European Tow Bar Trailer Hitch and Bike Carrier on a North American E400
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,669
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From: Montana/Alberta
C63 BS, GLA45
European Tow Bar Trailer Hitch and Bike Carrier on a North American E400
So after searching endlessly for a hitch mounted bike carrier solution for my 2018 E400 Wagon, it looks like there's nothing really available in North America without having to cut into metal, move the exhaust, or modify bumper to make a hitch fit. I'm not looking to tow anything, just install a bike rack, and tow bars just aren't common/available from what I can find.
With that being said, looking at Europe for options. The OEM setup is pretty slick:
http://www.mercedes-benz-accessories...cessories.html
The pre-requisite for using this bike rack is that it requires the OEM option code 550 tow hitch. Has anyone installed this on a North American car and made it work? I've found a few references to this in other threads, but can't seem to find anyone that's even tried to install this thing. There's a parts list PDF here: https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...on-towing.html
But it only includes the hardware under the car. No info on the button to activate it, or how it ties into the car's electrical system. The option is referred to as "Trailer coupling with ESP® trailer stabilization" so there's gotta be coding involved here as well.
Another note on the option, shown here on page 46: https://tools.mercedes-benz.co.uk/cu...***-saloon.pdf
The option states "Not in conjunction with folding bench seat in load compartment (code 844)". All Canadian E400 Wagons are fitted with 844 standard. Can't find any information on why that's the case.
Anyways, hoping someone has either tried this, or has any other suggestions on carrying bikes. My roof rack already carries the 450L box, and I don't want to use a hatch mounted bike rack as it scratches the crap out of the car. Don't want to blow $4000 on parts only for it to not work at all.
Thanks.
With that being said, looking at Europe for options. The OEM setup is pretty slick:
http://www.mercedes-benz-accessories...cessories.html
The pre-requisite for using this bike rack is that it requires the OEM option code 550 tow hitch. Has anyone installed this on a North American car and made it work? I've found a few references to this in other threads, but can't seem to find anyone that's even tried to install this thing. There's a parts list PDF here: https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...on-towing.html
But it only includes the hardware under the car. No info on the button to activate it, or how it ties into the car's electrical system. The option is referred to as "Trailer coupling with ESP® trailer stabilization" so there's gotta be coding involved here as well.
Another note on the option, shown here on page 46: https://tools.mercedes-benz.co.uk/cu...***-saloon.pdf
The option states "Not in conjunction with folding bench seat in load compartment (code 844)". All Canadian E400 Wagons are fitted with 844 standard. Can't find any information on why that's the case.
Anyways, hoping someone has either tried this, or has any other suggestions on carrying bikes. My roof rack already carries the 450L box, and I don't want to use a hatch mounted bike rack as it scratches the crap out of the car. Don't want to blow $4000 on parts only for it to not work at all.
Thanks.
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From: Phoenix AZ & Cayucos CA
’27 AMG SL55(ordered), ‘23 EQS 580 SUV, ‘19 AMG E53 Cpe, ‘48 Willys Jeepster
Don't know about the hitch install on a wagon, but from what I understand you can install most all hitches without too much trouble. The fun part is getting an OEM euro one in the states. The OEM hitch will be expensive to get here and the ball is the wrong size for USA use. Thule makes a euro hitch ball-mounted rack that fits but its also a bit interesting to source here. Stealthhitches offers a smaller 1-7/8" ball that may work but haven't confirmed that for a wagon.
I've looking into how to put a bike rack on our upcoming coupe. From what I've found I'm leaning towards a Thule sedan roof mounted rack. They say it wont fit but they said that about our Audi rack too that's been on for four years now. Only issue has been wind noise buggering BT call quality. Be aware that a hitch-mounted rack will drive your rear park sensors crazy.
I've looking into how to put a bike rack on our upcoming coupe. From what I've found I'm leaning towards a Thule sedan roof mounted rack. They say it wont fit but they said that about our Audi rack too that's been on for four years now. Only issue has been wind noise buggering BT call quality. Be aware that a hitch-mounted rack will drive your rear park sensors crazy.
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Joined: May 2018
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Just my $.02:
Many years ago I had an Acura MDX and the dealer installed hitch was more than $500. Went to my local UHaul shop and had their hitch installed for half the price. Very satisfactory - hauled trailers from Long Island to Philadelphia, Washington, DC and Hanover VT.
Just went to UHaul site and they do indeed have trailer hitches for E Class wagons and sedans. You might want to check into their hitches which they install - might save you a bundle of money:
see: https://www.uhaul.com/Trailer-Hitches/
Many years ago I had an Acura MDX and the dealer installed hitch was more than $500. Went to my local UHaul shop and had their hitch installed for half the price. Very satisfactory - hauled trailers from Long Island to Philadelphia, Washington, DC and Hanover VT.
Just went to UHaul site and they do indeed have trailer hitches for E Class wagons and sedans. You might want to check into their hitches which they install - might save you a bundle of money:
see: https://www.uhaul.com/Trailer-Hitches/
Last edited by JTK44; Dec 1, 2018 at 02:05 PM.
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Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 317
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From: Northern Germany and sometimes Southern Germany
Mercedes E220d AMG Line Estate (S213) and Mercedes E220d AMG Line Cabriolet (A238)
If you want a Euro hitch then try www.kupplung.de. they ship worldwide.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,669
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From: Montana/Alberta
C63 BS, GLA45
This became available on the MB Canada accessories catalog this year. Roughly $5k CAD for the hitch, bike rack, and install. The dealer installed everything on Monday and ran into a problem with Mercedes Canada. Turns out it was incorrectly listed as available and refused to code it even though they were allowed to order everything. So they’re taking it all out on Monday and returning the car back to me.
They have now removed it from the accessories catalog.
They have now removed it from the accessories catalog.
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Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 195
Likes: 53
From: US
2018 E400S
This became available on the MB Canada accessories catalog this year. Roughly $5k CAD for the hitch, bike rack, and install. The dealer installed everything on Monday and ran into a problem with Mercedes Canada. Turns out it was incorrectly listed as available and refused to code it even though they were allowed to order everything. So they’re taking it all out on Monday and returning the car back to me.
They have now removed it from the accessories catalog.
They have now removed it from the accessories catalog.
The E400S and E450s are perfect vehicles for this, but why oh why did somebody in marketing decide differently?
Last edited by wagonsrock; Jun 20, 2020 at 08:55 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,669
Likes: 63
From: Montana/Alberta
C63 BS, GLA45
My guess is that the hitch completely replaces the North American standard bumper bar, hence opening them up for liability in the event of an accident. My dealer tried absolutely everything to convince them to code it for the car but their hands are tied.
