Is this a towbar hidden under the bumper?

[Mercfinder]

I’m shortly going to sell my 2011 C350d estate, fished out the old paperwork and saw ‘towbar’ on the list of optional extras ordered by the original owner. I never knew that! Here’s a pic from under the rear bumper, is that a towbar and if so how do you get it out?Thanks for looking.

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome,

Yes - normally a switch or lever in the boot - behind a panel on the left in some cases

 

[SL63 Mark]

That black plastic thing looks like the socket your trailer electrics plug into.

 

[Chrishazle]

Open the storage compartment passenger side of the boot, you'll see a big plastic knob, turn it and the tow hitch drops down, pull the hitch round into position and turn the knob back to lock the hitch in place (not sure if you have to lift the hitch a little when locking it into place). I have the same, have operated it once to see how it worked (11 years ago when I got the car) and never used it since!

 

[Chrishazle]

BTW, that clever beastie is factory fit only, cannot be bought/installed as an after purchase accessory!

 

[Mercfinder]

Many thanks all. It works! I’ve only had the car seven and a half years without knowing that! Might help with the sale though, I guess.

 

[Chrishazle]

Keep it stowed away unless you need it - I've had a couple of cars with tow hitches that did not hide away, and have the pain and bruises on my shins where I forgot about it (it ****** hurts!!) loading the boot with shopping, suitcases etc!!

 

[Mercfinder]

Keep it stowed away unless you need it - I've had a couple of cars with tow hitches that did not hide away, and have the pain and bruises on my shins where I forgot about it (it ****** hurts!!) loading the boot with shopping, suitcases etc!!

It emerged but briefly, and has now gone back to sleep!

No, that is not a euphemism!!

 

[Chrishazle]

At least you now know it's there and how to get at it - when/if required! Must have a look under my rear bumper to see the electrics (not that I am contemplating selling the car or using the tow hitch!).

 

[M80]

I use mine as a parking sensor.

 

[EmilysDad]

Many thanks all. It works! I’ve only had the car seven and a half years without knowing that!....

you've obviously never crawled under your car then ....

 

[grayb]

Nice extra to have. We had to get a removable bar put on ours (TowTrust). Some buyers can be put off buying a car with a tow bar, of course, afraid of the extra load on everything.

 

[s5tuart]

Nice extra to have. We had to get a removable bar put on ours (TowTrust). Some buyers can be put off buying a car with a tow bar, of course, afraid of the extra load on everything.

I could be wrong but I believe that a factory fitted towbar also means uprated cooling for oil and water...but don't quote me.
From memory the VIN on my CLS showed uprated stuff fitted.

 

[ernieh]

I could be wrong but I believe that a factory fitted towbar also means uprated cooling for oil and water...but don't quote me.
From memory the VIN on my CLS showed uprated stuff fitted.

Correct, also deactivates the parking sensors when plugged in and changes the autobox map.

Ernie

 

[sonic]

I had a Renault 16 & 20 in the 70's with a fixed tow hook for the caravan
Saved me some damage several times, when other cars bumped into the tow hook.