190E + a Seadoo....

Hope someone can help me...

I've got a 89 190E 2.6 with 108,000 miles. In the fall I had a tune up, recently had new tires, and have no problems, save for getting a new link bar installed.

My wife and I do alot of touring and take trips to VA beach (I'm in DC) regularly.
Question... I'm considering buying a Seadoo this spring and am thinking about towing it with my car.

I'm not a techie when it comes to the specifics, so I ask you guys, the real experts. Can it be done without putting to much strain on the car? Thanks...

Brad:

In Europe, MB has a nifty tow hook, which is one piece and hitches to the rear suspension. Your local MB dealers will tell you that MB-USA does not recommend towing vehicles. But when I lived in Europe, I saw all kinds of MB towing things like boats, camping trailers, etc. It sounds as if your SeaDoo is rather light, and there should be no strain on your car.

However, you will have a heck of a time finding a company that will install a towing bar on your car. I would caution using ones that drill holes in your uni-body; your car in not a frame-body configuiration, but rather a unit-body in which the body is the frame as well. And you will surely invite rust where they have breached the galvanization on the body by drilling.

So check in Canada; they can get things that we can't, duer to MB-USA's fear of litigation. Canada is really a good source for things Benz, and they are just across the border!.....Andras

[Benzmac]

How about some better advise from the Mac? Don't buy a Sea-Doo-Doo. I have wrenched on PWC for the last 12 years, and Sea-Doo is the worst for engine life. They do go fast while they run, but they do break, alot...If you want the best bang for your buck, look no further than your Yamaha dealer!!!!! Take this as good advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!! From a tech!!!!!!!!! (The only engines I have ever had to totally replace have been the Rotax from Sea-Doo.

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Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

[mbdoc]

The Benz can handle towing upto 1500 lbs. I'm sure U-Haul can order hitch. Don't think I would let them install it or wire the lights. The reason MBUSA doesn't recommend towing is that it's not the MERCEDES image here in the states.

[Tobias MB]

For anyone looking for a supplier/manf. of trailer hitches there is an outfit called Rigid Hitch Inc. in Burnsville, MN
Tollfree# 1-800-624-7630
They make many foreign hitches and for MB do:
C class, 94-98
S class, 81-91, 92-99
E class, 94-95, 96-98 exc wagons
190, 88-93
300D, E, CE, 86-93 exc. wagon
300TD, 300TE, 79-95
ML 98-99 to 5,000lb.

Hope this helps and you can ask about mounting points.

TobiasMB
300SE, 300CE, 190/5.0

I have a 1987 260E and tow a 25-foot sailboat. About 3000#. I bought the Rigid Hitch, but it does not clear the muffler. Haven't figured a way to avoid this, except to use a different hitch manufactuer.

In the mean time, I slipped a small segment of radiator hose over the tailpipe, and it minimizes the vibration.

Tow all you want.

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-Steve