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We pickup our new-to-us 250 on saturday. It's got no hitch. I've trawled this forum and benzworld looking for an answer.
The GLK is replacing my old and busted v70 volvo, it was my work horse. We regularly towed my racecar, trailers, and general **** about with it (sometimes well above the tow rating ). Because of this the Curt and other 2nd-line hitches are out (also dont like the way the transfer load in impact to the chassis).
I really like the OEM hitchs (both NA spec and euro), but hate that i'll have to cut the bumper for the NA model, and the low tongue weight (both NA and Euro). I've more or less decided on the Execuhitch model, i like it's beefiness and it's similar in style and install to the Euro spec factory unit.
My concern is that it and the Westfalia(euro hitch and others) replace the entire bumper reinforcement, but don't replace the corner impact protection that the OEM hitch's provide. Am i being overly worried? Should i just fabricate up a replacement that welds/bolts to the new hitch to replicate better the OEM rebar?
Also, factory wiring, or use the wiring form the kits? If i use the kits wiring can i still have the ecu reflashed for the trailer stability programming?
PICS (thanks to the people i stole these from!)
OEM - no hitch
OEM -euro
Execuhitch
Westfalia
TL; DR
OEM hitch design perfect - highend aftermarket good, but does't cover corners from impact like oem rebar. Opinions on what to do, or if it matters at all.
With the OEM hitch, incidentally the basic rr reinforcement weighs approx. 13 lbs. & the OEM with hitch reinforcement weighs in at 48 lbs., there are two additional braces or reinforcements which can be seen in this link. Parts # 150 & #160. http://www.mbpartsworld.com/showAsse...roduct=8051602
Cost of the OEM hitch is a pita but imo it is the best design.
No, you're not overly worried. Based on your comments it sounds like you should not cut corners - especially if you test the limits of your hitch. You haven't lived until you're fifty miles outside of Frank's Place Utah or other such site a long way from competent help and your hitch is starting to lose integrity.
Another poster talked about pulling 5000 pounds on this Class II (USA) spec hitch that is rated for 3500 pounds. I would never recommend this because of the stress on the GLK and the insurance companies that will drop you if something happens, but it sounds like you will be testing the limits of the setup. In this situation anything but the OEM would be sheer lunacy. I have the OEM hitch and the bumper isn't cut at all. Are you sure of the bumper cut?
I am wanting to install the OEM EURO hitch to my 05 E320. I have all of the part numbers for the euro hitch and equipment. Do I just go in to MB and ask for all of the numbers? Seems like a good way to lose tons of money.
Does anyone sell these other than on foreign ebay?
Also, has anyone successfully installed the euro hitch on their car? (The flip style with lever) What does it require? I assume there is some splicing or modification to get the harness to work? Different style connectors etc?
I have seen quite a few OEM used hitches on ebay...part number 2043101637. I have considered getting this hitch (for US 2013 GLK 250 Bluetech), mostly to tow small trailers and for a my hitch bike rack. I know this hitch will work for what I need, but when I look at my bumper, it appears I will have to cut the chrome molding at the bottom of the bumper to make room for the drop down.
Can anyone confirm this or is there enough clearance to fit without cutting the bumper? I have looked at pics online and can't tell...below are pics for reference. I don't want to buy an aftermarket hitch as it doesn't look as clean, just want to be aware of any surprises.
stock photo...exactly how my bumper looks
hitch model number 2043101637 looking to buy on ebay
I found two great videos on you tube...one for the bumper and one for wiring:
It looks like your GLK has the optional AMG trim pkg. with the lower chrome plate on the bumper. On my 2010, when the bumper cover was removed, the inside had a pattern where the cover had to be cut which made it easy. As I recall, on yours there is a different chrome trim for the bumper in vehicles with the AMG pkg. & OEM hitch. If you buy the used beam, do not consider it without the two additional supports which brace the hitch/beam. I mentioned them earlier. Price new is up to $200.00 each! I am still looking for a used set to no avail. Evidently the yards pull the beam but are not aware or care about the two additional reinforcements. http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-W20...lWcePZ&vxp=mtr
Thanks for the quick reply...yes I do have AMG trim pkg. I assume I could cut it myself for clearance. I have see one hitch being sold on ebay with the support beams, the model number is 204310837...any idea why a different model number? Below is a pic and I assume attached are the support beams.
No, I do not know what the differences are on the two part numbers except the price. http://www.mbpartsworld.com/showAsse...roduct=8051602
Price is way higher on the 837. My 2 cents is that both will work. Beam sans hitch to the best of my knowledge did not change from 2010-2015. EBay listings reflect that.
As an FYI...I finally confirmed with MB that both part numbers (204 310 0837 & 204 310 1637) are the same part. I guess MB likes to update part numbers and my guess is the 1637 version was updated in 2013. Both would fit on all years of the x204.
I did purchase the above used OEM hitch and installed over the weekend. Had a hard time getting to two of the nuts on the exhaust hanger, other than that went pretty smooth. Looks good and very non-discreet....heavy and sturdy too!
The hitch I purchased came with the MB wiring harness which appears to just plug in, but I can't for the life of me find where. Have looked at tons of threads and no definitive answer. Any direction on where it is hiding...or is that something else that need to be installed?
Hi, I installed the OEM hitch and wiring in my 'new' 2014 GLK250 this past weekend. It took about 6 hours total, working very carefully.
The OEM manufacturer seems to be Westfalia. You can go to their website and download the instructions for the install of both the hitch and the wiring module. They only seem to have the European versions so you need to interpret a bit to get it in. However, the differences are pretty minor. The exception being the wiring module. You could contact me if you need some more detail.
Thanks for the response...I installed the hitch about 2 weeks ago, took me about the same amount of time. The inside upper nuts on the exhaust hanger were a pain to get off!
I am stuck with wiring. The wiring harness I have is the plug and play type (brown colored). I took all of the interior parts in the trunk space and couldn't find anywhere to just plug it in. If you have insight on where it "plugs" in or how...or if I have to tap wires, I would greatly appreciate it! I can send pics if needed.
There is an interface module and secondary harness in addition to the wiring that comes directly from the wiring jack on the hitch. The hitch wiring goes to the module which installs in the pocket in front of the right taillight. The secondary harness then goes from the module to the SAM unit. All of this installs very nicely and looks factory once in, because it is.
From the photos in this thread, I don't see the module or secondary harness. Without these, I suppose you could use a Curt lighting adapter as detailed in other threads.
@Manitou001, not all require the module. I was working with a dealership in Atlanta, over the phone, & gave them the VIN #. For my GLK, the module was not needed. Just plug & play on the harness. Dealer might have to integrate the system with their OBD scanner afterward.
@PVBDLM, if you are out there, unable to return e-mail to you via this forum as it is blocked.
Can I just call that dealership? Which one? I tried my local place and they didn't seem sure. They said I might need one or two $600 modules. (Everything is $600 at this place in Austin. That's what the charged for each nox sensor a couple weeks ago..$2200w/ labor to replace 2 emission sensors. Thank god for extended warranties)
That part attached to the car to plug in to is what I am missing. I have the male plug for wire that runs to the hitch, but there is no female plug it in to. I have searched the entire rear of the car and nothing. If anyone has a picture or specific details that would be a huge help!
@Manitou001, not all require the module. I was working with a dealership in Atlanta, over the phone, & gave them the VIN #. For my GLK, the module was not needed. Just plug & play on the harness. Dealer might have to integrate the system with their OBD scanner afterward.
@PVBDLM, if you are out there, unable to return e-mail to you via this forum as it is blocked.
Yes, I'm here. Thanks for the message...I was wondering if I said something wrong
Anyway, I am ready to pull the trigger on a used OEM setup from EBAY. My 2015 GLK has "ESP Electronic Stability Program w/Trailer Stabilization". Does that mean I can just plug in the hitch harness into the car harness and it will work? Does it mean there is even a car harness present? Curious what you ultimately find out on the OBD config, etc., is it required or does it seem to work without a dealer vi$it?
Also, after many hours of searching online I cannot confirm that the most ebay-prevalent part number (A2043101637) will actually work on a 2015. I'm 99% confident...but...
Ok, so I never heard back from anyone here as to whether the A2043101637 hitch would work on a 2015, so I ended up taking a risk and buying one from EBAY and trying it out.
I can confirm that the A2043101637 will fit on a 2015.
I did have to cut the (plastic) chrome trim panel on the bottom of the bumper skin - used a dremel grinder.
I followed SLMSKRS youtube video - invaluable. I, too, had to remove the (2) nuts holding the bracket directly below both taillights ((4) total) and could not remove the bumper skin from these brackets even after removed from vehicle. So huge thanks to SLMSKRS for pointing that out.
(I'm new at these forums but will attempt to attach some pics)
Before - original bumper
After - with hitch
After - all put back together
But the story is not quite finished. I cannot figure out where to plug the OEM wiring harness into the vehicle. As stated previously, my Window Sticker shows that I have the "ESP Electronic Stability Program w/Trailer Stabilization" option, so I am assuming (hoping) that the vehicle is prewired and ready to accept the hitch wiring harness. I have searched all over the rear passenger area and cannot locate any plug receptacles to plug the hitch wiring harness into.
(some pics)
The OEM hitch wiring harness:
I found this DC Inverter:
and this auxillary battery relay:
but nothing to plug the hitch into. PLEASE, PLEASE help me!!!!! ...I just want to tow something....legally....with lights.
Thanks for the quick response Mr. Wabbit.
Unfortunately this video covers the aftermarket wiring harness that splices into the taillight wires.
I really want to use the OEM harness. Have you sorted yours out yet?
I apologise- thought that this video showed where the plug in components are located.
From what I recall, the harness plugs into the main harness above or forward of the passenger side wheel well. Have not advanced on mine, still searching for the two reinforcements. Plus been working on my Jeep Cherokee XJ which is a lot more enjoyable!
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). Because of this the Curt and other 2nd-line hitches are out (also dont like the way the transfer load in impact to the chassis).
