E class wagon trailer hitch
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 2
2006 E320 CDI
E class wagon trailer hitch
I am considering a new E class wagon.
I’ve gone to the dealership and they gave me a copy of their order guide and they assured me I can order it exactly the way I want, if I am willing to wait 6 to 9 months.
The problem is I can’t get a trailer hitch installed from the factory. I’ve checked online and no one offers a hitch for this car. Here is the response I got from stealth hitches in the USA.
Thank you for your interest in Stealth Hitches. Mercedes did a refresh for 2021 E-450 wagon. We had the 2021-22 E-450 All terrain wagon in and discovered that Mercedes has a new rear wheel well trim piece that must come off to access the attachment points for our hitch and they are now using a onetime use trim piece which is very difficult to get off and cost $380.00 each. There is one on each side, so two new pieces would be required. While the old hitch does fit, we do not plan to offer it for the 2021-22 model years due to the difficulty in removing the two trim pieces and the high cost to replace them. The Mercedes website only shows 2022 models and we have not seen the 2023 so we do not know if it has changed.
I could roll my own trailer hitch as I have a machine shop and welding capability, but it may be a bridge just a little too far. I know they sell these cars in Europe with hitches, just not in the US. Very frustrated. Any thoughts?
I’ve gone to the dealership and they gave me a copy of their order guide and they assured me I can order it exactly the way I want, if I am willing to wait 6 to 9 months.
The problem is I can’t get a trailer hitch installed from the factory. I’ve checked online and no one offers a hitch for this car. Here is the response I got from stealth hitches in the USA.
Thank you for your interest in Stealth Hitches. Mercedes did a refresh for 2021 E-450 wagon. We had the 2021-22 E-450 All terrain wagon in and discovered that Mercedes has a new rear wheel well trim piece that must come off to access the attachment points for our hitch and they are now using a onetime use trim piece which is very difficult to get off and cost $380.00 each. There is one on each side, so two new pieces would be required. While the old hitch does fit, we do not plan to offer it for the 2021-22 model years due to the difficulty in removing the two trim pieces and the high cost to replace them. The Mercedes website only shows 2022 models and we have not seen the 2023 so we do not know if it has changed.
I could roll my own trailer hitch as I have a machine shop and welding capability, but it may be a bridge just a little too far. I know they sell these cars in Europe with hitches, just not in the US. Very frustrated. Any thoughts?
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 317
Likes: 102
From: Northern Germany and sometimes Southern Germany
Mercedes E220d AMG Line Estate (S213) and Mercedes E220d AMG Line Cabriolet (A238)
Two things - if there is no hitch then it probably means that the vehicle is not Type Approved for towing (therefore not possible). Also if you do fit an aftermarket hitch and want to "tow" something (not just use as a cycle rack) then you will need to upgrade the cooling fan as MB only fit a 450W motor as standard, cars with towbars from the factory come with 600W motors. You will also need to have the towbar coded to the car so it know one is fitted. That way it will activate the trailer settings for the DSC and also adapt the parameters of the air suspension and drive pilot.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 558
Likes: 152
From: New York City
2021 e All Terrain, 2001 e55
In Europe not only do they offer a trailer hitch for the E class wagon but the trailer hitches is retractable. I've seen it in one of those videos that the guy Stephen makes about cars. I forget how to spell the youtube name for him ... I think it is Autogafule or something like that.
There was a company in the Netherlands that sold parts for Mercedes I forget the name of it I'm so sorry but that company might be able to go for you.
I forget the exact weight requirement but it sticks in my mind that the most that the car is rated tow is 1500 pounds but don't take my word for it.
It seems I can to remember anything but at least I point you in the right direction.
There was a company in the Netherlands that sold parts for Mercedes I forget the name of it I'm so sorry but that company might be able to go for you.
I forget the exact weight requirement but it sticks in my mind that the most that the car is rated tow is 1500 pounds but don't take my word for it.
It seems I can to remember anything but at least I point you in the right direction.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 71
Likes: 34
From: Vail, Colorado 8,235ft Elevation
1994 E-Class 320 Coupe, 1998 911 Carrera S (993)
WWAYMAN - A Big ole Danke Schoen !
Quote..."We had the 2021-22 E-450 All-Terrain wagon in and discovered that Mercedes has a new rear wheel well trim piece that must come off to access the attachment points for our hitch and they are now using a one-time use trim piece which is very difficult to get off and cost $380.00 each. There is one on each side, so two new pieces would be required." .. End quote.
Well, Ain't that a ***** ... (a female dog is a *****)
Here in the Colorado mountains, the MB wagon is somewhat popular. I'd enquire with an owner when observing their 2020 MB E400 wagon with a hitch. . Several local E400 wagons turned out to have purchased the Stealth Hitch brand installed by Rack Attack, Denver, Colorado
www.rackattack.com .. I'd be curious if Rack Attack Denver is hip to MB's All-Terrain rear fascia changes....?? .. A timely TSB regarding the rear fascia removal would be helpful. .. I was going to purchase the Stealth Hitch with a DIY installation in mind. .... F..king MB USA! .. Factory-installed trailer hitches are offered on the MB USA line of SUV models.
Quote..."We had the 2021-22 E-450 All-Terrain wagon in and discovered that Mercedes has a new rear wheel well trim piece that must come off to access the attachment points for our hitch and they are now using a one-time use trim piece which is very difficult to get off and cost $380.00 each. There is one on each side, so two new pieces would be required." .. End quote.
Well, Ain't that a ***** ... (a female dog is a *****)
Here in the Colorado mountains, the MB wagon is somewhat popular. I'd enquire with an owner when observing their 2020 MB E400 wagon with a hitch. . Several local E400 wagons turned out to have purchased the Stealth Hitch brand installed by Rack Attack, Denver, Colorado
www.rackattack.com .. I'd be curious if Rack Attack Denver is hip to MB's All-Terrain rear fascia changes....?? .. A timely TSB regarding the rear fascia removal would be helpful. .. I was going to purchase the Stealth Hitch with a DIY installation in mind. .... F..king MB USA! .. Factory-installed trailer hitches are offered on the MB USA line of SUV models.
Last edited by M. Schneider; Apr 10, 2023 at 05:47 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 9
Likes: 13
E450 Wagon
European E450 hitch
It is my understanding that the Euro factory hitch (retractable masterpiece) is not available in US because US requires very expensive testing to certify it. 🙁
That sucks big time as that hitch would be really sweet!
That sucks big time as that hitch would be really sweet!
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 317
Likes: 102
From: Northern Germany and sometimes Southern Germany
Mercedes E220d AMG Line Estate (S213) and Mercedes E220d AMG Line Cabriolet (A238)
In Europe not only do they offer a trailer hitch for the E class wagon but the trailer hitches is retractable. I've seen it in one of those videos that the guy Stephen makes about cars. I forget how to spell the youtube name for him ... I think it is Autogafule or something like that.
There was a company in the Netherlands that sold parts for Mercedes I forget the name of it I'm so sorry but that company might be able to go for you.
I forget the exact weight requirement but it sticks in my mind that the most that the car is rated tow is 1500 pounds but don't take my word for it.
It seems I can to remember anything but at least I point you in the right direction.
There was a company in the Netherlands that sold parts for Mercedes I forget the name of it I'm so sorry but that company might be able to go for you.
I forget the exact weight requirement but it sticks in my mind that the most that the car is rated tow is 1500 pounds but don't take my word for it.
It seems I can to remember anything but at least I point you in the right direction.
Not quite - in the EU the car is rated at 750kg unbraked weight (max permitted) and at 2100kg for braked trailer with a max noseweight ("tongue weight") of 84kg and any maker of towbars can make for the car but it must use all of the factory mounting points (no more, no less).
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Newbie
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 7
mercedes e450 all terrain
I dealt with Steath Hitches earlier this year. They offered free install on my 2022 E450 All terrain because the never did an All-Terrain install. Someone else beat me to the free offering which is not the point. Turns our the plastic wheel trim is single use only. If you want a hitch you have to plan on buying replacement plastic flares. Stealth is a top notch company. ue with them.. Just wish MB used parts that can be re-used. Still looking for a hitch solution
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 71
Likes: 34
From: Vail, Colorado 8,235ft Elevation
1994 E-Class 320 Coupe, 1998 911 Carrera S (993)
All-Terrain - Use Once Fender Spats - Removal for a Trailer hitch Installation
The 2020 MB E400 w/Stealth Hitch I'd check out by crawling under the wagon and as its owner curiously asked " Can I help you?" had 2 significant features. One was a 2" receiver attachment and (2) a hook with a 2" ball end attachment which are easily Plug N Play'd into the actual hitch. .. Nice execution Stealth Hitch!
The tow hitch E450 A/Terrain query problem was solved as the A/T model's "one install" fender spats issue came to the surface... Time to noodle this hitch installation dilemma. Let's remember, this "one install" fender spat applies to all E-Class A/T Kombi.... There are a whole lotta trailer hitches in Europe .... Common place actually.
The tow hitch E450 A/Terrain query problem was solved as the A/T model's "one install" fender spats issue came to the surface... Time to noodle this hitch installation dilemma. Let's remember, this "one install" fender spat applies to all E-Class A/T Kombi.... There are a whole lotta trailer hitches in Europe .... Common place actually.
Last edited by M. Schneider; Apr 16, 2023 at 10:12 PM.
