My 190d is in good shape and has an auto trans. Given that this is a 34 yo car, would I be stupid to tow a light utility trailer, like a folding 4x48”?

not if you have a good hitch.

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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.

I think I’m more interested in what I would do to the transmission. We have hills here. Mostly its always hills..... and they’re uphill both ways.

What is the mileage on the car and what service records (if any) do you have regarding the trans?

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Milan Brown 1979 240D, rebuilt OM617.952 turbo diesel, rebuilt 722.315 transmission (my only daily driver)

Instagram: @maximed93

Do a filter, drain and fill plus an external cooler and you should be good to go providing you don't tow too heavy

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97 e300d, 78 300Dt, 95 E300d, 94 E320 estate

As long as you not stupid with the weight you're towing and you listen to the vehicle, I would have no issue towing a small utility trailer with it....

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2004 F150 4.6L -My Daily
2007 Volvo XC70 -Wife's Daily
1998 Ford F150 -Rear ended
1989 J-spec 420SEL -passed onto its new keeper
1982 BMW 733i -fixed and traded for the 420SEL
2003 Volvo V70 5 Speed -scrapped
1997 E290 Turbo Diesel Wagon -traded for above
1992 BMW 525i -traded in
1990 Silver 300TE -hated the M103
1985 Grey 380SE Diesel Conversion, 2.47 rear end, ABS -Sold, really should have kept this one
1979 Silver 300D "The Silver Slug" -Sold

I service my trans every three years (15,000 miles) at my local expert, Leroux Transmission in Glover Vt. They have handled my MB trans issues for many years and seem to appreciate the car. (Also I have a complete manual setup in the barn as a backup— I just like automatics better)

As far as cooling goes, its cooled through the radiator, so hopefully that’s covered. I’m not likely to pack up and move to Colorado towing a trailer- I was thinking mostly half a ton or less short distances.

I agree that the transmission is probably the component to be the most concerned about. But unless you have that 4x8' slammed to the frame rails, I doubt it'll tax the car at all.

FWIW, I've towed a complete 240D (on a dolly) with my '85 300TD for 1,000 miles (including through the Appalachians in southern PA) and it didn't bother the transmission at all. Also towed two different W123's 100-200 miles, and a little trailer with about 1,500 lbs. of cargo about 700 mi., with my '78 300D 4-speed. But that's a 79HP engine backed by an iron-case stick shift so even running full-throttle in the NA617 is probably no threat to the rest of the driveline.

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'82 300CD
"Pearl", the very first turbo diesel 123 coupe
Totaled 11/23/18, rebuild in progress.
'85 300TD, "Artemis".
'78 300D euro, "Ol' Red", mostly retired.
'85 300D, "Gandalf".

Would you put 5 people in the car + 150 lb in the trunk and be concerned?

A sub 1500 lb trailer isn't an issue. When pulling a hill, don't try to over rev then engine, let it settle into a speed range where the things are just rolling along.

What is the actual weight of the empty trailer and the load? Be sure to have the tongue heavy as a light tongue will cause stability issues and is of greater concern. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbdF5AZmINc The Importance Weight Distribution when pulling a trailer or camper

Also, with such a short trailer, pretty much give up on backing it up as the cars wheel base is longer than the hitch to trailer axle length. Just disconnect and mover the trailer. ( And I've towed all sorts of trailers and can back one exactly where it needs to be.)

Backing a short trailer is tough, but if you go very slowly it can be done.

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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.

The car has low miles and is in good shape. Your 79 hp compares with my 72hp.
Last fall I took a road trip to Newfoundland with a friend and all the gear needed to camp out: it was quite a load. So I guess the consensus is go for it, and I will!