Wanted - electrics for W124 Estate Towbar

[Maxbumpo]

Greetings all, first post from a newbie here.

Last summer while on vacation in Italy I purchased a towbar (Ellesbi) for my '87 300TD, but failed to get the electrics to go with it. I don't think I'm going to be returning to Italy for a little while, but I need to hook up the electrical plug so that I can tow my boat.

My dilemma: I live in the USA, and MB USA does NOT sell towbars for my car (only for the MLs and other SUVs) so I cannot find a source for a proper electrical kit here. I would really like to get an original MB wiring harness but I'm afraid the price may be too high. I've been able to discover that the MB part number for the kit is 124 540 9910. If anyone can help me find a source that can ship overseas, I'd really appreciate it.

 

[Bolide]

Any competent auto electrician will be able to make one for a fraction of the cost of buying one. Also he (or she) will then be responsible for making it all work...

The only gotcha is the lamp failure warning module. And your sparks should know about those

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[Maxbumpo]

Nick,

Unfortunately that option won't work for me, as here in the USA such craftsman are few and far between and they would be far more expensive than a pre-made harness.

If I could get the proper connectors and the flasher relay and the 'trailer control module', I'm tempted to make the harness myself (I have obtained the MB installation instructions with wiring diagram).

Do you know what the price from the dealer would be for the electrical kit? Here in the US there are a few dealers that also sell parts on-line, and have a website where I can enter the MB part number and get a quote. Are there such dealer websites in the UK?

 

[BigJohn]

Hi maxbumpo

Have a look at this:- http://www.mercedes-benz-parts.co.uk/default.aspx

I have used them twice within the UK with success.

I tried a search with your part number and failed to find the kit so will need to contact them.

For the US try to purchase free of the UK 17.5% tax.

Happy shopping

 

[Maxbumpo]

BigJohn,

Thanks for the link, I will check them out.

Does anyone know the reputation of a gent on Ebay UK who goes by 'silverbill1936'? I've found his store and sent him a message, and I'm considering purchasing from him...

 

[television]

you can get all of the bits on their own, its so easy to splice into the harness on the rear of the car,no wires to cut.
The wiring is standard on the pins.

You can buy the splicing tool for £6.

malcolm

 

[Maxbumpo]

Unfortunately I cannot get all the bits here in the USA, because MBUSA refuses to sell them to me!! I can get connectors and such, but the key components (flasher relay and trailer controle module) are 'verboten'...

 

[Thegemmesabogie]

BigJohn,

Thanks for the link, I will check them out.

Does anyone know the reputation of a gent on Ebay UK who goes by 'silverbill1936'? I've found his store and sent him a message, and I'm considering purchasing from him...

silverbill is a genuine guy if not more than a little slow replying to mail. i've bought many things from him including a factory towbar wiring harness for a R107. I will try and phone him tomoro and explain your problem and see if he can help. Dont hold your breath though.
The other thing that struck me was...did your Italian towbar come with towball fitted? NB, European towballs are 50mm. Are not US ones 2"?

 

[Maxbumpo]

Hi maxbumpo

Have a look at this:- http://www.mercedes-benz-parts.co.uk/default.aspx

I have used them twice within the UK with success.

I tried a search with your part number and failed to find the kit so will need to contact them.

For the US try to purchase free of the UK 17.5% tax.

Happy shopping

BigJohn,

I exchanged a couple emails with them and they cannot help. They confirmed that I've got the right part number but can't get it and state that no MB dealer in the UK can get it. :-(

 

[Maxbumpo]

silverbill is a genuine guy if not more than a little slow replying to mail. i've bought many things from him including a factory towbar wiring harness for a R107. I will try and phone him tomoro and explain your problem and see if he can help. Dont hold your breath though.
The other thing that struck me was...did your Italian towbar come with towball fitted? NB, European towballs are 50mm. Are not US ones 2"?

Thanks for the info, and I truly appreciate any help.

Yes, the towbar has a detachable ball of 50mm, which is close enough to 2.5 inches so that it tows just fine. I used to have an '85 300TD with euro towbar fitted, also 50mm, and it worked great. Here in the US we have towballs in a multitude of sized, I think they go from 2 inches up to 3 in 1/4 increments? I've nevery really researched, I just know that one must be sure that the receiver on the trailer must match your ball, and if it doesn't you've got to change one or the other.

 

[BigJohn]

Hi again

If your part is available then Germany may be the only place to go.

From this site there has been lots about retro fitting of Command SatNav, one link suggested buying parts from German dealers direct.
MB Leipzig was mentioned (their is English is probably very good)
http://www.leipzig.mercedes-benz.de/content/germany/retailer-0/niederlassung_leipzig/de/home.html
onlineshop.le@mercedes-benz.de

Another one you could try is a "Speed Autoteile" German parts supplier who advertises in the UK MB magazines http://www.speed-autoteile.com/index.php?modul=chooselang&language=en
info@speed-autoteile.com

All the best

 

[Thegemmesabogie]

I've been trying 'silverbill' all day and no reply. These people in Germany have a good name for supplying odd bits. Drop them a mail.

http://www.dbdepot.de/englisch/index.html

I'm not convinced of your 50mm v 2" argument. Before metrication the UK standard was 2". When we went over to 50mm the ball did fit the cup but with some horrendous rattling noises. I never did trust it much.

 

[Maxbumpo]

Gents,

Thanks to both of you for your help. I've contacted/sent emails to all the above, we'll see what turns up!