Potential purchase of a Mercedes

[MrGrumpy]

been lurking and reading several posts on here so here goes currently a Honda CR-V driver but looking to change for something with a bit more luxury! We currently tow. A caravan fully loaded at 1500kg. So thinking about a 2012 or 2013 plate e class estate diesel. Good choice ?

 

[MancMike]

Welcome.

That will certainly be a big time upgrade from the Honda. You'll consider it money very well spent.

Which diesel model are you going for? A V6 would be lovely..

 

[MrGrumpy]

Was thinking the E220 quite common but think the E250 would better not sure if I want the v6 as economy is also a factor.

 

[HB]

I reckon the V6 would be the best for towing. It's power is turbine like. The other engines would under a lot more strain and therefore drink more fuel but, I may be wrong.

 

[TheFoX]

I had a c220, and it's torque was similar to the old 2.8 litre Jeep Grand Cherokee I used to drive.

I used to tow a Pathfinder folding camper that weighed around 1000kg when loaded, and the Jeep pulled it with no issue, although the Mondeo 2.0 litre I used afterwards would struggle to pull away at junctions.

If you are buying an automatic, you won't have to worry about clutch slipping. I think a E220 or an E250 would be fine in pulling a single axle caravan of roughly 1500kg fully loaded, as these cars have masses or torque.

Try this site...

TowCar.info - test your car and caravan outfit

...to see what they say with your prospective set up.

 

[MrGrumpy]

So what is the score with fitting towbars to the E class, read various reports on correct incorrect towbars?? Mercedes quote horrendous prices for fitting one of theirs however you can also get after market fitting, much cheaper ?? Does the car need to be programmed to let it know a towbar is fitted ? My Honda was bought with one already fitted so just needed me to convert to the new type 13pin plug. One thing that always bothered me was the towbar height, sat quite low on my Honda. Needed a fair bit of lightening the nose weight to keep things right?? What is the tow ball limit on the estates ?

 

[TheFoX]

If you check out Witter, you'll see exactly what you'll need for the E class, regarding the type of towbar (fixed, detachable etc.), and the electrics you'll need (13 pin).

You'll also get a list of reputable installers in your area.

Also, find an installer and do a Google search. There are plenty of review sites, including Google itself, to see how others have found the service of an installer.

 

[Alf Barnet]

It is a bit of a mystery what the factory tow pack contains - you do get the swing down tow ball and electrics, supposedly an updated cooling package and fans. Wether you do is a guess though.

One give away of the tow pack is the lack of net pocket on the left hand load bay - this hides the twist nob for the tow ball release. So you might get a surprise factory fitted if you know where to lock. This picture shows the nob

http://www.mercedesforum.nl/forum/download/file.php?id=123276&mode=view

I can get pictures of mine if it helps, I guess the wiring harness is a plug in, followed by a coding on a 'star' machine.

 

[MrGrumpy]

cheers will keep a eye out for that

 

[MrGrumpy]

Saw a CLS shooting brake think it was a 250 , it looks the biz and more importantly looks more girly according to my mrs . Was a wee bit over my budget thought on these ? Look damm fine!

 

[The Polisher]

I have a 2013 E220CDi 7g auto, and tow a 1550kg caravan with it. No issues, is a fabulous tow car and more power is certainly not needed.

Cruises at 65mph happliy, very stable.

I had the towbar fitted when it was 3 days old by PF Jones, about £650 with 13 pin socket and full electrics. All good.