tow bar on W211

[carabind]

I had a towbar on my previous e class (the snazzy retractable factory fitted one) and really miss it on my current car (2007 E class) . The local indespnsion dealer will fit a fixed one and reckons he can integrate it with the electrics OK, but did I see somehwhere that my electrics would have to be reconfigured by a star machine /dealer to recognise the tow bar is being used (through the 7 pin connector) to save confusing the bulb sensors etc and ensure correct flasher rates.
That would add a few quid to the bill !!
Anyone know for sure?

 

[Cole@MBS]

Its a loom from the rear sam to the hitch, dont take to long to fit/code in! Its plugs in to behind the sam and runs straight out to the rear bracket!

Price from dealers???

 

[carabind]

do you mean the indespension dealer? about £350 fully fitted. do you think they could/would code it it ? I'm trying to save an extra £100 bill from the local stealer to code it in

 

[Cole@MBS]

If they say they can do it then i guess they can! the factory fitted ones come with its own control module, I guess they retro fit something similar!

 

[television]

I have the 211 retro fit paper if you would like them

 

[carabind]

yes please malcolm

 

[television]

I have sent the wiring papers just the tow hitch itself to follow

 

[carabind]

cheers malcolm, you're a star

 

[television]

2 more sent

 

[nigelstgeorge]

Dear Malcolm - if I have the factory fitted detachable towbar with the electrical socket already under the rear bumper but never been used do I just plug straight in from my trailer or do I need to get either a special towing module or a short adaptor cable. Sorry for the question but this is my 3rd Mercedes starting with an E300 CD in 1999, then a W210 E320 CDi upto 114,000 miles and just got a 2005 E320 CDi. The previous two I had aftermarket towbars fitted and they were fine but having now retired and knowing how electrically sensitive the W211 merc is I want to make sure I don't do something stupid which ends costing me more than I would save. Thanks.

 

[television]

If the socket is on the car,you just plug what ever you like in.

 

[peejaydee]

I had a towbar and electrics fitted to a 2003 W211 by our local trailer centre who is also an indespension dealer. It's a fixed one and he wired all electrics. Nothing mentioned to me about recoding etc and no problems experienced yet.
I do enjoy out-dragging other cars away from roundabouts with the caravan on the back - drives them nuts.

 

[Tazio77]

I am a little confused, I have a 54 plate W211 320 cdi, and have been quoted a figure of £672 for a tow bar to be fitted. The costs include £ 162 for a 'car specific wiring kit', why is this necessary?, surely a bypass relay setup would be OK?.

 

[television]

I am a little confused, I have a 54 plate W211 320 cdi, and have been quoted a figure of £672 for a tow bar to be fitted. The costs include £ 162 for a 'car specific wiring kit', why is this necessary?, surely a bypass relay setup would be OK?.

The kit it to stop the indicators and lighting function not to function correctly