GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

Tow Package Install

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old May 14, 2008 | 08:37 PM
  #1  
shaston's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
GL
Tow Package Install

I am considering buying a used GL450 without the tow package, but would like to add the ability to tow. Does anyone know if the MB OEM hitch is a bolt on install. Would I also need a transmission cooler and power sterring cooler to get the full 7500 lb towing capacity or are these items already installed at the factory?

Thanks,
Shawn
Reply
Old May 14, 2008 | 08:43 PM
  #2  
BeanCounter's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 292
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas, NV
GL450 (Alabaster White/Black Interior)
I ordered the tow hitch option on mine. Other than the hitch and the 7 pin connector I don't think anything else is included when you get this option. I may be wrong but I am pretty sure that mine does not have any additional transmission cooling or other tow related features.
Reply
Old May 14, 2008 | 09:50 PM
  #3  
StevethePilot's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Originally Posted by shaston
I am considering buying a used GL450 without the tow package, but would like to add the ability to tow. Does anyone know if the MB OEM hitch is a bolt on install. Would I also need a transmission cooler and power sterring cooler to get the full 7500 lb towing capacity or are these items already installed at the factory?
If I understand correctly, there's a controller that's involved. Depending on your VIN, you either have or need the controller for the tow hitch. This is not a brake controller! I believe it has something to do with the stability control system.

I've been threatening to put the tow hitch on my 320 for some time now and based on what investigations I've done, it's a dealer-installed option for me all the way. I'm not that handy, I'll break something important! (Possibly on me!)

STP
Reply
Old May 15, 2008 | 11:42 AM
  #4  
lkchris's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 242
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
Originally Posted by shaston
Would I also need a transmission cooler and power sterring cooler to get the full 7500 lb towing capacity or are these items already installed at the factory?
This is "american truck" thinking, not applicable to Mercedes.

Mercedes comes with what you will need within specs listed in owners manual.
Reply
Old May 15, 2008 | 02:26 PM
  #5  
Danno4x4's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 405
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2007 GL320 CDI, 2001 TJ Rockcrawler, 2005 Scoobie STI
Originally Posted by lkchris
This is "american truck" thinking, not applicable to Mercedes.

Mercedes comes with what you will need within specs listed in owners manual.
Well not quite... Try telling that to someone that had to spend a couple of grand to have their tow package installed at the dealer because the SAM (Signal Acquisition/Activation Module) unit did not include the proper functionality to work with a trailer brake controller.
Reply
Old May 15, 2008 | 02:57 PM
  #6  
MomsBenz's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 635
Likes: 2
From: Cali
2011 GL450
My friend just had this done. He bolted on the hitch himself but had to have a control unit/module added and programed so the car would identify the trailer and also so the trailer lights would work.
Reply
Old May 17, 2008 | 02:13 PM
  #7  
shaston's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
GL
Thanks for the feedback and information. I have called 2 dealers in the Altanta area and both service depts. have told me that a trailer hitch cannot be retrofitted. I guess I will try some more dealers. I used to be a Mechanical Engineer so I would do the mechnical bolt on myself, but would need the dealer to do the SAM programming. I just want to be sure that once complete, I get the full 7500lb towing capacity
Reply
Old May 17, 2008 | 05:46 PM
  #8  
BeanCounter's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 292
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas, NV
GL450 (Alabaster White/Black Interior)
Originally Posted by shaston
Thanks for the feedback and information. I have called 2 dealers in the Altanta area and both service depts. have told me that a trailer hitch cannot be retrofitted. I guess I will try some more dealers. I used to be a Mechanical Engineer so I would do the mechnical bolt on myself, but would need the dealer to do the SAM programming. I just want to be sure that once complete, I get the full 7500lb towing capacity
That's surprising to hear. As far as I am aware the hitch can be installed after the fact by the dealer. I am pretty sure there are folks on this forum who have done it.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish

 
story-1

7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 17, 2008 | 06:48 PM
  #9  
scottybdiving's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
Originally Posted by BeanCounter
That's surprising to hear. As far as I am aware the hitch can be installed after the fact by the dealer. I am pretty sure there are folks on this forum who have done it.
Believe it or not, installing a trailer hitch is not rocket science. Yes, I know there are electrical wiring considerations as well. There are many great aftermarket installers that do this for a living, and live off of their reputations. I would not hesitate to take my GL to the same people that install accessories to my Silverado. In fact, they may be more knowledgeable than the dealership in these matters, since they specialize in it.
Reply
Old May 19, 2008 | 01:38 PM
  #10  
infamily's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 297
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
2014 GL 350 blue tec
Originally Posted by shaston
Thanks for the feedback and information. I have called 2 dealers in the Altanta area and both service depts. have told me that a trailer hitch cannot be retrofitted. I guess I will try some more dealers. I used to be a Mechanical Engineer so I would do the mechnical bolt on myself, but would need the dealer to do the SAM programming. I just want to be sure that once complete, I get the full 7500lb towing capacity
That is surprising, tow hitch is a dealer install option.. It is less expensive to get it as factory option, but is available as dealer option. I towed my trailer this weekend, GL's information display told me "left trailer light" was out..quick stop at auto store and few minutes later back on road..Much easier and better than finding out from a police officer
Reply
Old May 19, 2008 | 02:30 PM
  #11  
thebishman's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 1,009
From: Overland Park, KS
‘24 BMW iX M60
I was recently told when shopping for our GL that the Trailer tow package can be retro-fitted at the dealer but can cost approximately $2K to install. Not sure if this is correct as it seems very high, but was told it had to do with the 'chip' and software package that had to be installed also.

Bish
Reply
Old May 19, 2008 | 02:46 PM
  #12  
ivrier's Avatar
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Kennewick, WA
GL 450 and X5
My local MB dealer installed the hitch and electrical component for $1200 total. It took them a day and half because they had problems with the computer recognizing the electrical component. I hitched my trailer,connected the electrical cable to the GL and it ran as it was promised.
Reply
Old May 19, 2008 | 04:27 PM
  #13  
Comfy_Couch's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, OH
2008 GL 320 CDI
If you have the 19" wheel package with the skid plates and wanted the dealer to install a hitch, does it connect underneath the skid plate or through it?
Reply
Old May 19, 2008 | 05:28 PM
  #14  
lkchris's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 242
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
Originally Posted by thebishman
I was recently told when shopping for our GL that the Trailer tow package can be retro-fitted at the dealer but can cost approximately $2K to install. Not sure if this is correct as it seems very high, but was told it had to do with the 'chip' and software package that had to be installed also.
This is what I "paid" when I bought my GL off the lot.

It's typical for dealer retrofit of OE parts to cost up to four times what factory option costs. In the case of trailer hitch, the parts alone cost twice the option charge.
Reply
Old May 19, 2008 | 06:09 PM
  #15  
StevethePilot's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Originally Posted by Comfy_Couch
If you have the 19" wheel package with the skid plates and wanted the dealer to install a hitch, does it connect underneath the skid plate or through it?
The "skid" plate for the rear is different when a trailer hitch is to be installed. It's a different part number and shaped differently. If you've already got a non-hitch plate, you'll most probably have to remove or replace it.

STP
Reply
Old May 19, 2008 | 06:34 PM
  #16  
Comfy_Couch's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, OH
2008 GL 320 CDI
Originally Posted by StevethePilot
The "skid" plate for the rear is different when a trailer hitch is to be installed. It's a different part number and shaped differently. If you've already got a non-hitch plate, you'll most probably have to remove or replace it.

STP
That makes sense, thanks.
Reply
Old May 19, 2008 | 06:51 PM
  #17  
lkchris's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 242
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
Originally Posted by StevethePilot
The "skid" plate for the rear is different when a trailer hitch is to be installed. It's a different part number and shaped differently. If you've already got a non-hitch plate, you'll most probably have to remove or replace it.
Just to clarify, there are indeed two "chrome" skid plate part numbers.

For the gray plastic, hitch install instructions simply specify how to make a cutout in the plastic to clear.
Reply
Old May 19, 2008 | 07:53 PM
  #18  
StevethePilot's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Originally Posted by lkchris
Just to clarify, there are indeed two "chrome" skid plate part numbers.

For the gray plastic, hitch install instructions simply specify how to make a cutout in the plastic to clear.
Aha! Well, that's even clearer.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:54 PM.

story-0
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish

Slideshow: Six gift ideas your AMG loving dad or grad will cherish.

By | 2026-06-03 17:26:18


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built

Slideshow: Sometimes AMG builds fast sedans. Other times, it builds twin-turbo V12 land missiles and six-wheeled off-road monsters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 17:59:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-3
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-4
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-5
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-7
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE