Tow bar not deploying on W166 GLE SUV 2017

[MBH]

Hi there

I recently bought a 2017 GLE SUV. It’s AMG Line and has the switches in the driver door bin and boot lid to deploy the tow bar. I presume factory fitted.

I pressed the button in the driver door and no tow hook appeared. I tried the boot button and there is a sound of mechanical movement, before plastic resistance, and then nothing.

Looking under the car I can’t see a hook or anywhere that one might pop up from. I think there’s a chance that:

1. The mechanics are all there as are the electrics but no actual hook meaning nothing pops out

2. The bumper is for some reason (perhaps in a previous life it has been replaced?) preventing the hook from deploying.

Is it safe to keep trying? In the instance that it’s theory #2 I don’t want to cause any damage to the bumper or mechanics. If it’s safe let me know and I’ll record and upload.

Could anyone provide some photos/videos of theirs so I can compare?

 

[EmilysDad]

This is the kind of thing that you're looking for under your car https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/362772346086
Later cars (I assume yours ???) deploy all the way electrically like this

though cars like mine, the bar drops down electrically but it needs the final engaging manually (with a foot)
Lack of use might mean it's stuck & needs a little help ..... ???

 

[MBH]

This is the kind of thing that you're looking for under your car https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/362772346086
Later cars (I assume yours ???) deploy all the way electrically like this

though cars like mine, the bar drops down electrically but it needs the final engaging manually (with a foot)
Lack of use might mean it's stuck & needs a little help ..... ???

Thanks. I can’t see anything that looks like that under mine. It’s all smooth and clean. I imagine anything like that would be tucked under the plastic bumper?

 

[EmilysDad]

Thanks. I can’t see anything that looks like that under mine. It’s all smooth and clean. I imagine anything like that would be tucked under the plastic bumper?

I wonder if it's been removed for some reason ....

 

[MBH]

I wonder if it's been removed for some reason ....

Photo attached.

Something definitely moves in there when you pull the switch.

 

[EmilysDad]

That looks nothing like the back of my car (mine is a 14 plate ML W166) ... the bumper effectively has a cut out for the bar ... yours doesn't look to have one
I guess there would be an infill panel on mine if there was no towbar

 

[EmilysDad]

Photo attached.

Something definitely moves in there when you pull the switch.

I wonder if a new/AN Other rear bumper has been fitted to your car .....

 

[BillyBoy]

This is the underside of my E Class estate. It's pretty close to the back of the car, and would have to be to deploy properly I guess.

 

[MBH]

I wonder if a new/AN Other rear bumper has been fitted to your car .....

That’s what I’m thinking. Maybe a rear end shunt in a former life

 

[MBH]

This is the underside of my E Class estate. It's pretty close to the back of the car, and would have to be to deploy properly I guess. View attachment 70266

Thanks, this is helpful. I think this or something like it is lurking beneath my bumper for some odd reason.

 

[MBH]

That looks nothing like the back of my car (mine is a 14 plate ML W166) ... the bumper effectively has a cut out for the bar ... yours doesn't look to have one
I guess there would be an infill panel on mine if there was no towbar

Just spotted this. Cheers. That’s a big help.

I might take it in to a garage one day and see what they say. I’ll let you know.