abee

Planning on getting a ML without a trailer hitch. Is it possible to buy it from the dealership and have them installed it ? On each W164 it already had the setup, so the owner could install a trailer hitch if they want too. But I don't know if the W166 are setup for installing hitches.

vtec96

don't even think about install that after you get the car! It will cost you 2~3K!!! everything is connected to COMMAND

katiesdad7

I "may" be possible but like vtec96 said it will cost an arm and a leg. I was told by my SA that if you even think you may tow to get the hitch from the factory.

abee

I want it to mount the bicycle carrier, I do not tow anything.

GregW / Oregon

Are you buying from stock, which is the reason for not going factory?

rayuelo

Although I've towed in the past, and I don't really see myself doing so again in the near future, I'd still try to get the factory hitch for the integration, as well as the auto-leveling (I can't vouch for this, although I've heard others mention this on this forum).

I also intend on getting a Thule hitch mount for my bikes. I know that getting an aftermarket will cost about the same or more, just to get the hitch excluding the connections and integration.

GregW / Oregon

Auto levelling is only with Airmatic.

jweezy

Where is this documented that it will cost so much to be installed? Why is it so expensive. Even if it is connected to COMMAND, I am sure the software is already there, it just needs to be physically connected.

I didn't get the trailer hitch because I wasn't sure if I would buy a truck (ML350 for my wife). We are thinking of not getting a F150 because we would like to have the ML350 and a small trailer would do fine (mulch, dirt, stones)...

Come on Mercedes, this can't be true.

rayuelo

GregW > You are right. I missed that part.

I found this on mbusa.com ...

TRAILER STABILITY ASSIST

"A trailer in tow can adversely affect the driving dynamics of a vehicle. That's why the M-Class is equipped standard with Trailer Stability Assist. The sensors for the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) monitor for trailer sway, or oscillations caused by the trailer's movement. The system then intervenes by using the front brakes of your Mercedes to help stabilize the vehicle and trailer. Once the system is satisfied that the situation is under control, braking intervention is ceased. (Disclaimer)"

If this is standard as the description indicates, I'm assuming the factory hitch with the Comand integration is needed to take advantage of it (or at least better advantage of it)? Anyone know?

300DTurbo

x2!


Get the Factory if possible!

1) you don't want some bozo mucking with the electrical and chassis of your new ML.

2) even if you never tow, the convenience of a solid hitch for bike racks is worth atleast $2K IMO. I couldn't imagine putting bikes on the roof or using a hatch sling system on that paint job.

Your bikes and your car will thank you.

GregW / Oregon

Search the W164 forum and you will see, to do it right, $2k is in the ballpark. I doubt the W166 is any easier. The hitch is the cheap part. You also need a new rear SAM module, need to remove and modify the rear valance, install a wiring harness, etc. If you're only going to use it for a bike rack, and aftermarket one may be fine. But even for a small utility trailer which requires lights, the factory installed one will be superior.

dougiebear

CRAWL underneath lol you will cry and gladly open ur wallet for factory hitch :o)

venchka

Down here in Bass Boat World it is almost impossible to find an ML without the factory hitch. I would keep looking for one with a hitch.

Wayne

dgiturbo

Also remember that the bolts that hold the bumper and also the tow bar on the W164's were a one time use only. I'm sure the W166's follow the same trend.
I had the same idea before I bought my 07, and after I researched what was involved, I happily ordered with a factory hitch.
It's only an extra $550, and at purchase time I'm sure you will negotiate a lot more than that off the MSRP.

bhames

Learn from my experience and get one with a hitch installed. I am currently in a dispute with my dealership over installing an after market hitch on my 2012 ML350. I leased a rep car that didn't have a hitch and negotiated the installation of hitch as part of the deal. Unfortunately, the dealership lied to me about the availability of an aftermarket hitch. As of this post, you can't even get an aftermarket hitch from Benz for the ML350 BlueTec. Further, none of the major after market hitch companies (Reese, Hidden Hitch, etc.) make one for the 2012 yet.

katiesdad7

Then need to replace mine and the dealer can't get one for a few months.

dougiebear

Anyone that has ever sold or traded a vehicle that is capable for towing fully knows you give money away in buckets if it does NOT have a hitch.
$550 becomes -1500 min if no hitch especially if there is no readily available aftermarket one

shortspark

Wayne is correct that here in East Texas "Bass Boat" world, it is hard to find a dealer's ML350 without a hitch, although that seems to be the case only with M-B as finding other brands such as the SRX for example, with a hitch is nearly impossible. I did not want a hitch because I no longer own a boat and have no intention of towing anything (at least I have not towed in the last ten years). I own a pick up truck as well and do not have a hitch on it either. I probably would have ordered it as an option only because it affords a lot of protection in a rear end collision.

As it turned out, they had to pull a car off the assembly line for me that was originally going to a Boston dealer so it did not have a hitch. Instead it came with something I absolutely do not need - heated steering wheel! But that aside, it had everything I wanted so I told them to trade invoices (I guess that is what they did) with the Boston dealer and have that particular ML rerouted to Texas. I'm glad I did because it is stunning!

As far as resale is concerned I'm not sure if it is an advantage to have a hitch. I guess it depends on the prospective buyer's needs. I know years ago when I bought used cars that I stayed away from any that had hitches because I did not know for sure how often and what was towed. Trailers, especially those towed up and down mountains or that are too heavy for the rated capacity of the vehicle, can hurt or at least stress many components of the automobile, especially the transmission. I always made it a point NOT to buy a used car with a hitch for that very reason.

bhames

I would be cautious of any dealer making delivery date estimates on hitches. I just got off the phone (i.e. heated discussion) with MB corporate (I opened a case with them about my vehicle) and they have no idea of when they are going to get hitches from the vendor and accordingly no idea when dealerships will get them or which dealerships get priority. Ridiculous.

katiesdad7

Well luckily I'm in no hurry. One of the "ears" is bent down and looks funny. So they need to replace it. I may just have them try to bend it straight instead of replacing the darn thing.

GregW / Oregon

That's what I'd do. You can even try throwing an 18" Crescent on it and applying a little leverage.

katiesdad7

I think I'll try that. Seems like the easy answer.