Mercedes E350 Convertible - no GTW

GAHewson
GAHewson Forum Participant Posts: 2
edited February 2017 in Towcars & Towing #1

Hi there,

I'm new to this but would appreciate some guidance/advice.

I bought a Sept 2013 Mercedes E350 AMG-Line Diesel Bluetech Convertible which I was lead to believe was ok for towing - two salesmen didn't say otherwise.

Weight wise it all checked out but on hiring a guy to fit a tow bar, who happened to be recommended by my Mercedes dealer, he made me aware that due to aspects of the bluetech system it was 'illegal' to fit a tow bar as it affects the emissions if it were to be used when towing a caravan? Apparently you can fit a cycle rack though??

I had checked on a number of towing websites and some where you can input your registration  and it all checked out ok with no limitations?

I've since been to my Mercedes dealer today and he knows nothing of any limitation due to emission issues but rather that the AMG-line does not have the option of a factory fitted tow bar?

Now, I've seen similar cars with tow bars fitted and indeed Merc Convertible E220 petrol and diesel (including Bluetech) can have a factory fitted towbar. The AMG-Line only adds body kit which needs to be cut....or a replacement rear spoiler? I don't mind the spoiler being cut.

I've also found there is no Gross Train Weight shown on the chassis plate.....is this a legal requirement that says the car is ok to tow?

I love the car and really want to use it but am worried about some 'legal' implication if I were to have an accident or be picked up on MOT or something?

Can anyone help please.......

Geoff

 

Comments

  • ocsid
    ocsid Forum Participant Posts: 1,395
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2017 #2

    I've also found there is no Gross Train Weight shown on the chassis plate.....is this a legal requirement that says the car is ok to tow?

     

    IMO that is it and all about it, it has no makers towing rating so legally can't tow on public roads.

    The "why" they have not given it a towing rating, becomes irrelevant. 

    Sorry, I know that's not the answer you need but I believe it is the case.

    Being so, you will have a claim of being mis-sold the car; it is not fit for your stated requirement to the seller.

    Probably the reason is as simple as them not getting it type approved for towing?

     

  • Lutz
    Lutz Forum Participant Posts: 1,564 ✭✭✭✭
    edited February 2017 #3

    ocsid is correct. If the weight plate doesn't show a GTW then the vehicle is not approved for towing.

    The reason may be a simple as the manufacturer considering that the model in question is unlikely to be used very much as a towcar and therefore it was considered uneconomical to develop a specific towbar and go to the expense of going through type approval procedure necessary to document the vehicle's towing limits.

  • catherinef
    catherinef Forum Participant Posts: 647
    edited February 2017 #4

    Some of the Efficient Dynamics BMW's aren't type approved for towing either.

  • Woody19
    Woody19 Forum Participant Posts: 43
    edited February 2017 #5

    The reason is one of rigidity.

    A saloon or estate has doors, pillars, and a roof all of which contribute to the rigidity of the whole vehicle. A softtop has none of these so to make it suitable for towing a considerably stiffer chassis would be needed to prevent the torque of the trailer doing twist damage to said chassis. This would add weight, increase fuel consumption and above all degrade the overall experience of driving the vehicle - and no manufacturer wants that.

    The issue that the OP has here is that unless he has it in writing from the supplier that the car can be used for towing he doesn't have a leg to stand on in rejecting it under SoGa as he has no proof.

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