Trailer Hitch
#1
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Trailer Hitch
I am buying my wife a new ML350 and am having trouble finding one with exactly what we want. Does anyone know what is involved installing a trailer hitch on an ML that did not come with one from the factory? I get different stories at different dealers. Some claim it is no big deal while others claim it is a $2000 job.
Thanks.
Thanks.
#2
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ML320CDI 2008 all options inc air suspension
I am buying my wife a new ML350 and am having trouble finding one with exactly what we want. Does anyone know what is involved installing a trailer hitch on an ML that did not come with one from the factory? I get different stories at different dealers. Some claim it is no big deal while others claim it is a $2000 job.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Last edited by Vernl; 12-05-2009 at 11:11 AM.
#3
There are aftermarket hitches out there for about $200 + install.....
The issue with the aftermarket hitch is that it tows only 4000 lbs not the 7000 lbs the factory hitch does. The other and bigger issue with the aftermarket hitch is that there is no wiring harness available....
I wouldn't suggest allowing anybody,especially the technician at the local U-Haul store to "tap" into expensive Mercedes electricals...
The only way to get the wiring harness is to buy the genuine Mercedes hitch kit.....this kit includes the hitch, harness, and hardware but costs $850!!!!...No, you cannot buy the harness without the hitch...you have to buy the entire kit...
It is considered a 5-hour job and the dealer charges $100 to $150 per hour to install....(depends upon where you are).....
The good news is that if you have a few hours, some basic tools, and are the least bit handy; you can install it yourself....
More good news is that the newest ML's already have the SAM unit, so there is no need to purchase one of these $600 rascals...
I don't want to contradict the prior poster but it is my understanding the factory hitch option is simply just the hitch and harness already installed for about $500....there is no anti-sway or anything else....Think about it....an anti-sway system, auto-leveling, auto-tow, and the hitch for $500???? on a Mercedes??....No, it is simply as described on the stick.....a "hitch option"...
I purchased a new 2009 ML 2 months ago. I really wanted the hitch but incentives were high and inventory was low....It worked out better for me to add the hitch later....because I got such a good deal on the ML. I was able to get the parts guy at the dealership to wholesale me the kit for $725 instead of $850.....I refused to pay $675 labor (5 hrs X $135/hr) to install..I did the install myself...The installation took a few hours but was fairly intuitive and simple....
Conclusion, if you found the right ML at the right price don't let the fact that it doesn't have a hitch stop you...It shouldn't be a deal killer...
The issue with the aftermarket hitch is that it tows only 4000 lbs not the 7000 lbs the factory hitch does. The other and bigger issue with the aftermarket hitch is that there is no wiring harness available....
I wouldn't suggest allowing anybody,especially the technician at the local U-Haul store to "tap" into expensive Mercedes electricals...
The only way to get the wiring harness is to buy the genuine Mercedes hitch kit.....this kit includes the hitch, harness, and hardware but costs $850!!!!...No, you cannot buy the harness without the hitch...you have to buy the entire kit...
It is considered a 5-hour job and the dealer charges $100 to $150 per hour to install....(depends upon where you are).....
The good news is that if you have a few hours, some basic tools, and are the least bit handy; you can install it yourself....
More good news is that the newest ML's already have the SAM unit, so there is no need to purchase one of these $600 rascals...
I don't want to contradict the prior poster but it is my understanding the factory hitch option is simply just the hitch and harness already installed for about $500....there is no anti-sway or anything else....Think about it....an anti-sway system, auto-leveling, auto-tow, and the hitch for $500???? on a Mercedes??....No, it is simply as described on the stick.....a "hitch option"...
I purchased a new 2009 ML 2 months ago. I really wanted the hitch but incentives were high and inventory was low....It worked out better for me to add the hitch later....because I got such a good deal on the ML. I was able to get the parts guy at the dealership to wholesale me the kit for $725 instead of $850.....I refused to pay $675 labor (5 hrs X $135/hr) to install..I did the install myself...The installation took a few hours but was fairly intuitive and simple....
Conclusion, if you found the right ML at the right price don't let the fact that it doesn't have a hitch stop you...It shouldn't be a deal killer...
#4
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ML320CDI 2008 all options inc air suspension
[QUOTE=realralfy;3838686]There are aftermarket hitches out there for about $200 + install.....
I don't want to contradict the prior poster but it is my understanding the factory hitch option is simply just the hitch and harness already installed for about $500....there is no anti-sway or anything else....Think about it....an anti-sway system, auto-leveling, auto-tow, and the hitch for $500???? on a Mercedes??....No, it is simply as described on the stick.....a "hitch option"...
If you had done a bit of homework before you posted you would know that the auto tow mode( which controls the transmission) anti sway ( which uses the stability program) etc etc are all done electronically and requires the proper wiring and are activated by plugging in the trailer lights.Also if you have the air suspension it does the auto leveling as well.I hope all those features work as they should on your ML
I don't want to contradict the prior poster but it is my understanding the factory hitch option is simply just the hitch and harness already installed for about $500....there is no anti-sway or anything else....Think about it....an anti-sway system, auto-leveling, auto-tow, and the hitch for $500???? on a Mercedes??....No, it is simply as described on the stick.....a "hitch option"...
If you had done a bit of homework before you posted you would know that the auto tow mode( which controls the transmission) anti sway ( which uses the stability program) etc etc are all done electronically and requires the proper wiring and are activated by plugging in the trailer lights.Also if you have the air suspension it does the auto leveling as well.I hope all those features work as they should on your ML
Last edited by Vernl; 12-05-2009 at 07:39 PM.
#5
Member
Thread Starter
Thank you very much for the informative replies. I went ahead and bought one today that was exactly what my wife wanted (which is a good thing) but it did not have a hitch. While I was haggling with them I ran into my service advisor who told me that he had put one on an ML recently and it was about a $2,200 job. He mentioned that it required some sort of different module in the rear that was compatible with trailer lights and that it was expensive.
The intersting thing about all of this is that the window sticker lists, under Safety/Security "Electronic Stabilty Program with Trailer Stability Assist" Maybe it is different for 2010.
At any rate, my towing needs are few and far between so I will probably never get around to actually finding out.
Thanks again for the information.
The intersting thing about all of this is that the window sticker lists, under Safety/Security "Electronic Stabilty Program with Trailer Stability Assist" Maybe it is different for 2010.
At any rate, my towing needs are few and far between so I will probably never get around to actually finding out.
Thanks again for the information.
#6
[quote=Vernl;3838981]
My point exactly....the hitch option virtually nothing to do with the anti-sway etc.....
The option is simply a hitch and wiring pre-installed.....nothing more for $500...
There are aftermarket hitches out there for about $200 + install.....
I don't want to contradict the prior poster but it is my understanding the factory hitch option is simply just the hitch and harness already installed for about $500....there is no anti-sway or anything else....Think about it....an anti-sway system, auto-leveling, auto-tow, and the hitch for $500???? on a Mercedes??....No, it is simply as described on the stick.....a "hitch option"...
If you had done a bit of homework before you posted you would know that the auto tow mode( which controls the transmission) anti sway ( which uses the stability program) etc etc are all done electronically and requires the proper wiring and are activated by plugging in the trailer lights.Also if you have the air suspension it does the auto leveling as well.I hope all those features work as they should on your ML
I don't want to contradict the prior poster but it is my understanding the factory hitch option is simply just the hitch and harness already installed for about $500....there is no anti-sway or anything else....Think about it....an anti-sway system, auto-leveling, auto-tow, and the hitch for $500???? on a Mercedes??....No, it is simply as described on the stick.....a "hitch option"...
If you had done a bit of homework before you posted you would know that the auto tow mode( which controls the transmission) anti sway ( which uses the stability program) etc etc are all done electronically and requires the proper wiring and are activated by plugging in the trailer lights.Also if you have the air suspension it does the auto leveling as well.I hope all those features work as they should on your ML
The option is simply a hitch and wiring pre-installed.....nothing more for $500...
#7
Installation Instructions ML320 Bluetec Trailer Hitch.
Please help me find the installation instructions for the Mercedes Hitch so I can buy the $ 850.00 one with the harness included. If you know of a link or instructions please help.
Thanks
Lynn
Thanks
Lynn
Trending Topics
#8
hope this helps
There are no instructions for installing the hitch, none that I was ever able to find.....
However, getting the bumper cover off is the most difficult part because it is hard to find all the bolts....The dealer was able to provide me with a printout of how to take the bumper cover off....Get this before you start....
After getting the bumper cover off the hitch install is pretty straight forward (speaking only of the hardware)..Remove the factory bumper as the hitch frame will now serve as your rear bumper. You will see two "holes" in the rear of the car. The "arms" from the hitch kit go in there....They screw in place with and mount in pre-drilled holes....These holes are accessed by removing the rear floor of the vehicle. After mounting the hitch, run the wiring through the passenger's side hole at the corner of the car....the harness comes with the grommet...Put the styrofoam cover on the hitch and reinstall the bumper cover. I had to modify the bumper cover and steel trim piece to accomodate the hitch.
After this was installed the wiring harness didn't fit the rear SAM....I had to get a new one from the dealer and they had to program it....
It is a pretty complicated undertaking to do this job....If the dealer is willing to do it for $600 + the hitch kit and rear SAM it is worth it....
However, getting the bumper cover off is the most difficult part because it is hard to find all the bolts....The dealer was able to provide me with a printout of how to take the bumper cover off....Get this before you start....
After getting the bumper cover off the hitch install is pretty straight forward (speaking only of the hardware)..Remove the factory bumper as the hitch frame will now serve as your rear bumper. You will see two "holes" in the rear of the car. The "arms" from the hitch kit go in there....They screw in place with and mount in pre-drilled holes....These holes are accessed by removing the rear floor of the vehicle. After mounting the hitch, run the wiring through the passenger's side hole at the corner of the car....the harness comes with the grommet...Put the styrofoam cover on the hitch and reinstall the bumper cover. I had to modify the bumper cover and steel trim piece to accomodate the hitch.
After this was installed the wiring harness didn't fit the rear SAM....I had to get a new one from the dealer and they had to program it....
It is a pretty complicated undertaking to do this job....If the dealer is willing to do it for $600 + the hitch kit and rear SAM it is worth it....
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
my understanding the factory hitch option is simply just the hitch and harness already installed for about $500....there is no anti-sway or anything else....Think about it....an anti-sway system, auto-leveling, auto-tow, and the hitch for $500???? on a Mercedes??....No, it is simply as described on the stick.....a "hitch option"...
Anti sway is accomplished via separate application of the vehicle's (not the trailer's) brakes via the ESP system.
From MBUSA website ...
Electronic Stability Program
This advance continually monitors your vehicle's motion to help keep you going in your intended direction. If it detects wheelspin, severe understeer (plowing) or oversteer (fishtailing), ESP can brake individual wheels and reduce torque to help bring the vehicle under control. Mercedes-Benz pioneered this landmark technology in 1995 and has continued to refine its exacting performance ever since.
Trailer Stability Assist
A trailer in tow can adversely affect the driving dynamics of a vehicle. That´s why the M-Class is equipped with Trailer Stability Assist. Electronic Stability Program sensors monitor for oscillations caused by the trailer´s movement. The system then intervenes by using the brakes to help stabilize the vehicle. Once ESP is satisfied that the vehicle and trailer are under control, braking intervention is ceased.
This advance continually monitors your vehicle's motion to help keep you going in your intended direction. If it detects wheelspin, severe understeer (plowing) or oversteer (fishtailing), ESP can brake individual wheels and reduce torque to help bring the vehicle under control. Mercedes-Benz pioneered this landmark technology in 1995 and has continued to refine its exacting performance ever since.
Trailer Stability Assist
A trailer in tow can adversely affect the driving dynamics of a vehicle. That´s why the M-Class is equipped with Trailer Stability Assist. Electronic Stability Program sensors monitor for oscillations caused by the trailer´s movement. The system then intervenes by using the brakes to help stabilize the vehicle. Once ESP is satisfied that the vehicle and trailer are under control, braking intervention is ceased.
This, BTW, is there and will work the same way with either a factory or an aftermarket tow hitch, but the notion of having some high school kid cut into a Mercedes electrical system to "hook up" an aftermarket system is pretty frightening.
Original poster should try REALLY hard to find an ML with factory-installed hitch or else be prepared to (indeed) pay the dealer $2K to retrofit one. This can always be "included in the deal," of course.
Last edited by lkchris; 06-04-2010 at 04:14 PM.
#10
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E36M3 race car/Ferrari F355 GTS/1973 Mini 1275GT/Fiat Abarth/ML63/SLK55
There are no instructions for installing the hitch, none that I was ever able to find.....
However, getting the bumper cover off is the most difficult part because it is hard to find all the bolts....The dealer was able to provide me with a printout of how to take the bumper cover off....Get this before you start....
After getting the bumper cover off the hitch install is pretty straight forward (speaking only of the hardware)..Remove the factory bumper as the hitch frame will now serve as your rear bumper. You will see two "holes" in the rear of the car. The "arms" from the hitch kit go in there....They screw in place with and mount in pre-drilled holes....These holes are accessed by removing the rear floor of the vehicle. After mounting the hitch, run the wiring through the passenger's side hole at the corner of the car....the harness comes with the grommet...Put the styrofoam cover on the hitch and reinstall the bumper cover. I had to modify the bumper cover and steel trim piece to accomodate the hitch.
After this was installed the wiring harness didn't fit the rear SAM....I had to get a new one from the dealer and they had to program it....
It is a pretty complicated undertaking to do this job....If the dealer is willing to do it for $600 + the hitch kit and rear SAM it is worth it....
However, getting the bumper cover off is the most difficult part because it is hard to find all the bolts....The dealer was able to provide me with a printout of how to take the bumper cover off....Get this before you start....
After getting the bumper cover off the hitch install is pretty straight forward (speaking only of the hardware)..Remove the factory bumper as the hitch frame will now serve as your rear bumper. You will see two "holes" in the rear of the car. The "arms" from the hitch kit go in there....They screw in place with and mount in pre-drilled holes....These holes are accessed by removing the rear floor of the vehicle. After mounting the hitch, run the wiring through the passenger's side hole at the corner of the car....the harness comes with the grommet...Put the styrofoam cover on the hitch and reinstall the bumper cover. I had to modify the bumper cover and steel trim piece to accomodate the hitch.
After this was installed the wiring harness didn't fit the rear SAM....I had to get a new one from the dealer and they had to program it....
It is a pretty complicated undertaking to do this job....If the dealer is willing to do it for $600 + the hitch kit and rear SAM it is worth it....
realralfy, or anyone else- can you confirm that the oem hitch package has not only the hitch and harness but also two reinforcement pieces - "arms" referred to above?
looks like i'll have to bite the bullet and buy the 850 hitch package just to get these pieces. really PO'ed of at myself as i should have pulled these out my trade in ml350.
not worried about the physical aspect of install, my mechanic is very skilled. the dealer will reprogram for anti sway etc after he's done.
thx for your input.
#15
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#16
Can someone help me out. I just bought used tow hitch with brackets off of 08 ml350 which is an exact match for my ML. Problem is I'm having hard time finding hitch harness. Does anybody have part number for this?
#18
I want to add a hitch to my 2007 ML350. The dealer will install a Class III hitch rated for 5000 lbs and 500 lb tongue wt. The travel trailer I hope to buy is 5000 lbs and 750 lb tongue wt. It seems to me I need a Class IV hitch. Or do I need to look for a lighter trailer. Help please.
#19
ML hitch wiring harness
I ran across an extra wiring harness for the trailer hitch for the ML. if anyone out there needs one part number A163 540 USA 4 please let me know. this is the one that plugs into the rear drivers side harness and goes to the multi plug for the trailer.
#21
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2008 ML 320 cdi ,2014GLK250
uhaul
I had Uhaul put 5000 lb hitch on 08 ml320 cdi and hauled some heavy trailers to Fl. with no problems. Very reasonable and included harness. They(Uhaul) also installed the hitch on my 1999 E 320 Wagon when dealer said it could not be done(Iowa). Go Figure!!
#23
MBWorld Fanatic!
I want to add a hitch to my 2007 ML350. The dealer will install a Class III hitch rated for 5000 lbs and 500 lb tongue wt. The travel trailer I hope to buy is 5000 lbs and 750 lb tongue wt. It seems to me I need a Class IV hitch. Or do I need to look for a lighter trailer. Help please.
You need a lighter trailer or a different vehicle. GL figures are 7500 and 600, still not enough for your trailer.
#24
MBWorld Fanatic!
UHaul has "engineered" how to mount a reciever hitch, but that's about it. I shudder to think of their methods of connecting to a Mercedes electrical system, and you can bet they don't offer Mercedes-specific harnesses.
#25
realralfy or anyone. I also bought a used 2009 ML320 cdi without a hitch. Great deal until I called the dealer yesterday to ask about a hitch. $4000 by the time it is on the truck with taxes in. This is in Ontario. Required hitch, harness, SAM card, new bumper cover and the piece under.
Did the $850 kit include the wiring harness? Realralfy what modification did you have to do to the bumper cover and the piece under to make them fit after you installed the hitch? Any chance you could send a photo? Thanks
Did the $850 kit include the wiring harness? Realralfy what modification did you have to do to the bumper cover and the piece under to make them fit after you installed the hitch? Any chance you could send a photo? Thanks