First towing experience with R320 CDI
What a machine! 2008 R320 cdi, just rescued a fellow forum members car 1980 300TD with a tow dolly, hauled it to the transmission specialist so atleast 4000lbs, the R just cruised away, no swaying or steering corrections just bliss going down the highway lots of engine braking when needed, the air suspension was perfectly level and smooth. I have towed a lot in with old cars and a Dodge Ram 2500 cummins diesel, the R was more then up to the task, it would even shift at a "normal" rpm, not late or high revs from the extra load, frequently running 1500rpms, I think the most it got to was 2400. I have a scanguage and watched temps closely, coolant was usually 93-94C, air intake temp 35C (it was 29C and sunny). Ran the a/c once out on the open road and it actually stabilized the temps a bit, did not get hotter (good design!). Managed a combined trip of 10.3L/100kms (75kms each way, empty then return loaded) which is 23mpg USA or 27.4mpg imp (verified by dash display and calibrated scan guage too). With a longer highway trip it would have gone back down below 10L/100 I figure, the amount of stops etc was playing with it bringing it down.
I have never had a tow "truck" so stabil and smooth, it was unbelievable and very communicative in the steering wheel with a load. Now I am beginning to understand this engine a bit better and feel the 400lb/ft of torque!
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