QuestionQUESTION: I am wondering if I tow a 1999 Mercedes C230 on a tow dolly if I have to disconnect the drive shaft to do so. The vehicle is an automatic and I'll be towing it about 1400 miles. Thank you
ANSWER: Well the Mercedes C230 comes in 2 versions... Rear wheel drive and ALL WHEEL DRIVE..
Automatic or not it would not matter if it is the ALL WHEEL DRIVE version it needs to be all the way off the ground...
I would look at getting a trailer for the vehicle to be safe and to prevent any damage from happening to the transmission...
Using a tow dolly on the REAR WHEEL DRIVE version, it would be best if you loaded it so that the rear wheels are on the tow dolly to prevent damage to the transmission.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Its a 2 wheel drive. How do I keep the front wheel straight for that long of a trip? Will the ignition lock hold the wheels in place for that long of a trip. The cost of a car carrier is twice the money as a dolly.
AnswerYes the trailer costs more than the dolly, but you have to also consider if the vehicle will have enough ground clearance when in tow backwards.
Not good if you are going to tear the front bumper or other parts there off...
As to securing the steering wheel straight, the ignition lock is not strong enough to depend on it totally.
Its hard to explain, but most tow truck drivers do use a strap (like those motorcycle tie downs) from the brake pedal bar, or a bar under the drivers seat, and wrap it around the steering wheel one or 2 times and then back to the same point it is at on the other end. Then tighten it up and you have a better securement method.
And you can also use the seat belt though the wheel and then locked into place as an additional safety...
