Max Blast

Has anyone had the dealer install a hitch on their GL320/350? I understand the $500 factory option is a great deal, but I'm looking at an otherwise perfect car that doesn't have the hitch installed from the factory.
How much would I be looking at to have it installed at a dealer?

reddog

On my 2007 GL450, in addition to the cost of the hitch itself, because I had the "Parktronic" option it was necessary to install a "SAM" control unit ($ 414 ). The labor was $780 + $414 = $1194.

Max Blast

I'm answering my own question here, but CA dealers say there is currently no hitch kit available for the GL350 until june/july. At that point it will be ~$1200 for the kit and $350 in labor. Yikes! The $350 includes the SAM recalibration and all install costs.

lkchris

This is the USUAL story in comparing factory fitting versus dealer retrofit, i.e. the latter is always a LOT more expensive. It's not just hitches, that is.

I'm mildly surprised regarding lack of availablity. On my 2007, there were not new body parts required, just some cutting and trimming. Perhaps that doesn't work so well with the new styling and Mercedes uses different body parts instead.

SPLe320

I had the factory hitch and SAM installed on my 2007 GL450. $1500 is about right. If you are going to keep the car and you need it, then it is worth it IMHO.

I have no idea on the availability, other then it seems strange. Perhaps call a dealer or two outside of your area and inquire.