Question about towing option
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 42
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From: SoCal
'13 E550 Cabriolet
Question about towing option
I am looking at new ML's and a local dealer has one I like except for the fact it does not have the towing option. The salesman said they could have the service department add it. While bolting the drawbar and reprograming is not a big deal for a dealer, I was wondering about the wiring. How much of the wiring is different on the towing option? Is it just putting the plug on existing connectors or are there different harnesses and boxes involved with this? Although we have not talked numbers yet, I should be able to get a good deal, left over '13 in color and most options I want.
Resale does not really matter as we tend to keep cars/truck a long time (six + years).
Resale does not really matter as we tend to keep cars/truck a long time (six + years).
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From: Canada
07 E63 + 07 CLK63CAB
Check to see I it has a trans cooler that may be larger with the towing package. Also gearing may be different, depending of the towing capacity required. Hope the wiring is not cobbled in by the dealer.
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From: Mn
2006 ML 350 sold, 2014 Bluetec "Rudy"
If you are going to tow, get the factory hitch already installed from factory. The rear Sam is different and it will be $2500 if dealer does it correctly. Even resale could be affected. IMO, these should be standard on all of them.
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A gaggle of MB's
Phil is more correct - the factory hitch package is a bargain - when the GL is built with factory hitch ordered the hithc wiring harness goes in - which runs from the front intrumentation/main harness to the rear - then the updated/correct rear SAM for towing is installed - hitch is installed frame mounted and all-to-the-good for very affordable price.
Installing a full system - on a GL that doesn't have one - requires running wiring all the way to the front - and installing rear SAM - and yes. that can easily run up to $2000 (or more depnding on area).
If you just need a hitch to pull a donkey cart - no problem a hitch no electrics will do - if you need a hitch with electricla hooks ups - then about $900 with a good hitch contractor - but if you want full install, inclding anti-see-saw and the like, then full SAM required..
Installing a full system - on a GL that doesn't have one - requires running wiring all the way to the front - and installing rear SAM - and yes. that can easily run up to $2000 (or more depnding on area).
If you just need a hitch to pull a donkey cart - no problem a hitch no electrics will do - if you need a hitch with electricla hooks ups - then about $900 with a good hitch contractor - but if you want full install, inclding anti-see-saw and the like, then full SAM required..
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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Having never owned a vehicle with a trailer hitch, I am not familiar with the term "SAM." What does it mean?
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Joined: Oct 2013
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From: Mn
2006 ML 350 sold, 2014 Bluetec "Rudy"
SAM means signal acquisition module, simple terms it is the rear computer that runs the trailer lights and lets the tranny know that there is a trailer and he anti sway is activated and the tranny also goes in to a different mode, and also does other things that I do not know about!
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 42
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From: SoCal
'13 E550 Cabriolet
Thanks for all the input. I will pass on this one, maybe wind up special ordering if I can not find one on a lot. I did not know how much hardware was changed vs. how much could just be reprogramed and bolted on (receiver, plugging in a hitch plug to an existing loom).
