W211 Self Levelling Suspension

[Pommie5]

My car is October 2005 E320 CDI Avantgarde Estate Auto V6

I am just checking everything out before I use my MB to tow a touring caravan. I am not finalising my choice of which model of caravan until I make sure that, (as much as is possible without hooking one up and giving it a go) that all is looking safe and within the capability of the car.

The Max weight of the caravan I want to purchase is 81% of the kerb weight of my car, I have loads of power. The noseweight of the van is going to be safely withing MB's max allowed, I am just wanting now to look at the hight of the tow hitch and potential ride height. The MB supplied folding tow hitch is a little low compared with the recommended specs from the caravan manufacturer.

I have been told that all E320 Avantgarde Estates have the self levelling suspension as standard. I asked the sales guy at the MB dealership and he said that this was correct and my car has this.

How can I double check this myself on the car or otherwise.
I just want to be able to see it for myself and dont know where to look.

Can anybody advise please.

 

[television]

This is the tow hitch

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GA=722.626&CT=F&cat=64V&SID=31&SGR=015&SGN=01

The ADS on the rear will keep the car level at the rear

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GA=722.626&CT=F&cat=64V&SID=31&SGR=015&SGN=01

 

[stumpy]

My car is October 2005 E320 CDI Avantgarde Estate Auto V6

I am just checking everything out before I use my MB to tow a touring caravan. I am not finalising my choice of which model of caravan until I make sure that, (as much as is possible without hooking one up and giving it a go) that all is looking safe and within the capability of the car.

The Max weight of the caravan I want to purchase is 81% of the kerb weight of my car, I have loads of power. The noseweight of the van is going to be safely withing MB's max allowed, I am just wanting now to look at the hight of the tow hitch and potential ride height. The MB supplied folding tow hitch is a little low compared with the recommended specs from the caravan manufacturer.

I have been told that all E320 Avantgarde Estates have the self levelling suspension as standard. I asked the sales guy at the MB dealership and he said that this was correct and my car has this.

How can I double check this myself on the car or otherwise.
I just want to be able to see it for myself and dont know where to look.

Can anybody advise please.

With the engine running open the boot and sit on the rear bumper. After a few seconds you should feel the car rise up to compensate.

 

[Pommie5]

Self Levelling Check

With the engine running open the boot and sit on the rear bumper. After a few seconds you should feel the car rise up to compensate.

Thank You Stumpy,
Just did as you said and felt it rising up to compensate for my weight.
Like It !.

 

[Pommie5]

This is the tow hitch

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GA=722.626&CT=F&cat=64V&SID=31&SGR=015&SGN=01

The ADS on the rear will keep the car level at the rear

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GA=722.626&CT=F&cat=64V&SID=31&SGR=015&SGN=01

Thank you for the diagram. Not sure what ADS is. Something Detection Sensor ?.
I am really impressed with the MB fitted towing hitch. It is really neat and well engineered. It is so easy to swing it out and up to lock in position and vice versa.
It was fitted to the car when it was new in Oct 2005 and has just a single socket 13 pin socket.
Is it too unsafe an assumption that all the pins will be wired up to run the caravan fridge and stuff ?. Do I need to ask the question at the dealers or do MB have a standard wiring configuration ?.

 

[Bolide]

That towing hitch is an expensive option!

The 13-pin socket needs an adaptor cable for UK trailers & caravans. A dealer should be able to tell you which pins are connected

Don't leave the adaptor on the car when it's not in use. It will disappear

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[television]

Thank you for the diagram. Not sure what ADS is. Something Detection Sensor ?.
I am really impressed with the MB fitted towing hitch. It is really neat and well engineered. It is so easy to swing it out and up to lock in position and vice versa.
It was fitted to the car when it was new in Oct 2005 and has just a single socket 13 pin socket.
Is it too unsafe an assumption that all the pins will be wired up to run the caravan fridge and stuff ?. Do I need to ask the question at the dealers or do MB have a standard wiring configuration ?.

ADS is active damping suspension that keeps the car level irrespective of the load in or on the car

 

[Pommie5]

That towing hitch is an expensive option!

The 13-pin socket needs an adaptor cable for UK trailers & caravans. A dealer should be able to tell you which pins are connected

Don't leave the adaptor on the car when it's not in use. It will disappear

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

Thanks for the feedback Nick.
The new caravan we are purchasing (Bailey Pageant Limousin Series 7) comes fitted with a single 13 pin connection lead. Are you saying that this has to be adapted to work with the MB towbar electrics ?.

 

[Bolide]

Thanks for the feedback Nick.
The new caravan we are purchasing (Bailey Pageant Limousin Series 7) comes fitted with a single 13 pin connection lead. Are you saying that this has to be adapted to work with the MB towbar electrics ?.

More than likely, not. Maybe a European standard has been introduced?

The caravan company should be able to tell you

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk