Quick Mercedes (w114) question...

cormee

Hi,
I was told by a mechanic who specialises in old Mercs that the 250ce (w114) can not be towed (it has to be hoisted onto a flatbed) . Does anyone know if this is true or not?
I've no reason to doubt him, seems like a good guy, I'm just wondering what the reason for it is.

Squirrel

Is it an auto? In a Haynes manual for the Micra is says auto's can't be towed. I only glanced over it before now

Caution! Do not tow models with automatic transmission, since the internal oil pump will not function with the engine stopped, and serious damage to the transmission will occur

mustang68

If its an auto you can't tow it the reason (So I have heard) is that the torque convertor builds up pressure and will result in you having to spend money . Get a lift tow where the drive wheels are off the ground and you're fine. Same reason you can't push start it.

Blue850

If its an auto it shouldn't be towed, I have a W114 handbook at home somewhere, I'll see what Mercedes said in 1971, also have book of Mercedes dealers in europe in 1971, all thats left of my late Dad's old 280E

cormee

Yep it's an auto. Thanks, seems a pretty decisive response! No towing my car.

dubtom

I was under the impression that no auto car should be towed, not just Mercs, except drive wheels up as 68 said.

Blue850

The general rule is that no auto should be towed , the factory manual for my Triumph 2000 says something like an auto can be towed short distances at 20mph, but pref disconnect the driveshaft at the diff, right wheres me 9/16 spanners:D

RobAMerc

I am sure I read in my handbook that you can jump start the w114 auto, by rolling it in N and dropping it into D.

I remember thinking it was strange as I always thought this was a major no no.

I will check it out later for defo, I am going out to oogle it soon.

PLEASE NOTE : I COULD BE VERY WRONG.

Also Cormee, what mechanic are you using ?
Is he any good, reasonably priced?

junkyard

I used to have a Merc. 250 auto that I had to start by rolling it down a hill in N and if you put it in D at around 30 mph it would start. As far as I know you can tow an auto Merc. if you disconnect the driveshaft.

cormee

RobAMerc wrote:

Also Cormee, what mechanic are you using ?
Is he any good, reasonably priced?

Haven't used him yet, so I don't know what his story is. Got his number from a friend who collects old Mercs and he referred me on. Not sure if he's a fulltime mechanic or just does it for the fun of it or what so I'll see how he works out and if he looks ok will ask him if he's looking for new customers for you. He's in Bray somehwere.

Blue850

Official Mercedes Handbook

Tow Starting
Turn on ignition. Move selector to N and then have vehicle towed, After reaching a speed of 18mph with engine cold or 30mph with engine warm, maintain this speed for 2 minutes to build up sufficent oil pressure in the transmission. To start the engine move selector to 'L', only touch the accelerator when the engine is turning, as soon as the engine has started move selector to 'N'. This procedure may also be used on a downhill start.

Towing

The vehicle may be towed over short distances if the gear selector is in 'N' if the towing speed does not exceed 30 mph. for longer distances the propellor shaft must be disconnected at the rear axle.