MB ML350 Bluetec Trailer Hitch
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2013 MB ML350 Bluetec
MB ML350 Bluetec Trailer Hitch
I purchased a 2013 ML 350 Bluetec from dealer inventory. While it had almost every option I could want, it did not have a trailer hitch. My needs now require that I it as an tow vehicle occasionally. When I went back to the dealer to price an MB hitch, they said that installation requires a replacement of the wiring harness for the dash to the back of the vehicle. Total cost approx $3000.
That seems like a step back in design and engineering. I was expecting that the trailer harness would simply plug in to the existing.
Am I off base? Does this really require a complete replacement of the wiring?
That seems like a step back in design and engineering. I was expecting that the trailer harness would simply plug in to the existing.
Am I off base? Does this really require a complete replacement of the wiring?
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 9
From: Central Ontario Canada
2025 AMG GLC43 Coupe, Past ‘12 ML350 & ‘17 GLE AMG43 Coupe, 2021 GLC 300 Coupe
There are some related threads on this forum that speak to this issue and that may give further in sight, but in short the dealer installed hitch for the w166 is an expensive addition. Hopefully you can make it work.
Last edited by AS705; Mar 2, 2013 at 06:04 PM. Reason: Spelling
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
The "complete" install requires a hitch, rear harness and wiring adapter, and a revised rear stability control unit. Some aftermarket installs by choice forgo the rear stability module.
Basic hitch and lighting/wiring setup should be around $1100, then the rear "SAM" module can be another $600.
Most dealers do not do the install - since the hitch is not MB but is sourced from aftermarket - but some dealers outsource to a local hitch installer who does the work and supplies the hotch/parts (dealer supplies the SAM) then I would guess that dealer seems to be upcharging/profit on the deal to $3K.
The BlueTech does take some wraggling since that AdBlue tank is back there - but still possible.
I would say start shopping around and find a true hitch/expert guy..
Basic hitch and lighting/wiring setup should be around $1100, then the rear "SAM" module can be another $600.
Most dealers do not do the install - since the hitch is not MB but is sourced from aftermarket - but some dealers outsource to a local hitch installer who does the work and supplies the hotch/parts (dealer supplies the SAM) then I would guess that dealer seems to be upcharging/profit on the deal to $3K.
The BlueTech does take some wraggling since that AdBlue tank is back there - but still possible.
I would say start shopping around and find a true hitch/expert guy..
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY & Fort Myers, FL area
14 ML 350 Blue Tec, 11 E 350 Coupe
I just purchased a 2014 ML 350 Blue Tec with the Trailer Hitch. However there was no Ball Coupling, bolt or cotter pin included. Should these items been included? Kit is not much good without the ball coupling!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 387
Likes: 2
2014 ML350 BlueTec
My Cayanne came with the tongue and ball but not the ML. It is not uncommon for this to not be included.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 35
From: Atlanta, GA USA
2000 MB G500 NMLE, 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Prestige
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 387
Likes: 2
2014 ML350 BlueTec
Also many never use their hitch, likely more than 50%.
Each of us have different expectations in our new purchase. When buying your tongue and ball do not forget the adapter required to for the flat type wire harness connector!
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
ML320
Beware U-Haul
In case you consider purchasing and installation from U-Haul (they advertise that have and can install a hitch on a 2012 M Class) please take note of my experience.
I went searching for a hitch for my 2012 M350 BlueTec class late last year after getting the OEM quote from my dealer. Using the U-Haul web site I found and ordered a Class 3 hitch and scheduled installation at my local U-Haul center.
Problem 1: After mounting the hitch the installer explained he couldn't wire it; no harness available for my rig.
Problem 2: Day after install, the AdBlue warning came on. I added DEF but the warning continued. Took to dealer. Hitch installer had lowered the rear of the DEF tank to install the hitch and, in the process, broke the connection from DEF tank to supply line. Crystallized DEF everywhere; $1400 repair.
Problem 3: Noticed a rattling noise from rear. Dealer found hitch installer had cut and removed a portion of the heat shield to install the hitch. Not enough shield left to properly attach it. Still rattles.
U-Haul has denied my claims so we're off to arbitration next.
Dealer related similar experience by one of their customers owning a GLK.
Ed
'12ML350 BT
I went searching for a hitch for my 2012 M350 BlueTec class late last year after getting the OEM quote from my dealer. Using the U-Haul web site I found and ordered a Class 3 hitch and scheduled installation at my local U-Haul center.
Problem 1: After mounting the hitch the installer explained he couldn't wire it; no harness available for my rig.
Problem 2: Day after install, the AdBlue warning came on. I added DEF but the warning continued. Took to dealer. Hitch installer had lowered the rear of the DEF tank to install the hitch and, in the process, broke the connection from DEF tank to supply line. Crystallized DEF everywhere; $1400 repair.
Problem 3: Noticed a rattling noise from rear. Dealer found hitch installer had cut and removed a portion of the heat shield to install the hitch. Not enough shield left to properly attach it. Still rattles.
U-Haul has denied my claims so we're off to arbitration next.
Dealer related similar experience by one of their customers owning a GLK.
Ed
'12ML350 BT
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 323
Likes: 31
From: Ottawa ON Canada
2015 ML350 Bluetec
Good luck in your case! I just recently installed a Curt hitch and wiring on my 2015 ML350. It wasn't the easiest, but pretty straightforward! Yes, you must 'trim' the heat shield, but I added 2 sheet metal screws to stabilize! Also, the instructions make note of temporarily removing the DEF support bar to fit in hitch, but caution to support DEF tank while base support is removed. Sounds like your installer was a bit of a lazy pig! The wiring is pretty straightforward, once you understand how MB's taillight plug works. I can share all of my work, wiring colours, part #'s, etc when I return from the cottage should anyone want. Also, once I finished, I relayed all my wiring info to Curt Manufacturing.... They were very happy with my info. One thing to note... Going aftermarket will not give you the stability control that the factory Hitch/SAM module will support! But... If you're stuck without a pre-purchased hitch, this is a good second! Total cost... $300.CAN
Junior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Wayne, Pa
2012 E-350 Luxury Black W122, 2015 ML 350
Curt Hitch
I recently had a Curt hitch installed for my bike rack. At some point I will need to add the wiring. When you have time please post your wiring information.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 323
Likes: 31
From: Ottawa ON Canada
2015 ML350 Bluetec
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2015 ML 350
Same issue with Uhaul installation.
In case you consider purchasing and installation from U-Haul (they advertise that have and can install a hitch on a 2012 M Class) please take note of my experience.
I went searching for a hitch for my 2012 M350 BlueTec class late last year after getting the OEM quote from my dealer. Using the U-Haul web site I found and ordered a Class 3 hitch and scheduled installation at my local U-Haul center.
Problem 1: After mounting the hitch the installer explained he couldn't wire it; no harness available for my rig.
Problem 2: Day after install, the AdBlue warning came on. I added DEF but the warning continued. Took to dealer. Hitch installer had lowered the rear of the DEF tank to install the hitch and, in the process, broke the connection from DEF tank to supply line. Crystallized DEF everywhere; $1400 repair.
Problem 3: Noticed a rattling noise from rear. Dealer found hitch installer had cut and removed a portion of the heat shield to install the hitch. Not enough shield left to properly attach it. Still rattles.
U-Haul has denied my claims so we're off to arbitration next.
Dealer related similar experience by one of their customers owning a GLK.
Ed
'12ML350 BT
I went searching for a hitch for my 2012 M350 BlueTec class late last year after getting the OEM quote from my dealer. Using the U-Haul web site I found and ordered a Class 3 hitch and scheduled installation at my local U-Haul center.
Problem 1: After mounting the hitch the installer explained he couldn't wire it; no harness available for my rig.
Problem 2: Day after install, the AdBlue warning came on. I added DEF but the warning continued. Took to dealer. Hitch installer had lowered the rear of the DEF tank to install the hitch and, in the process, broke the connection from DEF tank to supply line. Crystallized DEF everywhere; $1400 repair.
Problem 3: Noticed a rattling noise from rear. Dealer found hitch installer had cut and removed a portion of the heat shield to install the hitch. Not enough shield left to properly attach it. Still rattles.
U-Haul has denied my claims so we're off to arbitration next.
Dealer related similar experience by one of their customers owning a GLK.
Ed
'12ML350 BT
The uhaul installation has been a pain since day one. They didn't have the part on time, then when I did take it in they stated they ordered the wrong part. Then I find out they didn't connect the wiring cables correctly, didn't even hook it to a power source. Another uhaul location from which I rented a trailer from went out of their way to fix it in the 100 degree Texas heat for 3 hours! I got the hitch installed at the San Antonio San Pedro location and they've been no help all they've done thus far is refund the $65 wiring installation fee.
I need to find out what to do since uhaul has denied my claim. They can't go around altering and damaging people's vehicles and not have repercussions. Help please?
