tows brilliantly too. When did the C250Cdi get introduced? I'll look in the Parkers link - thanks!

 

[MeanRedSpider]

Parkers doesn't have torque figures for the C320cdi...

 

[bolide]

If the C doesn't have self-levelling you may find it less able than the E

Nick Froome

 

[Adam230K]

c320cdi has around 500nm of torque, 245ish bhp.

 

[whitenemesis]

c320cdi has around 500nm of torque, 245ish bhp.

510Nm and 224hp

 

[lynall]

Not much in it weight wise mine is 1650kgs and wifes is only 100kg lighter.

I would try one first as personally i think they are a rubbish car, this is an early w203 though, to small inside, not enough feeling of space, this is compared to a w210.

Wife likes it though and of course thats all that matters.

As for stability the w210 doesnt just win it wipes the floor with the 203, its very very stable at high speed doesnt bat an eye and all with one hand on the wheel, just kidding but its far far superior to 203, even wife agrees and it not ofetn that happens.



Lynall