add tow hitch for bike rack to 2015 ML 350?
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Joined: May 2021
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2007 e350
add tow hitch for bike rack to 2015 ML 350?
I've found a 2015 ML I'm interested in, however, I would need to add a receiver hitch. I will only be using it for bicycles. The dealer service dept is closed for the weekend so I can't find out how much it would cost and I don't want to miss out on getting this vehicle. Anyone know if its possible to add one of these to this vehicle and how much it would cost me ...
I did a search and could not find any being sold that were compatible with the vehicle year / make. Thanks!
I did a search and could not find any being sold that were compatible with the vehicle year / make. Thanks!
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 487
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From: DFW, TX
Ml350 bluetec
Using Google, I found this: https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2015_...nz_M-Class.htm
So at least 2 hitches there. Note that if you have the Active Curve Option, there is not Trailer Hitch that is compatible.
So at least 2 hitches there. Note that if you have the Active Curve Option, there is not Trailer Hitch that is compatible.
Last edited by Etienne Lau; May 22, 2021 at 09:10 PM. Reason: Adding
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 323
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From: Ottawa ON Canada
2015 ML350 Bluetec
Here's my Curt Hitch install! Note: my 2015 is a Canadian 6cyl diesel, not the American 4 cyl, although I doubt if there are any differences in chassis mods...
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...-bluetech.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...-bluetech.html
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
I've found a 2015 ML I'm interested in, however, I would need to add a receiver hitch. I will only be using it for bicycles. The dealer service dept is closed for the weekend so I can't find out how much it would cost and I don't want to miss out on getting this vehicle. Anyone know if its possible to add one of these to this vehicle and how much it would cost me ...
I did a search and could not find any being sold that were compatible with the vehicle year / make. Thanks!
I did a search and could not find any being sold that were compatible with the vehicle year / make. Thanks!
The reason is that it includes a rear SAM (Signal Acquisition Module - com puter) which integrates engine mapping, fault diagnosis, trailer light out in the instrument cluster, a tow mode, and many other electronic features.
In addition, and maybe most importantly, (and the reason for the high installation charge) is that a factory hitch includes internal chassis reinforcements to achieve the full 7,200 pound capacity, along with the ability to use a WDH (weight distributing hitch). Much of the rear of the car must be dismantled to install those internal reinforcements. When installed at the factory ($750 option) all those bits go on during production, so no R&R is required.
The takeaway - all the Bolt-On aftermarket hitches are not anchored well into the chassis, so towing a full sized load is questionable. The Curt hitches of the world are only safe for trays and bicycle racks.
Since you are only wanting to carry stuff on a rack, you'll be OK, but it's not advisable to use the hitch as you would a factory hitch.
Senior Member
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From: Ottawa ON Canada
2015 ML350 Bluetec
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Wow, that's quite a statement!!! I'm sure you'll be able to provide reliable proof of this? I would hazard to guess that at least 50% of the vehicles with trailer hitches on the road today are 'aftermarket'! And, if you do find some proof of your statement, I would suspect a questionable install.... might be the 1st reason for failure.
Here's a picture of the complete hitch kit. Notice the arms toward the front of the picture - these are inserted into the chassis as reinforcement. Your aftermarket hitch doesn't have the whole package to achieve the tow rating that Mercedes assigns to the complete factory kit.
I don't think I'd be comfortable using a typical U-Haul wiring tap - that went out with CAN-BUS.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 487
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From: DFW, TX
Ml350 bluetec
Just to answer your original question, a factory hitch is a lot more than an e-trailer bolt-on. In the box, it costs about $750, and it will cost around $2,500 with installation.
The takeaway - all the Bolt-On aftermarket hitches are not anchored well into the chassis, so towing a full sized load is questionable. The Curt hitches of the world are only safe for trays and bicycle racks.
Since you are only wanting to carry stuff on a rack, you'll be OK, but it's not advisable to use the hitch as you would a factory hitch.
The takeaway - all the Bolt-On aftermarket hitches are not anchored well into the chassis, so towing a full sized load is questionable. The Curt hitches of the world are only safe for trays and bicycle racks.
Since you are only wanting to carry stuff on a rack, you'll be OK, but it's not advisable to use the hitch as you would a factory hitch.
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 323
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From: Ottawa ON Canada
2015 ML350 Bluetec
'milkapen' I will agree that the MB hitch will be a much stronger arrangement.... for a much much bigger $$$ investment. What I called you out on was your statement
"The takeaway - all the Bolt-On aftermarket hitches are not anchored well into the chassis, so towing a full sized load is questionable The Curt hitches of the world are only safe for trays and bicycle racks. " that you didn't answer!!!
"The takeaway - all the Bolt-On aftermarket hitches are not anchored well into the chassis, so towing a full sized load is questionable The Curt hitches of the world are only safe for trays and bicycle racks. " that you didn't answer!!!
Last edited by Koenig1; May 25, 2021 at 01:35 PM.
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
'milkapen' I will agree that the MB hitch will be a much stronger arrangement.... for a much much bigger $$$ investment. What I called you out on was your statement
"The takeaway - all the Bolt-On aftermarket hitches are not anchored well into the chassis, so towing a full sized load is questionable The Curt hitches of the world are only safe for trays and bicycle racks. " that you didn't answer!!!
"The takeaway - all the Bolt-On aftermarket hitches are not anchored well into the chassis, so towing a full sized load is questionable The Curt hitches of the world are only safe for trays and bicycle racks. " that you didn't answer!!!
It's up to you to search for more if you care to.
Airforums is another good source for that info. Shouldn't be too hard for you to find.
Also Hitch Hints articles, that show deflection measurements of various hitches.
Or you can just ignore my comment if you don't want to do the work.
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
However @Koenig1 posted about his Curt hitch installation, which is alarming if he intends to pull a full-sized trailer.
So I clarified the opinion that it's a real trailer hitch - it's not, which is why I said "The Curt hitches of the world are only safe for trays and bicycle racks."
Just putting things in perspective.
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 323
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From: Ottawa ON Canada
2015 ML350 Bluetec
I showed you the parts and identified the anchors.
It's up to you to search for more if you care to.
Airforums is another good source for that info. Shouldn't be too hard for you to find.
Also Hitch Hints articles, that show deflection measurements of various hitches.
Or you can just ignore my comment if you don't want to do the work.
It's up to you to search for more if you care to.
Airforums is another good source for that info. Shouldn't be too hard for you to find.
Also Hitch Hints articles, that show deflection measurements of various hitches.
Or you can just ignore my comment if you don't want to do the work.
To the OP, sorry for all the BS posts tying up your thread.
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Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 487
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From: DFW, TX
Ml350 bluetec
No I didn't miss it. It was clear.
However @Koenig1 posted about his Curt hitch installation, which is alarming if he intends to pull a full-sized trailer.
So I clarified the opinion that it's a real trailer hitch - it's not, which is why I said "The Curt hitches of the world are only safe for trays and bicycle racks."
Just putting things in perspective.
However @Koenig1 posted about his Curt hitch installation, which is alarming if he intends to pull a full-sized trailer.
So I clarified the opinion that it's a real trailer hitch - it's not, which is why I said "The Curt hitches of the world are only safe for trays and bicycle racks."
Just putting things in perspective.
You BOTH are talking about pulling trailers and the OP is not interested in pulling trailers of any kind.
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
I am trying to keep the focus of this topic within what the OP is requesting and both you and @Koenig1 are sending this topic down the path of towing. The OP is only interested in getting a Hitch for Bike Rack!!!!
You BOTH are talking about pulling trailers and the OP is not interested in pulling trailers of any kind.
You BOTH are talking about pulling trailers and the OP is not interested in pulling trailers of any kind.
As long as the aftermarket hitch isn't used for towing, it will work just fine!
Thanks.
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Joined: May 2021
Posts: 7
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From: WV
ML350
Either hitch on etrailer will hold up a bike rack with ease…
I’ve been looking for the last week to find a suitable hitch. My problem with the two that etrailer have is the lower brace…it seems to hang way down, opposed to the factory with only the receiver peeping out…just aesthetics…I finally ordered a used factory hitch from eBay.
And the old school I haul hack and tap wire harness has been upgraded…Tekonsha has a nice setup that senses current from the wires, rather than splicing into the wires…$220 from etrailer. wont allow for a trailer brake, only a 4 pole setup…
I’ve been looking for the last week to find a suitable hitch. My problem with the two that etrailer have is the lower brace…it seems to hang way down, opposed to the factory with only the receiver peeping out…just aesthetics…I finally ordered a used factory hitch from eBay.
And the old school I haul hack and tap wire harness has been upgraded…Tekonsha has a nice setup that senses current from the wires, rather than splicing into the wires…$220 from etrailer. wont allow for a trailer brake, only a 4 pole setup…
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 4
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From: SGV
2014 c250 sport
Using Google, I found this: https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2015_...nz_M-Class.htm
So at least 2 hitches there. Note that if you have the Active Curve Option, there is not Trailer Hitch that is compatible.
So at least 2 hitches there. Note that if you have the Active Curve Option, there is not Trailer Hitch that is compatible.
How can I find out if my ML350 has the Active Curve Option?
Thank you in advance.
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From: In the Shadow of the Tetons
2013 ML350 Bluetec
Not sure what the reference is that was made in post #2 , but if it refers to Active Curve Headlights, it'll be noted as code 615, at least on my '13ML350.
Put your VIN in here:
www.lastvin.com
Put your VIN in here:
www.lastvin.com
Last edited by rapidoxidation; May 14, 2022 at 05:44 PM.
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ML400 - 128i - Atlas VR6
I may have an issue with my curt hitch.
I installed it on my ML but only the piece that mounts to the four bolts on the back bumper. The piece that connects the bottom of the hitch to the cross member behind the differential, it sits a half an inch into the cross member. So I didn’t connect it yet.
I attached my hitch carrier and sat on it and held my weight with no issue.
I need to snap a picture and send to etrailer and see what their advice is.
I installed it on my ML but only the piece that mounts to the four bolts on the back bumper. The piece that connects the bottom of the hitch to the cross member behind the differential, it sits a half an inch into the cross member. So I didn’t connect it yet.
I attached my hitch carrier and sat on it and held my weight with no issue.
I need to snap a picture and send to etrailer and see what their advice is.
