Trailer light module thread
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Greenville, SC
2005 E320 CDI
Trailer light module thread
I've been reading and searching for definitive information about wiring my 2005 E320 CDI for trailer lights.
I've read some threads but haven't found (and may have skipped over) specific information about which wiring module/unit/converter that I need to purchase. I've seen mention of one that connects to a 12v source and one that does not.
I want to wire a basic "four flat" plug for a small trailer. Two questions remain.
1) What module do I need to buy?
2) I have not looked to see where to tap into the lights. Where is the easiest place to do that? I'm thinking about access to wires and space to work.
Thanks so much for any help or direction to a good thread on the topic.
Will
I've read some threads but haven't found (and may have skipped over) specific information about which wiring module/unit/converter that I need to purchase. I've seen mention of one that connects to a 12v source and one that does not.
I want to wire a basic "four flat" plug for a small trailer. Two questions remain.
1) What module do I need to buy?
2) I have not looked to see where to tap into the lights. Where is the easiest place to do that? I'm thinking about access to wires and space to work.
Thanks so much for any help or direction to a good thread on the topic.
Will
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Greenville, SC
2005 E320 CDI
That is on the list of next steps. I know there are people that tow things with these cars. The trailer light setup I'm trying to connect to is the standard light setup so I imagine I'm not the only one.
The Mercedes shop I go to is owned/operated by a German guy who said, "yeah, I see these cars towing stuff all over when I'm back home." He just hasn't wired one of these. He is researching with a friend who lives in Germany.
From what I read there is a device that gets wired into the car lights and the trailer plugs into that device. This device is likely to be a standard trailer light converter.
I'm hoping someone knows. I'll be making a trip by the dealer to see whose brain I can pick soon.
The Mercedes shop I go to is owned/operated by a German guy who said, "yeah, I see these cars towing stuff all over when I'm back home." He just hasn't wired one of these. He is researching with a friend who lives in Germany.
From what I read there is a device that gets wired into the car lights and the trailer plugs into that device. This device is likely to be a standard trailer light converter.
I'm hoping someone knows. I'll be making a trip by the dealer to see whose brain I can pick soon.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Greenville, SC
2005 E320 CDI
Trailer light wiring module
Does anyone have trailer lights wired on their car? If so I would love to know if the light wiring module is powered by a 12v source or just spliced into the car's lights.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
These threads may help
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https://mbworld.org/forums/search.php?searchid=5601638
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
The Mercedes shop I go to is owned/operated by a German guy who said, "yeah, I see these cars towing stuff all over when I'm back home." He just hasn't wired one of these. He is researching with a friend who lives in Germany.
From what I read there is a device that gets wired into the car lights and the trailer plugs into that device. This device is likely to be a standard trailer light converter.
I'm hoping someone knows. I'll be making a trip by the dealer to see whose brain I can pick soon.
From what I read there is a device that gets wired into the car lights and the trailer plugs into that device. This device is likely to be a standard trailer light converter.
I'm hoping someone knows. I'll be making a trip by the dealer to see whose brain I can pick soon.
There are retrofit instructions in WIS however, and you may be able to find them with a 24 hr/$18 subscription at http://www.startekinfo.com
Not so sure your dealer can get you the correct Mercedes harness (it will have Euro-style plug) but if not, http://www.speed-autoteile.com can.
European requirements will mean you'll get circuits for rear fog light, separate brake/turn signals, and even backup lights.
Last edited by lkchris; Aug 7, 2010 at 11:27 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: Toronto Ont Canada
GL350
Trailer light module
I've been reading and searching for definitive information about wiring my 2005 E320 CDI for trailer lights.
I've read some threads but haven't found (and may have skipped over) specific information about which wiring module/unit/converter that I need to purchase. I've seen mention of one that connects to a 12v source and one that does not.
I want to wire a basic "four flat" plug for a small trailer. Two questions remain.
1) What module do I need to buy?
2) I have not looked to see where to tap into the lights. Where is the easiest place to do that? I'm thinking about access to wires and space to work.
Thanks so much for any help or direction to a good thread on the topic.
Will
I've read some threads but haven't found (and may have skipped over) specific information about which wiring module/unit/converter that I need to purchase. I've seen mention of one that connects to a 12v source and one that does not.
I want to wire a basic "four flat" plug for a small trailer. Two questions remain.
1) What module do I need to buy?
2) I have not looked to see where to tap into the lights. Where is the easiest place to do that? I'm thinking about access to wires and space to work.
Thanks so much for any help or direction to a good thread on the topic.
Will
I called our local Hitch city.3 locations with 6 different part numbers.
They said the car's wiring has to be tested to see which module it needs.
Here is a list of the TowReady (Modulite) and Curt part numbers.
TowReady: 119190 ,119176
Curt:56130,56146,56200,56201
I have an 03 E500 and looking for someone who can confirm any of these modules being installed.
Thanks
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Greenville, SC
2005 E320 CDI
I never got part numbers. I'm still interested. Doesn't really help your current problem I know.
A guy I bought a roof rack from, who has the same car as I do, said that his hitch and lights were installed and they installed a module that supplied 12v to the lights. So rather than just tapping into the car lights the module supplements the power from car lights as it goes to the trailer.
Did anyone mention what was different between the modules?
The ones I've seen or that have been mentioned to me all seem to do the same thing. You tap into the car wiring. You supply power to the module from a 12v source. You wire the trailer light plug to the module. You plug the trailer lights in.
If there are multiple modules, I'm wondering do they have different power requirements?
Does one have more wires for a configuration of lights on the car? (as in one car could have a two stage bulb for two functions and one car could have two sockets for two functions)
I'd love to hear some thoughts.
This project got put on the back burner for me but needs to be completed.
A guy I bought a roof rack from, who has the same car as I do, said that his hitch and lights were installed and they installed a module that supplied 12v to the lights. So rather than just tapping into the car lights the module supplements the power from car lights as it goes to the trailer.
Did anyone mention what was different between the modules?
The ones I've seen or that have been mentioned to me all seem to do the same thing. You tap into the car wiring. You supply power to the module from a 12v source. You wire the trailer light plug to the module. You plug the trailer lights in.
If there are multiple modules, I'm wondering do they have different power requirements?
Does one have more wires for a configuration of lights on the car? (as in one car could have a two stage bulb for two functions and one car could have two sockets for two functions)
I'd love to hear some thoughts.
This project got put on the back burner for me but needs to be completed.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: Toronto Ont Canada
GL350
I never got part numbers. I'm still interested. Doesn't really help your current problem I know.
A guy I bought a roof rack from, who has the same car as I do, said that his hitch and lights were installed and they installed a module that supplied 12v to the lights. So rather than just tapping into the car lights the module supplements the power from car lights as it goes to the trailer.
Did anyone mention what was different between the modules?
The ones I've seen or that have been mentioned to me all seem to do the same thing. You tap into the car wiring. You supply power to the module from a 12v source. You wire the trailer light plug to the module. You plug the trailer lights in.
If there are multiple modules, I'm wondering do they have different power requirements?
Does one have more wires for a configuration of lights on the car? (as in one car could have a two stage bulb for two functions and one car could have two sockets for two functions)
I'd love to hear some thoughts.
This project got put on the back burner for me but needs to be completed.
A guy I bought a roof rack from, who has the same car as I do, said that his hitch and lights were installed and they installed a module that supplied 12v to the lights. So rather than just tapping into the car lights the module supplements the power from car lights as it goes to the trailer.
Did anyone mention what was different between the modules?
The ones I've seen or that have been mentioned to me all seem to do the same thing. You tap into the car wiring. You supply power to the module from a 12v source. You wire the trailer light plug to the module. You plug the trailer lights in.
If there are multiple modules, I'm wondering do they have different power requirements?
Does one have more wires for a configuration of lights on the car? (as in one car could have a two stage bulb for two functions and one car could have two sockets for two functions)
I'd love to hear some thoughts.
This project got put on the back burner for me but needs to be completed.
Its not a big deal to have some of these places install the whole thing but when the part is $30-79 and the labour is $100-150plus broken clips and wires hanging all over the place ,i would like to give it a try myself..
i think someone comfirmed Curt 56146 but his is a 05 CDI320..
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Greenville, SC
2005 E320 CDI
I looked back at threads I had participated in and realized I never closed the loop on this. Thought I'd add my experience in case someone is still searching.
I went to the U-haul center (not a dealer but the place that sells towing equipment etc). The guys called the Uhaul tech person. My options on the shelf were to get a converter or a powered converter. Both tap into the existing wiring and provide a 4 pin flat connection. My question was whether the powered unit could do damage to the MB system. The answer was that either would work and Uhaul has put them both on MB cars.
I installed the powered converter on my 05 E320 CDI without problem. I emptied my trunk to expose the batteries and battery terminals. I opened up the trunk trim so that I could find the tail light and turn signal wires. I tapped into the appropriate wires. I powered the unit. My trailer has lights, my car doesn't seem to notice that there is any issue with the lights, whether connected or disconnected from the trailer.
Basically, this is just like any other trailer light install.
Rather than run the trailer wire through the body to get it to the trailer, I store it in the trunk on the left side where the access to the wiring block is. When I tow (which is infrequently) I just run the wire out through the trunk opening and close the trunk lid on the wire. The wire is flat and the trunk doesn't crush or pinch the wire excessively.
I hope this helps, Will
I went to the U-haul center (not a dealer but the place that sells towing equipment etc). The guys called the Uhaul tech person. My options on the shelf were to get a converter or a powered converter. Both tap into the existing wiring and provide a 4 pin flat connection. My question was whether the powered unit could do damage to the MB system. The answer was that either would work and Uhaul has put them both on MB cars.
I installed the powered converter on my 05 E320 CDI without problem. I emptied my trunk to expose the batteries and battery terminals. I opened up the trunk trim so that I could find the tail light and turn signal wires. I tapped into the appropriate wires. I powered the unit. My trailer has lights, my car doesn't seem to notice that there is any issue with the lights, whether connected or disconnected from the trailer.
Basically, this is just like any other trailer light install.
Rather than run the trailer wire through the body to get it to the trailer, I store it in the trunk on the left side where the access to the wiring block is. When I tow (which is infrequently) I just run the wire out through the trunk opening and close the trunk lid on the wire. The wire is flat and the trunk doesn't crush or pinch the wire excessively.
I hope this helps, Will
