C36 AMG, C43 AMG (W202) 1995 - 2000

trailer hitch for my C43

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Apr 15, 2008 | 08:38 PM
  #1  
midasmike's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: scotts valley, ca.
'93 300CE
trailer hitch for my C43

i need to install a trailer hitch on my '98 c43.
i'll be pulling a lite weight motorcycle trailer. probably only one bike at a time but want the capability for two.
anyone have this installed? need ASAP. thanks in advance.
did a search and found nothing for a c43 specifically. there available for newer models but no c43.
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2008 | 11:42 PM
  #2  
FLYNAVY's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,248
Likes: 3
From: Fallon, NV
BMW and Mercedes
Originally Posted by midasmike
i need to install a trailer hitch on my '98 c43.
i'll be pulling a lite weight motorcycle trailer. probably only one bike at a time but want the capability for two.
anyone have this installed? need ASAP. thanks in advance.
did a search and found nothing for a c43 specifically. there available for newer models but no c43.
Perhaps one might wonder if there is a reason for this....
Reply
Old Apr 16, 2008 | 12:09 AM
  #3  
ohlord's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
Likes: 16
300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Try

jcwhitney they carry the same hitch that etrailer.com sells for a lot less money.They have them for our 210 wagons they may have one for your application or maybe someone knows if a regular c class one will fit.
Reply
Old Apr 16, 2008 | 12:23 AM
  #4  
midasmike's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: scotts valley, ca.
'93 300CE
the reason, as you probably guessed, is the need to transport my bikes. to the shop, to shows and meets, etc. i also found a bike to buy in socal and would like to trailer down rather then have it shipped.
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2008 | 11:05 AM
  #5  
Waynec1980's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
2001 ML55 AMG, 2011 VW Passat, 2001 S500L, 2002 S500L
I believe it stated in my manual that the C43 and the E55 was unsuitable for towing because of the sheer power the car has. Maybe its just not safe to do this. Set off too fast and you may do some damage. (my opinion)
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2008 | 06:41 PM
  #6  
MBHustla858's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 519
Likes: 0
check w/ the dealer, get a OEM hitch
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2008 | 09:27 AM
  #7  
FLYNAVY's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,248
Likes: 3
From: Fallon, NV
BMW and Mercedes
Originally Posted by Waynec1980
I believe it stated in my manual that the C43 and the E55 was unsuitable for towing because of the sheer power the car has. Maybe its just not safe to do this. Set off too fast and you may do some damage. (my opinion)
I dunno.....its not like MB makes weak frames. Plenty of pick ups out there putting a whole lot more tq to the ground than our C43's and they don't seem to have any problems.
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2008 | 11:12 AM
  #8  
wmhjr's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by FLYNAVY
I dunno.....its not like MB makes weak frames. Plenty of pick ups out there putting a whole lot more tq to the ground than our C43's and they don't seem to have any problems.
Ummm.... pickups have a full frame with reinforced crossmembers because they are designed to tow. That is one of the express purposes of the vehicle. If you were talking about a bicycle rack that would be one thing. I would not pull a motorcycle trailer w/bike in a C43. No way.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 18, 2008 | 11:53 AM
  #9  
FLYNAVY's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,248
Likes: 3
From: Fallon, NV
BMW and Mercedes
Originally Posted by wmhjr
Ummm.... pickups have a full frame with reinforced crossmembers because they are designed to tow. That is one of the express purposes of the vehicle. If you were talking about a bicycle rack that would be one thing. I would not pull a motorcycle trailer w/bike in a C43. No way.
If you throw your C43 on a lift you will see it too is re-enforced....not like a truck, but we're not talking about a Kia here. Anyways, my point was that the C43 isn't that powerful in the scheme of things, and although you are right that it wasn't designed to tow stuff, I think you could probably tow some weight if you really wanted to. The problem from an engineering standpoint would be shock loading, and unless you were driving around like a moron I don't see why this would occur to any serious degree. I agree, I wouldn't pull anything w/ my C43 but whatever floats your boat
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2008 | 12:22 PM
  #10  
wmhjr's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by FLYNAVY
If you throw your C43 on a lift you will see it too is re-enforced....not like a truck, but we're not talking about a Kia here. Anyways, my point was that the C43 isn't that powerful in the scheme of things, and although you are right that it wasn't designed to tow stuff, I think you could probably tow some weight if you really wanted to. The problem from an engineering standpoint would be shock loading, and unless you were driving around like a moron I don't see why this would occur to any serious degree. I agree, I wouldn't pull anything w/ my C43 but whatever floats your boat
Reinforcement to prevent flex on a vehicle explicitly marked as not being capable of towing is completely different than reinforcement for the express purpose of towing. The problem would be far more than just shock loading. It would also be torsional stability and to a reasonable extent would also be variable based on the geometry/weight of whatever is attached.

I don't disagree that you maybe "could", but do disagree that you'd need to drive around like a "moron" to cause damage. Torque is a funny thing.
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2008 | 01:16 PM
  #11  
DogWagen's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Cambs, UK
2000 C43 Wagon
C43 Tow Bars/Hitches

For what it's worth, I run a C43 Estate (wagon) as a daily driver and also need to tow a sailing dinghy. I have looked up the towbar options and there are some suppliers that quote for all C-Classes. The following links (UK Suppliers I'm afraid) indicate those that are carry EU approval and also indicate the manufacturer. I suspect that the reason that the AMG models tend to be 'excluded' by some suppliers is that the exhaust system and rear bumber may interfere with fitting; I don't believe that there is a major difference in the body shell where it matters so provided that you are prepared to develop a work-round then the tow bars/hitches should fit and be safe. Hope this helps, Mike.
http://www.towbarsdirect.co.uk/Mercedes.htm
http://www.towsure.com/product/15044...e_96-Spring_01
Instructions for Westphalia detachable towbar for W202 CClass http://www.westfalia-automotive.de/f...13/a313082.pdf - shows no restriction for C43 (excludes W208 430!)

Last edited by DogWagen; Apr 23, 2008 at 01:30 PM. Reason: Add in Westphalia URL
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2008 | 03:13 PM
  #12  
midasmike's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: scotts valley, ca.
'93 300CE
thanks for the links "dog wagen" will contact them for c43 application. couldn't wait for a hitch and borrowed a truck to make the trip to socal to p/u the bike.
might be i'll need a p/u truck for bikes. two at a time would weigh 650 to 700 lbs plus the trailer weight.
seems more research is needed to make the correct decision. thanks to all for the imput.
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2008 | 09:40 PM
  #13  
dc36's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
95 c36
i believe the reason you cannot install a hitch is because the rear bumper (skirt) is too low to the ground unless your willing to cut the bumper
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2008 | 12:21 AM
  #14  
midasmike's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: scotts valley, ca.
'93 300CE
yup. don't want to cut the rear lower bumper cover.
i've sent requests for applications to a c43 to all links supplied. have not heard back as of today.
will update with any results.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:38 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE