I wish to tow my 1981 240-d behing my motor home. Where is a sutable mounting point for the tow bar. Presently I'mlooking at the bumper attachment points.

John,

Before we discuss the tow bar, I would like to ensure that you realize that if you tow this car, or any other car, you can without proper steps, destroy the transmission.

You may have noticed that there are very few "tow trucks" any more. They typically use a roll back flat bed and HAUL the cars to their destination. This is because the old tow trucks destroyed so many transmissions.

Most vehicles towed behind motor homes are either; front wheel drive towed on a front wheel dolly, vehicles with a means of disconnecting the transmission, four wheel drive with the transfer case set into the neutral position, or have had the driveshaft disconnected or removed.

I may be "preaching to the choir", if so I'm sorry. If you have not already researched this thoroughly, please do so to save yourself an expensive repair bill or a Benz going to the salvage yard.

I've never towed a Benz with a tow bar. Depending on the bar, you will probably have to raise or remove the flat rubber trim that extends out over the bumper. Connect the bar as close as possible to the bumper mounting points.

Best of luck,

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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 516K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

Larry,

If the 240D has a manual tranny, wouldn't towing it be OK in neutral? (As you said, "means to disconnect transmission".)

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Wilton Strickland
Goldsboro, NC
91 350 SDL. 81 300D

wilton,

I'm not completely sure about this particular transmission. But, many manual transmissions are ruined by towing in neutral. This is because the output shaft is turning, but there is not sufficient lubricant thrown onto the rear bearing and shaft.

It takes many more miles to ruin a manual transmission, but it will ruin it.

Good luck,


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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 516K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

Larry,

My thoughts. also, on the manual tranny - part of it still turning, etc.

Congratulations on selection of 81 300D for daughter's car - excellent choice!! 'Few weeks ago, I bought friend's 81 300D (124 kmi), and am now getting it ready to be my "work" car, daily driver, etc. 'Sort of disapointed with several things I'm finding wrong with it - replacing rear window seal today, steering gearbox tomorrow, etc. I'm a 65-year-old retired Air Force Lt. Colonel, civil engineer and B-52 navigator/bombardier, self-employed as a home inspector for 13 years. Wife says the 300D is "ostentatious". I asked her, "what is ostentstious about a 19-year-old, 84 horsepower, Diesel-powered Mercedes"? She said, "That's just it - it's a Mercedes". I think I'm being very conservative. What about it - is an 81 300D ostentatious?? The black S class that wife drives, maybe, but an ivory 300D??



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Wilton Strickland
Goldsboro, NC
91 350 SDL. 81 300D

wilton,

There are some people who can't tell the difference in a 123 car and a 2000 model C Class. Some people think of cars in the terms of image, statement, etc., I personally drive a Benz because they are reliable, solid and pleasant to drive. I don't pay much attention to what others think about it. The way I look at it, if your life is in order, and you're doing nothing to be ashamed of, what other people think is their problem.

It was great to hear more about you. I'm a veteran myself, although not a retired one. I was in the Army from '68 to '71 I would have loved to fly in the military, but didn't have the eyesight for it. As an American, I thank you for your service.

Don't ever let anyone let you feel a certain way because of the car you drive. If it were a new Lamborghini, it wouldn't change what's in your heart.

Have a great day,

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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 516K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

Larry,

I agree, whole-heartedly!! Thanks!

How many miles on daughter's 300D? 'Certainly wish you and her well with it!!

Part of my disappointment with recently acquired 81 300D is because I expected it to be as perfect as the 80 240D I had that was totaled at 185 kmi and the 91 350SDL that I have now with 135 kmi on it. I remember when friend bought it new, and I've seeen it several times a week for past 19 years - just did'nt know friend had neglected it so.
It's still a very good car - it'll just take me longer (and cost more) to get it like I want it. New seal around rear window (rear "windshield') sure looks good - hope it works as good!!

On subject of towing, I installed a class 1 hitch on the 300D several days ago. Just need to tow small two-wheel utility trailer occasionally for wife's gardening, my projects, etc. Unit is mounted to underside of bumper & 2" angle iron inside bumper spanning the entire space between the two bumper mounting points, two points on rear of spare tire well and 4 points on floor on trunk at rear edge of spare tire well. Unit is very unobtrusive; with removable tow bar removed, one can hardly tell the car has a hitch. 'Took it for a test run about a week ago; 'picked up load of pine straw mulch for the yard; trailer and car feel nice and solid, of course. Oh, BTW, I've had MB wheel covers W/star on the trailer for probably 10 years; always pulled it with Dodge vans 'til now; I've gotten lots of nice comments all these years about my "Benz" trailer. Now I can put the appropriate tow vehicle it!! I usually paint the trailer same color as the tow vehicle - 'have to paint it MB 623 (ivory) soon!!

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Wilton Strickland
Goldsboro, NC
91 350 SDL. 81 300D