What is the towing capacity of a 1987 300TD sedan? Can I safely tow 2000 pounds at modest speeds?

oh man dont tow anthing with your mercedes
even if it old

The manual says specifically not to tow anything, at least for the sedans. However, that said, I fitted a hitch to my '93 (2.5) and towed what I call a half-ton parachute (small U-haul trailer) from Florida to California at the expense of the top speed (75ish). The car was poorly running and it was done in a fit of desperation, as things were VERY tight financially and I had just gotten a new job. The car was had a fully loaded trunk, two Sheperd mixes in the back seat and the wife in the passenger seat (I didn't make here ride in the trailer THIS time :twisted: )

I would not recommend doing this. The wiring is a pain, and the car was not designed to take it. A well running OM603 engine sure would have been welcome on my trip, though.

Good luck.

Upon further investigation I found an interesting web page.
http://home.t-online.de/home/axelege/e_exterieur.htm
The page states a towing capacity of 720 kg. Any thoughts on this?

Now you've got me second guessing myself. I'll have to check when I get home, but I could have sworn that the owner's manual said not to do it. Obviously my car survived the ordeal, but it was not a pleasant trip. Maybe it was the circumstances that left a bad impression.

750 kg=1657.5 lbs

Not too shabby if the figures are accurate. I am sure the drivetrain and brakes would be up to the task, but wonder about the suspension. Mine wasn't up to it, as shown by how low the car was riding with new shocks and springs. But then, you have the self-leveling suspension, don't you?

In my desire to use my 85 300SD as a WVO vehicle I wanted to attach a light duty trailer to it to haul the WVO. It took awhile before finding a hitch. I found one at U-Haul in a catelog. I then called Bedford MB and spoke with the Parts dept who after extensive looking said the axle was rated for max of 955KG (2101 lb) and towing was 1800KG (3960 lb). He said it was possible it meant that was the max the car could move INCLUDING the weight of the car, which gives me about 2000 lbs of towing capacity. I don't believe for a second that the axle could take 2100 lbs extra but for the 200lb tounge weight I'll add I have no doubts I can tow under class one limits of 200lb tounge weight and <2000lbs. Manuals in US say not to tow with the sedans but when in Europe you see many MB with trailers. Mine being a diesel means I will have enough engine to do it, but will add larger tranny cooler and take it easy when towing.

Hope I helped.