Return of the prodigal

[KaiserBill]

Hi all,

Just thought I would introduce myself.

After a 15 year sojourn I am finally returning to the Mercedes fold. I expect to take delivery of a new 280 CDI E-Class Estate at the end of the month.

I'd spotted the offer on the web-site and it looked a pretty good deal, so after a bit of to-ing and fro-ing here we are.

Unfortunately, as the car is already built, I couldn't spec a factory fitted tow-bar. And because it's a Sport model fitted with a body kit a retrofit at the dealers will cost me £1500 English Shads.

What other options do I have and must the rear apron be cut?

KaiserBill (but not his batman):mrgreen:

 

[television]

Hello and welcome, the MB tow bar has special electrics that plug into the rear SAM and this does make a nice job.

I do not know much if anything about the car that you have bought, but it has never been possible to fit tow bars to AMG bodied cars. If MB say that they can do it, It is doubtful if the cut anything

 

[KaiserBill]

Hi Malcolm,

Thanks for the welcome.

My car is one of the Sport lines (as in Elegance, Avantgarde - Sport) not AMG, although the rear apron may well be similar to that fitted to the AMG.

Factory fitting is a piece of cake apparently, and is a fairly low cost option at £565. However as my car is already built and here in the UK I cannot take advantage of the factory fit option. The dealer tells me they can do it but at a cost of £1500 quid as they have to dismantle the whole of the rear bumper and stuff.

I was just wondering if any other owners of Sport E Class Estates had retro-fitted towbars and what advice they may have.

Thanks for your attention.

 

[television]

When SAM comes on line he may have more info on this, as my 2009 WIS is not working for the minute.

There is retro fit instructions for this job, you could ask the dealer to print them off for you, then you will see what is involved

 

[Cole@MBS]

Im on line, will have a looky

 

[Cole@MBS]

Sent to e,mail Malc!!

 

[television]

This is a big job and bumper off as you have been told, and the boot has to have all of the side panels removed.

You could try and haggle over the price as you are buying the car from them

Many thanks to SAM for the info

 

[jberks]

It will mostly be a labour charge so I'd be tempted to use an indie for this work. It won't affect the warranty and if its a days work then you're looking at over £400 difference alone.

 

[television]

It will mostly be a labour charge so I'd be tempted to use an indie for this work. It won't affect the warranty and if its a days work then you're looking at over £400 difference alone.

Yes agreed and I can pass on the fit details

 

[KaiserBill]

Thank you very much for this boys, you've saved me a packet. I have a quote from an professional indie to fit a detacheable swan neck with all electrics for £544.

If the garage can't come up with anything better I'll give them the job.

Can't have a big 'effoff' estate without it being able to tow, can we?

 

[kenny21]

Hi there, i fitted one on my 2008 E280 CDI sport saloon about a month ago, it is a hassle but nothing major, i would expect the estate to be the same(if not easier for access)I bought the proper pug and play wiring from a towbar suppier(be very careful of some fitters due to the complexity of the cars wireing- not just a splice wires case) All in cost for mine was about £400 for parts (wireing £168)then about 4 hrs labour for 2(best for removing bumper etc)hope this helps.