OEM hitch retrofit?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 21
Likes: 2
'13 GL450, '02 E55
OEM hitch retrofit?
A1663100200
A1664407013
Has anyone tried to retrofit a oem hitch into our non tow x166? I see the Curt is $308
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...leid=201327574
and it requires another harness that's at least another $60 https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-...leid=201344214
not sure why there's also one harness for $172 (https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-...leid=201344354 )
But I was looking at the OEM ones on ebay, from various part outs (part# A1663100200)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-2017-M...6/323698056486
plus a genuine wiring harness (part# A 1664407013)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-BE...T/264088533035
Any input? anyone tried retrofitting genuine parts?
Last edited by dragosdor; Mar 1, 2019 at 11:45 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
If you are looking for "lowest hassle" - then the Curt will come with fasteners/bolts - and Curt has a online install instructions that are very clear. The "used" OE hitch will come with zero fasteners and no instructions.
On the wiring harness - the $172 Curt wire harness is a "no-splice" hookup (meaning you don't have to cut or splce any wires) which is the very newest things and also allows this harness to be easily moved to another vehicle - and the $60 harness is a splice/clip-in system - both have Module/relays as well. Both comes with instructions and phone tech support.
The MB harness comes with ZERO instruction and ZERO tech support..
You choose - if it was me I would do the Curt..
On the wiring harness - the $172 Curt wire harness is a "no-splice" hookup (meaning you don't have to cut or splce any wires) which is the very newest things and also allows this harness to be easily moved to another vehicle - and the $60 harness is a splice/clip-in system - both have Module/relays as well. Both comes with instructions and phone tech support.
The MB harness comes with ZERO instruction and ZERO tech support..
You choose - if it was me I would do the Curt..
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 21
Likes: 2
'13 GL450, '02 E55
Thank you for the quick reply! I realized I opened Pandora's box since there were so many other threads already on this forum...
I am only tempted to go for the OEM hitch because of the factory look and installation. I can figure out the hardware part... looks like it's a basic bolt on so that shouldn't be a tough job.
But I understand the difference between the 2 harnesses and I feel the non splice version is definitely worth the money.
Now I'm tempted to go for OEM hitch and Curt harness (which in fact is a Tekonsha kit- seems to be a very reputable brand for brake controllers and hitch supplies)
The OEM harness is not a plug and play, it's a nightmare that involves programming the car to know it has a hitch harness.
I am only tempted to go for the OEM hitch because of the factory look and installation. I can figure out the hardware part... looks like it's a basic bolt on so that shouldn't be a tough job.
But I understand the difference between the 2 harnesses and I feel the non splice version is definitely worth the money.
Now I'm tempted to go for OEM hitch and Curt harness (which in fact is a Tekonsha kit- seems to be a very reputable brand for brake controllers and hitch supplies)
The OEM harness is not a plug and play, it's a nightmare that involves programming the car to know it has a hitch harness.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 889
Likes: 148
From: Southern Illinois
, 2023 BMW X4, 1991 190E
Not sure if Stealth hitch makes one for your car, but they have a first class hitch that is totally invisible. I know they make them for BMWs and other cars. I put one on my Subaru Outback and if I needed one for my ML350, I would go with them.
