Following on from my intro thread:
We have very recently decided that a W166 ML is the car for us and because the car will be a daily driver the lower running costs of the ML250 would be appreciated, especially as during a test drive I didn't miss the performance of my current X5 as much as I had expected to. The possible fly in the ointment is that we occasionally tow a caravan so will need a towbar. Information is somewhat difficult to find and the Mercedes ML options list confusingly states that a towbar can only fitted in conjunction with the larger fuel tank on the ML350. Also, you have to discuss your towing requirements with the retailer. I have read elsewhere that the ML250 needs a bigger fan for extra cooling plus the fuel tank has to be moved(???) so I'm wondering what Mercedes actually do to each model when the towbar option is selected?
Somewhat confused and concerned, I have decided to rule out a retro fit and have managed to locate an ML250 AMG Sport with a factory fitted towbar which we are driving on Wednesday.
Given how happy we are with everything else, are there any potential problems towing 1600kg with the 250? I know it is well within the recommended 85% of the kerb weight but I'm obviously wary of straining the engine and gearbox. Is the cooling fan issue only on the 250 and therefore a 350 would be ok for a retro fit? What is the handling like when towing? My X5 has got self levelling suspension which makes a big difference in keeping the caravan under control in bends and when braking, the car we are looking at does not have Airmatic or Active Curve options.
Apologies for the long post and many questions but if I'm spending £28k+ I want to make sure I'm not buying trouble so any advice or relevant information would be greatly appreciated.
BTW Flamers about caravans will be politely ignored
Cheers, John
We have very recently decided that a W166 ML is the car for us and because the car will be a daily driver the lower running costs of the ML250 would be appreciated, especially as during a test drive I didn't miss the performance of my current X5 as much as I had expected to. The possible fly in the ointment is that we occasionally tow a caravan so will need a towbar. Information is somewhat difficult to find and the Mercedes ML options list confusingly states that a towbar can only fitted in conjunction with the larger fuel tank on the ML350. Also, you have to discuss your towing requirements with the retailer. I have read elsewhere that the ML250 needs a bigger fan for extra cooling plus the fuel tank has to be moved(???) so I'm wondering what Mercedes actually do to each model when the towbar option is selected?
Somewhat confused and concerned, I have decided to rule out a retro fit and have managed to locate an ML250 AMG Sport with a factory fitted towbar which we are driving on Wednesday.
Given how happy we are with everything else, are there any potential problems towing 1600kg with the 250? I know it is well within the recommended 85% of the kerb weight but I'm obviously wary of straining the engine and gearbox. Is the cooling fan issue only on the 250 and therefore a 350 would be ok for a retro fit? What is the handling like when towing? My X5 has got self levelling suspension which makes a big difference in keeping the caravan under control in bends and when braking, the car we are looking at does not have Airmatic or Active Curve options.
Apologies for the long post and many questions but if I'm spending £28k+ I want to make sure I'm not buying trouble so any advice or relevant information would be greatly appreciated.
BTW Flamers about caravans will be politely ignored
Cheers, John