Viano engine problem when towing

[Jock]

Just started towing my caravan with a Viano 2.2 , 150 bhp. Whilst towing, the engine feels as though it is misfiring every now and then so makes a very uncomfortable ride. Without the caravan the car drives without any issues. The caravan is not too heavy for the car as some people have suggested. Any ideas please??!!

 

[E270 Owner]

Welcome to the forum

You can get very different experiences when towing
depending on weight and design of what's behind you you can get a push pull effect.

I drag a twin axle trailer all over Europe loaded and unloaded,
we have 3 of them and all give a different experience,
one in particular is a tilting design and feels tiresome when towing and i don't know why



Understanding the dynamics of towing | Caravan Chronicles

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

My first thought is that it's not a misfire, more likely the caravan throwing it's weight around.

Have you towed the same caravan (with similar load on board) with any other vehicles?

 

[Jock]

My first thought is that it's not a misfire, more likely the caravan throwing it's weight around.

Have you towed the same caravan (with similar load on board) with any other vehicles?

Thanks Bobby Dazzler. We've towed the same caravan, loaded similarly, with two other vehicles but not had this problem. Convinced it's a problem with the engine.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Curious. Wild card, because a dodgy one can cause some strange and valid symptoms, but I would look at the MAF next. If it's never been replaced then it might be a good idea to do do it anyway - I think it only cost £55 from the main dealer on our ML270 CDi.

Whereabouts are you and do you have a trusted Mercedes socialist close by? Best to get it connected to STAR to read any diagnostic codes which may have been stored.

 

[V12]

Auto or manual? If manual it could be dual mass related.

 

[Jock]

Auto or manual? If manual it could be dual mass related.

It's automatic...

 

[Jock]

Curious. Wild card, because a dodgy one can cause some strange and valid symptoms, but I would look at the MAF next. If it's never been replaced then it might be a good idea to do do it anyway - I think it only cost £55 from the main dealer on our ML270 CDi.

Whereabouts are you and do you have a trusted Mercedes socialist close by? Best to get it connected to STAR to read any diagnostic codes which may have been stored.

Thanks Bobby Dazzler...we're trying that now. having a hellish time as were supposed to catch ferry to France Saturday lunchtime...!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

How did you get on?

I hope it's fixed soon, and on your way to France. Good luck!

 

[Jock]

Couldn't get sorted before going away and after a final diagnostic with MB specialist there were no faults showing. Towed 1800 miles but still same problem. Seems intermittent though as can move along at 60-65 for a few minutes with no issues then might get a few "misfires"! Just doesn't make sense. Not always when pulling uphill either!