Can someone tell me if it is safe to tow a 1982 240D with a manual transmission with all four wheels on the ground. I would like to tow one behind my motorhome without using a tow dolly.

Thanks
Jerry

It's not recommended even though it has been done. Something about not enough oil getting thrown around to lubricate the transmission. Someone does sell a driveshaft disconnect. It's not cheap.

You might experiment by towing it short distances and using a non-contact thermometer to measure the temperature of the transmission.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Thanks for the informations.

I also have a Bluebird. 1987 PT38

Jerry

I considered towing my 85TD behind my Bird. It was just about as cheap to buy a used Suzuki Sidekick.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

i was always under the impression that you can safely flat tow a manual transmission vehicle as long as you put it in neutral; or are our mercedes different?

i'd tow it in neutral no problem in my experience.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Towing a 240D with manual trans on all 4's will NOT cause any issues!
As long as it is in neutral...

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
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I'm pretty sure there has been one case of a member here sometime in the last ten years who buggered a gearbox by towing it. Maybe the box was on the way out to begin with, but unless my memory is completely faulty, it was reported to have happened on here. My recollection of the discussion regarding that event is that it centered around which gears turn when the driveshaft is spinning and whether those gears are picking up enough oil to to fling around and lubricate everything that is mobing.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I have towed several manual 240Ds using my tow dolly with no problem however it is not recommended. I know of one case where the tranny needed rebuilding after getting towed. If I tow one now I make sure the tranny fluid is topped up and hope for the best. The owners manual says not to do it.

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

I'd also recommend a complete drain, and flush of the gearbox prior to any trip. drain the oil through a coffee filter and see if any metal is in it...
fill with nice fresh synthetic ATF. maybe add some lucas for it's gear climbing abilities...

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
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My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!