larryssf

While there have been some disscusion threads on the bike rack offered as a Mercedes option, I do not recall any on potential alternatives. I personally do not like the standard mount on the top of the car for a number of reasons. The need to install the mounts each time and the lifting the bikes on to the top of the car seems like a lot of effort.

Currently I have a trunk mounted bike rack which I attach with a series of nylon belts and rubber mounts. This has left marks on the paint and I do not wish to use this type of system on my new E.

Question: Has anyone had a permanent tow bar installed on the frame below the bumper that permits a bike rack to be attached to the car? It would seem to me that this would be a good alternative.

Comments please from all your E owners that bike.

marksatex

Been curious about this myself. Never have seen a W211 with a rack so I am wonder about the looks when no bike. I have roof racks on my Suburban and love them. Bikes are out of the way, safe and not at all hard to lift or secure. But on a Suburban the racks have one look on a E50 I fel it will diminish the car. Thoughts? Anyone with a pic?

MB4Fun

Here is a link to a hitch which you can then buy a rack to fit. I am getting ready to order. Better solution for me than on the roof or rear deck. This is a bolt on hitch that you can do yourself in 15 minutes.

http://www.truckxpressions.com/truck...ies/curt01.htm

larryssf

MB4Fun:

Thanks for the link for the mountable hitch. As my car will not be delivered until March, I would very much appreciate your experience in ordering and installing this hitch on the E. Another post or a PM would be great.

Thanks :p

benzboy

Sell the bike!

MB SF

Hey there. I just picked up two Trek madones, one for me and one for my wife. A 5.2 and a 5.9 , Guess which one is mine .

Anyway, I bought the Thule rack from a Retailer for around $450 total. I don't use it that much but it has been awesome. I will snaps some pics the next time I put it on (it only takes a couple of minutes to install). I looks alright with the bikes on (the 5.2 has the Team Posty colors), but with the bikes off it looks like crap. You would not leave your rack on without the bikes though right?

Anyways, I have been riding local but if I head out to the GG Bridge and the Marin Headlands I will snap some pix. It actually looks kind of cool. Hey if your in to bikes and you see $9,000 worth of bikes, what is not to like?

Cheers

epasc

My SAAB 9-5 had a "factory" hitch kit which I had installed and it worked great with a Thule hitch mount rack. Would recomment the same for the 211 if Merc sells a hitch kit.

marksatex

I am lazy- I will Zaino the car but would be tempted to leave on the racks.... Any one have the roof mounts? Will the bike fit in the trunk? I sure hate tohear my spouse saying " I told you to get the ML"...... You know I will hear it......

MB SF

Good news, if you have the folding rear seats the road bike will fit in the trunk. I have an '03 and it was either easier or harder to get that option that year?? Maybe someone else can chime in on that one. Anyway either the Thule or the MB rack look light ***** with no bikes on them. I mean it looks bad.