I want to attach a small trailer to my 2011 E350 Cabriolet. The waverunner comes with a small trailer with a combined weight of about 1,000 lbs. I see trailer hitches are sold that can be bolted to the car. Can I attach a hitch and ball to the rear of my E350 or will I damage the vehicle. I do not expect to drive up any severe hills or slopes, just locally to the beach and back to my house. Will this damage the drive-train, transmission or gears on the vehicle? Does this void my warranty? Thanks

Not sure on the weight rating of the vehicle after the hitch is installed, but if your just towing local, your drivetrain should be fine. Plus, on waverunner trailers there is no tongue weight,(their meant to be moved around by hand with the ski on) so your car shouldn't sag to much. Definitely post some pics of the settup with the ski in tow...

I would just make sure it's the right hitch for the car otherwise it could be a problem. I wouldn't be concerned with towing 1,000 lbs. In other parts of the world, especially Africa i've noticed everyone trailers with their modern Es and 5s... BMW has nice removable hitches where you don't notice it when detached. Perhaps see if you can order something euro spec if the dealership here doesnt have hitch? I know even for the ML the dealers here in the states seem to have problems stocking them.

Check with the dealer for a transmission cooler. Even a thousand pounds will make it work harder and hotter. You need to keep the trans cool. They not too expensive and will save your drivetrain.

Maximum tow rating 3500 lbs

Even if you can attach a bolt on trailer hitch to your car, is that enough? Don't you have to have a plug to connect the trailer's brake lights?

I can't imagine a convertible being fitted with that sort of plug.

I really am curious as fitting a trailer hitch to one of my cars would make an upcoming move way easier, but I don't think the car has any brake light connection.